Exploring Integrated Graphics Cards: What You Need to Know
1. What is a Graphics Card (GPU)?
Graphics Card (GPU - Graphics Processing Unit), also known as a display card, is a specialized device that processes image-related information in a computer, including details like color, resolution, and image contrast. It plays a significant role in processing speed for gaming, video playback, and graphic software alongside the CPU.
2. What is an Integrated Graphics Card (iGPU)?
Integrated Graphics Card (iGPU) or onboard card refers to a computer where the graphics processing unit (GPU) is built into the motherboard, specifically integrated into the CPU. This compact, energy-efficient graphics card is cheaper than dedicated ones and often utilizes CPU power and supported LPDDR RAM to process images. Integrated graphics cards are becoming more powerful and refined, meeting user needs when used effectively.
Pros and Cons of Integrated Graphics Cards
- Pros: Integrated graphics cards are compact, lightweight, energy-efficient, and cheaper than dedicated ones.
- Cons:
+ When both CPU and GPU are placed on the same chip, their performance is limited.
+ Not suitable for playing the latest high-end games or working with deep graphics programs.
+ Integrated graphics cards share memory with the system, so your system memory will have to be shared with this graphics card to function.
However, integrated graphics cards are improving and becoming more powerful. For a specific computer, an integrated graphics card can meet user needs if used properly.
How Integrated Graphics Cards Differ from Dedicated Ones?
Who Should Buy Laptops with Integrated Graphics Cards?
Laptops equipped with integrated graphics cards, known for their compact design and affordable price, are often suitable for students and office workers. Although these graphics cards have been improved several times to meet basic needs well, they are still not enough to meet the demands of playing high-end games and running deep graphics programs.