What is the Difference Between Integrated and Dedicated Graphics? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

The main difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is that the integrated graphics is an approach that integrates video hardware into the motherboard for graphics handling while dedicated graphics is a method of using separate video hardware to perform graphics.

The graphic manipulation of a computer is handled by the graphics card. It has a special processor called a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to do graphics processing. The graphics card then displays the processed images on an output device, such as a monitor. There are several graphics processing methods. Integrated graphics integrates video hardware on the motherboard. Dedicated graphics use separate video hardware to do graphics. Integrated graphics are suitable for simple tasks like word processing, browsing, and editing, while dedicated graphics are suitable for heavy graphics-based applications.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is integrated graphics?
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is the dedicated graph?
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the difference between integrated and dedicated graphics?
     – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

Dedicated graphics, GPU, graphics card, integrated graphics

What is integrated graphics?

Integrated graphics is a method of integrating video hardware on the motherboard to handle graphics tasks. Integrated graphics card is also known as on-board graphics. Most motherboards with integrated graphics allow you to disable the integrated graphics chip in BIOS. It has a PCI slot to add a high-performance graphics card instead of the integrated graphics.

                                                                   Figure 1: Graphics Card

Integrated graphics are more suitable for regular users to perform tasks such as watching videos, playing 2D games, and performing word processing. It is cost effective, dissipates a low amount of heat and results in longer battery life. Also, it provides simplicity and consumes a low amount of power. On the other hand, performance is lower due to sharing resources with the CPU.

What is dedicated graphics?

Dedicated graphics is a method of using separate video hardware to perform graphics operations. The dedicated graphics card is also known as the discrete graphics card. It consists of its own RAM, cooling system, dedicated power regulators, and related components for processing video images.

The workload is offloaded from the CPU and RAM. Thus, it helps in faster graphics processing and also improves the overall performance of the computer. It is ideal for gaming and graphic intensive applications. On the other hand, dedicated graphics consume more power. It also dissipates more heat. Also, you can minimize battery life.

Difference Between Integrated and Dedicated Graphics

Definition

Integrated graphics is a method used in computers to manipulate graphics by integrating video hardware to the motherboard. Dedicated graphics is a method of handling graphics through the use of a separate graphics card known as the dedicated graphics card in a computer. This explains the basic difference between them.

Performance

One main difference between them is that dedicated graphics provide higher performance than integrated graphics.

Power Consumption

While integrated graphics consume less power, dedicated graphics consume more power. This is another difference between them.

Battery Duration

Yet another difference between them is battery life. Using integrated graphics will result in longer battery life. However, using dedicated graphics will result in lower battery life.

Heat Dissipation

Also, integrated graphics dissipate minimal heat while dedicated graphics consume more heat.

Components on Board

The integrated graphics card does not use its own memory. Instead, it shares resources with the CPU. On the other hand, the dedicated graphics card uses its own RAM, cooling system, dedicated power regulators, and associated components. One more important difference between them.

Applications

Another difference between them is their usage. Integrated graphics are suitable for regular users to watch videos, play games, word processing, etc. Dedicated graphics are suitable for graphics-intensive applications and gaming.

Cost

Finally, the dedicated graphics card is more expensive than the integrated graphics card.

Conclusion

The difference between them is that integrated graphics is an approach of integrating video hardware on the motherboard for graphics handling, while dedicated graphics is a method of using separate video hardware to perform graphics. In short, integrated graphics consume less power and cause longer battery life, while dedicated graphics provide higher performance.

Reference:

1. “Video Card”. Wikipedia , Wikimedia Foundation, August 19, 2018, Available here.

Courtesy image:

1. “AGP video card” By Evan-Amos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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