When it comes time to set up your new PC will you be faced with the question of whether to buy a separate GPU or buy a processor with integrated graphics? How to choose the best solution for you.
The integrated versus dedicated graphics cards (GPU) debate is almost as old as modern computers, but the argument has certainly changed over the years.
In the past, integrated GPUs have had a bad reputation for being underpowered. But advances in technology have helped close the gap between the two options.
Another issue that enters the table is the acquisition cost, as a dedicated GPU starts from 100-150 euros and can reach over a thousand. Accordingly, a CPU with an integrated GPU has a price difference compared to the same CPU but without a graphics card in it, from zero to a maximum of 50 euros.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between integrated and dedicated graphics cards, and who needs which type of GPU, so you can make the best buying decision for your needs.
Table of Contents
How does a GPU generally work?
A graphics card (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit) allows a computer to render images processed by the CPU. You can understand the power of the GPU when you run processes that require powerful graphics, such as games, video editing, and that require 3D rendering.
Especially in video games, their performance is highly dependent on your computer's GPU. When you play games, the CPU is constantly performing mathematical equations. This information is then sent to the GPU, which uses the information to render geometry, shading, textures, and color.
GPUs come in two different types: the ones integrated with a CPU and the exclusive ones, i.e. those that have their own electronic board. Dedicated GPUs are also referred to as graphics cards or video cards.
Both have their pros and cons, they exist to serve different needs and it depends on your intended use to choose the right type of graphics card for your computer.
In short, there is no wrong choice, only a wrong assessment of conditions and needs.
What is an integrated graphics card?
An integrated GPU is the graphics card that is built directly into the computer's processor. In other words, CPU and GPU coexist in one chip.
Integrated GPUs are fine for standard PC tasks such as web browsing, social media, office work (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) but also amateur video or music editing. With integrated GPU I personally edit videos for YouTube and it has not let me down.
Integrated graphics are standard with most off-the-shelf computers, especially laptops. While gamers once looked down on integrated graphics, newer technology has changed that view. This is especially true with the AMD Ryzen™ processor, referred to as an APU. It combines both CPU and GPU in the same mold to achieve excellent results.
Accordingly, Intel processors are usually identified as having an integrated GPU by the letter K at the end of its name. Like for example Intel Core i9-11900K, although this is not always the case, as Intel likes to "play" with the names of its processors.
You can also play many games with a CPU with integrated graphics, but you will find it difficult to play them triple-A (AAA) games. However, most of these games are playable with lower resolution graphics and pixels, so you can enjoy them even with an integrated graphics card.
The cost difference is negligible, compared to the value of the processor. In a CPU of the order of 250 euros, at most you should pay 300 euros for the CPU with integrated graphics. Sometimes it may not make any financial difference.
To the point where you wonder "why not get a CPU with integrated graphics and have them around in case my dedicated GPU breaks".
Make the comparison with graphics card and without the graphics card for Intel Core i9 processors.
What is a dedicated graphics card?
A dedicated graphics card is a completely separate processor from the CPU and has its own dedicated memory.
Dedicated graphics cards offer better performance, but use more electrical power, cost more money, and are more commonly found in desktop computers than laptops.
Dedicated GPUs almost always have their own memory and cooling. This helps free up resources for your CPU to process information, which helps avoid frame rate issues when playing AAA games, powerful video editing, and rendering 3D models.
On the other hand, when you buy a dedicated graphics card, you also need an equally good CPU. This helps distribute the load more fairly between the CPU and the dedicated GPU.
Choosing the right graphics card for you
There are different use cases for integrated graphics cards and dedicated graphics cards. See the key differences to know what to choose between these two types of video cards.
Or rather to make it easier to understand, ask yourself the following questions and answer honestly.
What programs and applications will you use?
The first, and perhaps most important, is how you intend to use your graphics card. Need a dedicated GPU for graphics-intensive gaming, video editing, and Bitcoin mining?
However, for more general use such as web browsing, most office or school work from home, and more basic gaming, you can get by just fine with a CPU that has integrated graphics.
Most general purpose computers use an integrated GPU, but you should determine exactly how you will use your computer before making an informed decision.
If you think you'll use both more graphics-intensive and lighter programs and apps, you always have the option to buy both at the same time.
In this scenario, you will use either a process that it's called GPU switching, which lets you switch between your integrated graphics card and dedicated graphics card, or two monitors attached to a different GPU.
Additionally, if you have a laptop, an eGPU can help you extend battery life.
What is your budget?
Budget is another important factor when deciding if you want to invest in a dedicated graphics card or if you want to spend the 100-150 euros to buy a better processor with integrated graphics.
Also, again, dedicated graphics cards are expensive, but you also need to pair them with a more expensive CPU for peak performance.
If you're buying a laptop, you'll have limited GPU options. Most laptops under 15 inches have integrated graphics because they would need more space to accommodate a dedicated video card.
And if you buy a laptop with a dedicated card, then its cost will go up even more as it will consume more power, which will increase both the power supply and the battery.
How important are graphics to you?
You can run many modern games and applications at low settings with an integrated graphics card.
This solution includes popular titles like Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V, and Borderlands 3. If you think you will be playing these types of games, then you should consider the importance of playing them at higher graphics settings.
However, the conversation changes when we talk about newer titles like Hitman 3, New World, Far Cry 6 or the upcoming New World Aeternum.
You cannot properly render the graphics in these games without a dedicated graphics card. If you're a serious gamer who prefers these big titles, as well as those coming in the future, then you'll probably want to invest in a dedicated graphics card.
You care about power consumption and battery life
A discrete graphics card uses more power and drains your laptop's battery life faster.
On the desktop computer it will also use more power, which can lead to a higher electricity bill and reduced energy efficiency.
A dedicated graphics card can also increase the temperature of your laptop, which you will have to manage.
This means you may want to use an external fan or a cooling pad to keep it cool all the time. For desktop users, you may want to invest in a better internal cooling fan to prevent heat damage to your machine.
Epilogue
Thanks to the constant leaps in technology, the integrated GPU technology inside the CPU, can get you white-faced in most of your computing tasks.
If you don't care so much about graphics and don't need to run intensive programs, you can get by with a complete and affordable solution.
However, if you're a serious gamer or use 3D rendering and professional video editing software, you'll be better served by a dedicated GPU.
The price difference between these two solutions is noticeable.
Congratulations guys you are analyzing everything you are helping people who love technology!!!! Well done!!!!