I already have looked into that and the recommendation it really just anything that isn't integrated graphics. Most of the programs are not GPU intensive, but they will benefit from a bit of GPU power. Also having a small GPU will give me the possibility to game (Rocket League, CSGO, Minecraft) in a pinch. I have my more than powerful desktop at home if school requires me to run a really intense program by any chance. This laptop is more just to get by while I am at school.