The main difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is that the integrated graphics is an approach that integrates video hardware into the motherboard for handling graphics while the dedicated graphics is a method of using a separate video hardware to perform graphics.
The graphics manipulation of a computer is handled by the graphic card. It has a special processor called the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to perform the graphics processing. Then the graphics card displays the processed images on an output device such as a monitor. There are various methods of processing graphics. Integrated graphics integrates video hardware into the motherboard. Dedicated graphics uses a separate video hardware to perform graphics. Integrated graphics is suitable for simple tasks such as word processing, browsing, and editing while dedicated graphics is suitable for heavy graphics-based applications.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Integrated Graphics
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Dedicated Graphics
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Integrated and Dedicated Graphics
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Dedicated Graphics, GPU, Graphic Card, Integrated Graphics
What is Integrated Graphics
Integrated graphics is a method of integrating video hardware into the motherboard for handling graphics tasks. The integrated graphics card is also known as onboard graphics. Most motherboards with integrated graphics allow the disabling of the integrated graphics chip in BIOS. It has a PCI slot for adding a high-performance graphics card in place of the integrated graphics.
Figure 1: Graphics Card
Integrated graphics is more suitable for regular users to perform tasks such as watching videos, playing 2d gaming, and performing word processing. It is cost-effective, dissipates a low amount of heat and results in a longer battery life. Moreover, it provides simplicity and consumes a low amount of power. On the other hand, the performance is lower because of sharing resources with the CPU.
What is Dedicated Graphics
Dedicated graphics is a method of using a 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.
It offloads the workload of the CPU and RAM. Therefore, it helps faster graphics processing and also improves the overall performance of the computer. It is ideal for gaming and for intensive graphics applications. On the other hand, dedicated graphics consume more power. It also dissipates more heat. Furthermore, it can minimize the 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 by using a separate graphics card known as the dedicated graphics card in a computer. This explains the basic difference between integrated and dedicated graphics.
Performance
A main difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is that dedicated graphics provides higher performance than integrated graphics.
Power Consumption
While integrated graphics consumes less power, dedicated graphics consumes more power. This is another difference between integrated and dedicated graphics.
Battery Life
Yet another difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is the battery life. Using integrated graphics will result in a longer battery life. But, using dedicated graphics will result in a shorter battery life.
Heat Dissipation
Moreover, integrated graphics dissipate minimum heat while dedicated graphics consume more heat.
Components in Card
Integrated graphics card does not use its own memory. Instead, it shares resources with the CPU. On the other hand, dedicated graphics card uses its own RAM, cooling system, dedicated power regulators and associated components. One more important difference between integrated and dedicated graphics.
Applications
Another difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is their use. Integrated graphics is suitable for regular users for watching videos, gaming, word processing, etc. Dedicated graphics is suitable for intensive graphics applications and for gaming.
Cost
Finally, dedicated graphics card is more costly than integrated graphics card.
Conclusion
The difference between integrated and dedicated graphics is that integrated graphics is an approach of integrating video hardware into the motherboard for handling graphics while dedicated graphics is a method of using a separate video hardware to perform graphics. In brief, integrated graphics consumes less power and causes a longer battery life while dedicated graphics provide higher performance.
Reference:
1. “Video Card.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Aug. 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “AGP-Video-Card” By Evan-Amos – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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