Graphics card – dedicated or integrated?
The video card is one of the most important components of a computer. Whether we are talking about a laptop or a PC, its role is to render images and visual effects on the monitor or projector. The frequent question remains: dedicated or integrated video card?
Integrated video card: a practical and economical solution
The integrated graphics card is built into the processor and uses part of the system’s RAM. It is sufficient for common tasks, such as browsing the Internet, watching movies, or using office programs. Some of the advantages of an integrated graphics card include:
- low system cost;
- low energy consumption;
- low risk of overheating.
The major drawback is limited performance. If you’re a gamer or work in 3D graphics applications, an integrated card won’t cope.
Dedicated graphics card: performance, gaming and multimedia
A dedicated (or discrete) graphics card has its own memory and operates independently of your computer’s RAM. This is the ideal option for gaming, photo and video editing, and 4K or 8K playback. Benefits include:
- superior graphics performance;
- support for complex games and professional applications;
- the ability to connect multiple monitors.
However, there are also a few downsides: higher power consumption, the risk of overheating, and a considerably higher price compared to a configuration with an integrated board.
How do you choose between integrated and dedicated video card?
The choice depends strictly on how you use your computer:
- for basic activities (office, browsing, movies) an integrated graphics processor is sufficient;
- For gaming, video editing, or advanced graphics, a dedicated graphics processor is the right choice.
So, there is no universal answer to this dilemma. It all depends on the needs and budget of each user. If you want an affordable and energy-efficient computer , go for the integrated version. If you are looking for maximum performance and visual experiences at the highest level, invest in a dedicated video card.
