Devoted and integrated graphics chips are the two most common graphics processors, which are responsible for sending images to your screen.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and there are a few elements to consider prior to purchasing.
Let’s plunge into it!
Table of ContentsShow
Dedicated Graphics Cards
Not to be confused with external graphics cards, this is a distinct piece of hardware that can interface with your motherboard and, by extension, the rest of your PC. They are most commonly installed directly on the motherboard via the PCIe slot.
When you hear people mentioning a GPU or graphics card, this is what they’re referring to. Dedicated GPUs have their own specialized memory, also known as VRAM or video random access memory, and a chip, both engineered specifically to be used for the card’s functions.
Integrated Graphics Cards
There are also integrated graphics cards or iGPUs. As the name suggests, these graphics chips are embedded within the system, either directly on the motherboard or on the same die as the CPU, as is the case with AMD’s APU or Intel’s HD Graphics.
These chips need to rely on system RAM. As such, they can conflict with the CPU, which shares the same memory. Due to their simplicity and cost-effective nature, most motherboards come with an integrated GPU.
Benefits Of A Dedicated Graphics Card
In the world of technology, if something is specialized (or, in this case, dedicated), it is usually a better option than something that forms part of a multi-purpose system.
This strongly applies to discrete GPUs. They can almost be considered a micro system within the PC due to their components being dedicated solely to rendering the most splendid possible image quality.
As they are made specifically to execute a lot of computations of very specific data, dedicated GPUs have the power to produce exceptional visual results. A dedicated graphics card is essential if you want to enjoy stunning visuals during your gaming time.
An integrated graphics card simply doesn’t stand a chance next to a dedicated one in terms of visual performance. Integrated GPUs do have their uses, and we will look at them soon, but, for now, it’s vital to stress how much a dedicated GPU can improve your performance.
Dedicated VRAM
A dedicated graphics card with, for example, 4GB of VRAM uses all of that capacity and potential for its needs. In contrast, an integrated GPU with a system memory of 4GB will need to share that memory and will only be allowed to use a small percentage of the available RAM. This could be as little as 1% by default, though that can be adjusted via BIOS/UEFI.
Upgradeability
Another positive aspect of dGPUs is that they are easily interchangeable. This is as simple as physically removing the card and inserting the upgrade. However, this accessibility comes at a hefty price.
A high-end GPU will often cost as much as the rest of your PC components combined. A dedicated GPU might be beyond your means if you’re on a strict budget.
Laptop dGPUs
There’s a widespread misconception surrounding laptops and their inability to provide their owners with excellent gaming performance. This is untrue and has been so for at least a decade. Nowadays, you can also use GPUs in your laptop, so if you’re on the move or want to work and game on the identical device, you certainly can.
With that said, and this probably isn’t a surprise, desktop gaming is still unrivaled. GPUs designed for desktop PCs are considerably more potent on average than laptop GPUs. There is an amusing way to circumvent this via an external GPU, but that isn’t the topic of this article.
An important thing to note about the dedicated laptop GPUs is that they rarely, if ever, come in notebook versions. They are mostly available in the 15.6″ and above mobile computers.
Why Use An Integrated GPU If Dedicated Are Superior?
Integrated GPUs wouldn’t exist if they didn’t have at least some applications. So, what are their primary uses?
This isn’t necessarily a matter of how they perform tasks in comparison to a dGPU, as a dedicated GPU can exceed an integrated one in virtually every aspect.
Their advantages are related to other factors, particularly their cost.
Pricing
Integrated cards are far less costly, and, as mentioned earlier, they often come with a motherboard, thanks to their reduced expense and simplicity.
To say that integrated GPUs are inexpensive might be painting them in a negative light and doing them a tremendous disservice. What AMD and Intel have accomplished in recent years with iGPUs is remarkable and should be considered when making an ‘integrated vs. dedicated GPU’ choice.
For example, AMD’s RX Vega 11, which usually comes with Ryzen APU processors, is a modest powerhouse for portable gaming. Although it is billed as an integrated GPU, it can perform at the level of many dedicated GPUs while remaining a significantly more cost-effective option.
Energy Efficient
In addition to the price point, energy efficiency is something else that integrated graphics cards have going for them. Modern, high-end dedicated GPUs will often use as much as half of your computer’s total power, making it far less likely that you will be able to upgrade them without upgrading your PSU.
Another upside that builds on the previous point is that iGPUs generate far less heat. Dedicated graphics cards will come with their own fan (or fans), but in order to see the most remarkable visuals possible, that might not be sufficient.
These heat-generating dedicated GPUs will need to have adequate air circulation taken into consideration when building the PC and may need an extra fan on the case.
As far as laptop GPUs are concerned, they are very likely to heat your lap when gaming, whether you use a separate or integrated GPU. If you intend to regularly game on your laptop, it would be best to grab a cooling pad. Even then, you will want to have your laptop on a desk, table, or any other surface that isn’t your lap.
If you aren’t looking to play games and simply plan on using your computer for job-related tasks (provided this doesn’t include GPU-intensive things like 3D modeling) or to browse the web, watch Netflix, etc., an embedded graphics card is probably the right choice for you.
Which One Is Right For You?
There are benefits and drawbacks to choosing either type of GPU. Although it’s your decision, there is guidance that we feel we should impart. The first thing that you should consider before even looking at a new graphics card is your specific needs.
If you’re looking to do intense gaming, then getting a dedicated GPU is a no-brainer. If gaming is not a priority when using your PC, an integrated graphics card is a superior option due to the massive price difference.
If you’re looking to play less visually demanding games, such as many in the simulation or 4X genres, it might be a better option to get a PC or a laptop with an integrated GPU.
