GPU or graphic cards have an integral role in PCs apart from the processor as they can significantly impact the computer's performance. However, it gets confusing when selecting appropriate graphics when you build your own PC or upgrade graphics for your needs. Here's the article to help you solve the confusion.
Identify your Purpose with A Graphic Card:
If you mainly use your laptop or desktop for web browsing, running certain apps and other low resources tasks, you may not need to focus much on the graphics card but prioritize the right RAM, CPU, and storage. But, if you are into gaming and run demanding applications for graphics designing, video editing and streaming that specifically use GPU, you may need to shell out money for a separate graphics card.
Integrated or Discrete Graphics
Do you need integrated graphics or discrete graphics? To clear out the question, integrated graphics are essentially GPUs built on the CPU or interlinked with it.
Integrated graphics are more popular for small-factor devices like laptops though these are available on desktops too. These graphics offer decent performance, enough to power the OS and run web browsers and other regular apps.
They are basically for those who don’t need powered visual software and use their laptop computers for office and business purposes. They are fine for streaming movies and casual gaming, but not more than that. So if you are looking for graphics for intense gaming or other tasks, these may not be the best choice. But, the best part of Integrated graphics is they don't generate much heat or consume much power or battery.
Discrete graphics, on the other hand, are standalone GPUs. They are best for graphic-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, 3D rendering etc. Unlike Integrated graphics, these cards come with individual RAM. However, discrete graphics require a compatible processor that can match its performance. These graphics also take up much power to run both processors, so you need a bigger power supply unit. And also a cooling unit to dissipate heat and prevent them from overheating.
With a discrete card, you will have shorter battery life but higher performance than its counterparts. The best thing about discrete graphics cards is that you can easily upgrade them to new versions according to your needs.
Laptop or Desktop Graphics
Laptop and desktop graphics differ in form factor, performance, and price, so they need different considerations.
- Form factor: In desktops PCs, you can have bigger and more powerful components. The PC tower has sufficient space and cooling units to accommodate powerful GPUs and handle power draw and heat dissipation from these cards. In laptops, smaller components are required to fit in the GPU. These cards are optimized for power usage and equipped with advanced thermal technology. Integrated cards also run quietly without making considerable noise.
- Performance: Desktop graphics have higher specifications than laptops. Be it more memory, higher pixel rate etc. As a result, they perform better than laptop ones.
- Price: Laptop graphics tend to be more expensive because of their portability and power-efficient that adds up to the cost of manufacturing. Desktop graphics are comparatively affordable because of their bigger size.
Types of Graphics Cards:
Intel, AMD and NVIDIA are major manufacturers of GPUs on the market. While Imtel is famously known for its integrated graphics, AMD and NVIDIA are known for their discrete graphics. However, Intel has recently launched its range of discrete graphics through Intel Arc A series which is available for both laptop and desktop form factors.
- AMD GPU: These processors use RX labelling to indicate their graphic models, with RX being the basic GPU version and RX, higher level GPU. The higher the RX number, the newer model.
- NVIDIA GPU: These processors range from GT (entry-level), GTX (somewhere between entry-level and higher level) and RTX (for higher-level gaming)
- Intel GPU:
- Intel Iris Xe graphics series: Integrated graphics for work and entertainment purposes.
- Intel Arc graphics: These are relatively new entrants in the discrete arena and are focused on modern AAA titles. These graphics are available for laptops and desktops.
The graphics cards selection criteria: At a glance
- Decide on the memory you need in your graphics card
- Consider the device you use, such desktop and laptop
- Do you want a discrete GPU or an integrated laptop graphics card
- Consider the compatibility of the power connector with the graphic card
- Consider the price factor and decide on one of the best versions that fit your budget
- Also, try upgrading your graphics once every 4-5 years.
Conclusion
Choosing a graphics card can be challenging unless you know your needs. Hope this guide has helped clarify your queries.
