When purchasing a graphics card or video card, you have the option of choosing between two types: an integrated graphics card and a dedicated graphics card.
An integrated graphics card is, as its name suggests, integrated into the motherboard. It cannot be removed. Since it is bundled with a motherboard, an integrated graphics card is cheaper than a dedicated graphics card which is sold as separate unit. If your integrated graphics card wears out, you will have to replace it, as well as the motherboard to which it is attached. This is a very inconvenient process since the motherboard is connected to practically all of the other internal components of a computer. There are of course some motherboards with built-in graphics cards that can accommodate an extra dedicated video card.
Integrated graphics cards are also small and do not get in the way of other computer components such as the hard disk drive. Most, however, do not have their own memory. Instead, they borrow from the computer’s RAM. Consequently, integrated graphics cards have limited multimedia powers. If you want faster speeds and clearer, more vibrant images, you will need to get a dedicated graphics card for your computer.
Dedicated graphics cards are generally more powerful than integrated ones. They come with their own video RAM so they will not need to borrow extra memory from the computer’s RAM in most instances. In addition, you can remove and replace dedicated graphics cards as you see fit. Since they are sold as separate units, you can easily replace a dedicated graphics card if it dies on you. Of course you will encounter spacing difficulties with bulkier units. Usually, dedicated graphics cards get in the way of hard disk drives. Before buying a dedicated graphics card, make sure there is enough space in your motherboard and computer case for the card to fit in.
Being more powerful, dedicated cards will cost you a pretty penny especially if you opt for the latest ones. Some sophisticated models can cost as much as several hundred bucks.
So which type of graphics card should you get: an integrated graphics card or a dedicated graphics card? The choice depends on what tasks you run in your PC. If you are only going to use your PC for Web browsing, word processing, data entry, and the like, you will not need a dedicated high-performance graphics card. A decent built-in card will suit your needs just fine. If you run intensive software such as video editors and 3D PC games, you need to splurge on a powerful dedicated graphics card.
