Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics Card: What’s The Difference?

In this post, we’ll be learning about integrated and dedicated graphics cards, as well as the differences between them. We will be comparing integrated and dedicated graphics cards based on features such as:

• Performance
• Price
• Size
• Power consumption
• Versatility

Moreover, this post will help you determine which of these two types of graphics cards makes more sense based on your computing needs and interests, so make sure to keep reading till the end.

Integrated Graphics –

Integrated graphics refers to the graphics processing unit (GPU) built into the same chip as your computer’s processor. This GPU shares your system’s RAM rather than using its own memory. The appeal of using integrated graphics is displaying graphics without having to purchase an expensive dedicated video card that drains your system’s power and takes up space. This allows users to utilize their PCs for low-intensity tasks such as web surfing, watching videos, and casual gaming.

Of course, newer CPUs will include more powerful integrated graphics cards to help your PC run more intensive software. However, they still don’t compare with dedicated graphics. This means playing the latest AAA games is impossible for the most part, and you’ll be limited to playing low spec games such as Minecraft, Among Us, and Stardew Valley. On the bright side, integrated graphics do not require any extra cooling and are more than enough to suit the average user’s needs. Some of the newest ultrabooks and laptops tend to include only integrated graphics to keep the devices super thin and light.

Dedicated Graphics –

A dedicated graphics card is a separate component that includes a GPU and supplies its own RAM. They offer a great performance boost over integrated graphics, making them an ideal solution for those looking to delve into 4K gaming and intensive video editing. You can also find a GPU at every price point, thanks to the wide variety of dedicated graphics cards on the market. Some of the latest dedicated graphics cards even include real-time raytracing, which creates a more realistic depiction of lighting and shadows. 

It comes as no surprise that including such components in your desktops or even laptops means having to shell out several hundred dollars to get better performance. Those on a budget can still pick up mid-range graphics cards such as the RX 570 or the GTX 1650 Super, then upgrade later on if they choose to.

With the higher performance comes higher power consumption, meaning an efficient cooling system is essential for your dedicated graphics card to avoid overheating. Despite the card having its own fan, you must also ensure that your case’s airflow is decent enough and consider adding an extra fan if you plan on overclocking. One feature PCs have the ability to automatically switch between integrated and dedicated graphics based on your open applications’ intensity to maximize power efficiency. Meaning the integrated graphics will be used for simple tasks, and your PC will switch over to the dedicated video card as soon as it detects heavy load from a game or software.

What Type of Graphics Card Should you Choose?

There is no concrete answer to this question; however, you should have a slight idea of what type of graphics is right for you by now. If you’re looking for an ultra-thin productivity laptop with extended battery life, an integrated graphics card is ideally what you should be looking for. The argument can also be made that opting not to have a dedicated graphics card could prove beneficial if your workload focuses on web browsing, Netflix, and typing out documents. Even for those interested in gaming and are on a tight budget, an integrated graphics card will provide decent performance if you select lower graphical resolutions and play older games.

On the other hand, users who are more heavily invested in gaming and 3D work will find that a dedicated card is an absolute must on both desktops and laptops. The same goes for video editing, rendering, and animations. Arguably the most important feature of dedicated graphics cards is that you can choose between a wide variety of cards based on your budget and computing needs. Thus, getting introduced to the world of high-performance video cards is now somewhat more accessible to non-hardcore PC enthusiasts who aren’t willing to shell out a thousand dollars for a GPU.

Personally, I have to go with a dedicated graphics card that suits my AAA gaming and Photoshop needs, thanks to the huge boost in graphical processing power and performance. The small price to get an entry-level dedicated card nowadays makes it an easy choice for anyone who values sheer graphical capabilities over power consumption, even if you don’t plan on gaming anytime soon. Integrated graphics are still improving significantly and will satisfy users who exclusively use ultrabooks and easily portable laptops. But if you can afford to get a dedicated card, I highly recommend doing so as the advantages of having such a component outweigh the minor inconveniences that accompany it.

FAQ:

What are the different brands of dedicated graphics cards?

The two main manufacturers of GPUs are NVidia and AMD. However, they often partner with other companies such as MSI and ASUS, putting everything together as a complete graphics card.

Can I change my dedicated graphics card to a more powerful option?

Yes, users with desktops can easily swap out their dedicated graphics cards if they choose to replace their older card with a new one.

Conclusion –

We have learned about both integrated and dedicated graphics cards and went over the features that come along with each type. Furthermore, we discussed which of the two is optimal for certain tasks and applications based on their workload. With the dedicated card’s power, you can enter the world of gaming at high resolutions and heavy video editing. Whereas the integrated graphics card provides a simple and lightweight solution for low-intensity applications without the need to purchase an extra GPU. So if you were considering which option to pick before reading this post, now you should have a better idea of what the ideal choice is for you.