Integrated vs. dedicated graphics card: what’s the difference?

When purchasing or assembling a computer or laptop, the question may arise: what is the difference between a machine with an integrated or dedicated graphics card?

This question is important because As well as making a difference in the cost of the equipment, it can also affect how you use it.especially if you are going to use it for professional purposes. Check out the main differences between the two below.

What is a video card?

A video card, also called a GPU, is a hardware component used to create the images that appear on your laptop or computer screen.

That one Processes the received data and transmits it to the monitoras well as being responsible for the overall graphics performance of the machine.

Therefore, a more powerful graphics card is highly recommended for people who perform tasks that require high graphical performance, such as heavy gaming or computing. software It can be called integrated or dedicated depending on how it is positioned within the equipment.

What is an integrated graphics card?

Practically every computer, even the simplest models, has a video card to process images. Integrated graphics cards are cards that are already included in the equipment when purchased. Therefore, they are usually cheaper.

They are typically better suited for less complex tasks that require less processing power from the card.

These tasks include:

• surf the internet;
• use text editors;
• watch videos, movies and series flow.

What are the advantages of integrated graphics?

The main advantages include costs, including energy savings. These cards will almost always cost less because they are not as powerful and will offer low power consumption and heat emission.

For this reason, Most recommended if you want to do more “recreational” use. With less demand than if you use the computer to play the latest graphics-heavy games, for example.

If you’re looking for a machine designed solely for web browsing, it’s probably not worth the extra expense of a video card.

What is a dedicated graphics card?

On the other hand, The dedicated graphics card will be able to deliver more powerful performance when processing tasks.

There are several types of cards that can be used in this way, offering superior graphical quality but focusing on some specific details:

• creation;
• higher resolution;
• ray tracing.

Dedicated GPUs usually have their own memory, meaning they are independent of the computer’s RAM. This means they will never compromise the performance of the computer as a whole.

They represent a higher energy consumption since they are connected to the computer’s motherboard. For this reason, these special cards usually have their own cooling system so that the heat does not affect their performance.

What are the advantages of a dedicated graphics card?

Dedicated graphics card TIts biggest advantage is the quality it offers in terms of graphics. It is capable of producing clear, vibrant, and realistic images, which means better results in gaming, video editing, and video editing. design generally.

While it may mean a larger expense, if you use your equipment for a purpose, it can be a good cost-benefit option. games if you are thinking of using it to work with the latest generation or software Heavy images like those used for editing. It pays for itself in the end of the calculation!

So which should you choose: integrated or dedicated GPU?

When choosing an integrated or dedicated graphics card, it’s ideal to start with the basic question: What do you plan to use your computer for? If you primarily want to use it for simpler functions (such as studying, browsing, or just watching videos), an integrated GPU will be more than sufficient without requiring any extra expense.

On the other hand, if your interest is to use it for more modern games or to run heavier programs that require a lot of graphics, then the dedicated GPU is definitely more recommended.

Another factor to consider is the expense you plan to incur on your new computer. A dedicated graphics card will certainly cost more. If you need this level of performance for work purposes, there’s not much you can do: The ideal thing is to invest in a dedicated GPU.

Additionally, if you have the extra money to invest, you can also opt for this GPU to have much better graphics quality, which will provide a more immersive experience in your favorite games, for example.

In short, in order to make this decision safely, it is recommended that you evaluate your user profile and see whether it is worth the investment.

Stay tuned to TecMundo to access the most complete content on the world of technology. Take the opportunity to read about the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit processors. Until next time!