Integrated vs dedicated graphics cards: How to choose the best GPU

Any computer with a display output, be it a smartwatch, phone, or even a smart speaker with a display, has some sort of GPU or graphics processing unit built into it. In its simplest form, a GPU is a processor that is responsible for drawing and colouring the images you see on a screen. The more advanced GPUs, the type you’ll see used in gaming PCs and in AI and rendering workstations, are responsible for performing some very complex math.

What is a GPU or graphics card?

Drawing shapes on a screen, and then filling them with colour is a more complex task than one would realise. When playing a game like Call of Duty, for example, the CPU first creates a 3D scene by positioning 3D objects in a virtual environment. The GPU’s job is to look at the scene, project the 3D objects onto a 2D plane – your display – and then fill in texture and colour after calculating lighting and shadows and determining how they impact the scene.

ALSO READ: What are the benefits of Graphics Processing Units, or GPUs?

A red in shade would look maroon, for example. 2D objects, such as simple games, video playback, and browser windows are much less demanding to render.

What is an integrated GPU?

An integrated GPU is a small GPU that is built into the CPU. Essentially, the CPU and GPU share the same space in your PC. A GPU needs RAM to work and shares the RAM that the CPU has access to.

What is a dedicated GPU?

A dedicated GPU is an independent electronic circuit comprising a larger graphics processor and its own RAM.

Essentially, an integrated GPU is a smaller, simpler graphics processor that can only do a fraction of the work that a larger and more complex dedicated GPU can. The simpler circuit also generates less heat and consumes less power, while the opposite is true for the more complex dedicated GPU.

How do you choose between an integrated GPU and dedicated GPU?

Given that this question usually comes up only when discussing laptops and PCs, we’ll look at use-cases in that context only.

Gamers:

If you’re a gamer, get a PC or laptop with a dedicated GPU. Games are especially demanding, and an integrated GPU will not have the capacity to handle them. Yes, simple 2D games and older 3D games can run on integrated GPU, but those are the only types of games you’ll be able to play comfortably without a dedicated GPU.

Photographers:

If you’re a photographer, you don’t necessarily need a dedicated GPU. A more powerful CPU will be more useful.

Videographers and editors:

If you work with video, a dedicated GPU isn’t necessary but can be useful. Most of the processing functions for video are available on modern CPUs with integrated GPUs, but advanced special effects for video still run better with a dedicated GPU than without.

Graphics designers:

Graphics designers don’t need a dedicated GPU unless they’re working with large files. For most use-cases, an integrated GPU is enough.

ALSO READ: What are the different kinds of laptops in 2024?

3D modelling and rendering:

Alongside AI, 3D modelling and rendering is one of the most demanding tasks that a computer can be asked to perform. The more processing power you have on tap the better, and in this case, the most powerful dedicated GPU you can afford is what you need.

AI:

AI is a very performance intensive operation that demands a lot from your hardware. AI models can be designed to run on integrated GPUs, but to make the most of AI, a dedicated GPU is a must. If you’re only, say, using AI for video conferencing and editing office documents, an integrated GPU with support for AI is fine.

ALSO READ: How to monitor the GPU temperature on Windows PCs

Integrated GPUs have their place in low power systems, portable devices, handheld game consoles, and more, devices where low power consumption is a priority. When power isn’t an issue, the sheer performance benefit of a dedicated GPU is unmatched and worth investing in. You will pay a price in terms of battery life and heat, though. Choose wisely based on what you do with your computer.