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Dedicated Graphics Card vs. Integrated Graphics: Which is Better? 2024

The graphic processing unit (GPU) is essential for today's gaming and other graphical projects. The...

Dedicated Graphics Card vs. Integrated Graphics: Which is Better? 2024

The graphic processing unit (GPU) is essential for today’s gaming and other graphical projects. The graphics cards come in two types: integrated and dedicated. Both types come with different functionalities. Both of these categories of GPU are almost as old as modern PCs, but in the last few years, this argument has changed. Integrated graphics cards have made a bad impression in the past due to their low power. But it is the happiest news that the advanced technology upgrade has helped to reduce the gap between these two options.

There is no doubt that dedicated GPUs are more powerful than integrated graphics cards, but that doesn’t mean that the dedicated graphics card is the only choice for you. If you want to build a new PC or laptop and are confused about the choice between these two types of GPU, don’t worry; in this article, we will discuss what “dedicated graphics cards.” What are “integrated GPUs”? And the Difference between these two types? Which is the best choice for your new PC? This guide will be beneficial to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Dedicated GPUs are separate cards that have their own memory and power supply, while integrated GPUs are built into the CPU and share the system memory and power.
  • Dedicated GPUs offer better performance, features and compatibility than integrated GPUs, but they also cost more, consume more power and generate more heat.
  • Integrated GPUs are suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, video streaming and office work, but they struggle with demanding applications such as gaming, video editing and 3D rendering.
  • Some laptops and desktops have both dedicated and integrated GPUs, which can switch automatically or manually depending on the workload and power source.
  • The choice between dedicated and integrated GPUs depends on the user’s needs, preferences and budget.

Integrated Graphics Card:

The central processor unit is responsible for all your computer work through the calculations necessary for your computer work. Like the CPU, the graphics processing unit works, but it is only used to process graphical data and instructions. Integrated graphics cards are those whose graphics card and central processing unit are placed on the same chip in the computer. For example, if you buy a system that has an integrated graphics card on it, that means this system can operate the CPU processes and GPU processes.

Dedicated Graphics Card:

The dedicated graphics card is totally different from the integrated graphics card because it comes separately from the central processing unit and is used to process graphics-related data and instructions separately from the CPU. Dedicated graphics cards are also known as discrete graphics cards. This type of GPU has its own memory in the form of VRAM, which gives the GPU fast access to the data or relevant images. If we compare, the integrated circuits do not have their own memory, so they use the system memory for fast processing of data.

Difference between an Integrated and Dedicated Graphics Cards?

Let’s talk about the difference between integrated and dedicated GPUs. There is too much difference between them. The bad thing about an integrated graphics card is that the CPU and GPU are both placed on one chip, which makes any two processors slow. But the latest system, which comes with an integrated graphics card, has better features because it does not reduce the performance of the CPU.

When we come to the dedicated graphics card, it has its own memory and cooling system and does not reduce the power of the GPU and CPU. It frees the CPU from responsibilities by transferring this duty to the graphics memory compared to integrated GPUs, which use the CPU’s main memory to process data. The power of the dedicated graphics depends on the graphics processing unit. It will give you more GPU power, and moreover, it will reduce the load on the CPU. These two functionalities give you better performance from your computer.

But while the dedicated graphics card helps a computer perform better, that doesn’t exactly mean the only dedicated graphics card is the best; the integrated graphics card is also very good and is becoming a powerhouse for basic computing. Integrated cards can provide more power than the consumer uses. Hence, in the next heading, we will discuss which is best: dedicated cards or integrated cards.

Pros of Dedicated Graphics Card:

Whether or not you should get a dedicated graphics card depends on your budget and what you want out of your computer. Below, we have discussed what a dedicated graphics card is good for, keeping in mind these two factors.

Serious Gamers:

If you are a serious gamer and want to run your games at very high frame rates and settings, you should either build a new PC and add a dedicated graphics card to your part list or buy a new system that already has a dedicated graphics card. because a dedicated graphics card is best for high-resolution games. If you have a reasonable budget and want to build a PC for 1000p gaming, it will cost between $400 and $500 with a dedicated card installed. which gives good performance with an integrated graphics card.

If you want to do graphic-related work on your computer, like graphics design, animation, video editing, etc., it does not matter if you are professional or do this for fun; you will need a system with a dedicated graphics card because this type of work is complicated and integrated cards are not able to do this type of tasks.

Pros of Integrated Graphics Card:

In those days, the integrated graphics card was becoming more powerful, but only for certain consumers. Here we discuss where integrated graphics make sense.

Those who looking for the basics computing 

If you want to do basic tasks on your computer, such as browsing the Internet, sending emails, or watching videos, then a system with an integrated graphics card is best for you. If you only want to use your computer for these kinds of basic tasks, it’s a waste of money if you’re thinking of buying a system with a dedicated graphics card.

Those who have a very tight budget and want to play games

If you are a game lover and have a very tight budget for the new build of your computer system, and you cannot afford the new system with an expensive dedicated graphics card, don’t worry; you will use an integrated graphics card in your system. The power of an integrated card allows you to easily play entry-level games. The cost of a new build-up system with an integrated graphics card is around $300 to $400. This system is decisive for entry-level games like Dota 2, Rocket League, etc.

Conclusion:

Let’s summarise the whole article. The graphics cards come in two types: integrated and dedicated. Both types come with different functionalities. Integrated graphics cards are those whose graphics card and central processing unit are placed on the same chip in the computer. The dedicated cards come separately from the central processing unit and are used to process graphics-related data and instructions separately from the CPU. These two types are totally different from each other. The dedicated graphics card gives more power to the GPU than the integrated graphics card.

The usage of dedicated and integrated graphics cards depends on your budget and what you want to do with your computer. You need a system with a dedicated graphics card if you want to use your PC for heavy games and professional work like graphic design, animation, and video editing. And if you want to use your computer for the basics of computing, like browsing the Internet, sending email, or watching videos, the integrated graphic card is best for you; it is also used for entry-level games.

Abdullah Sarfraz

Motherboards & Graphics Cards Writer