Integrated graphics can be traced back to the early days of PC technology, but they’ve come a long way since then. If you’re considering integrated graphics, but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, these four ways to decide if integrated graphics are right for you will help you determine whether or not this type of setup could work well in your next build. All About Integrated Graphics
What is an integrated graphics chip?
Before going into details about different graphics cards and how to choose which one is best for you, it would be a good idea to have a basic understanding of what integrated graphics are. In short, integrated graphics are graphics chips that are built directly into motherboards (the circuit board that holds all of your computer’s parts). The problem with integrated graphics is that they don’t have their own dedicated memory; instead, they share memory from your system RAM.
There are two main types of integrated graphics cards
Intel’s HD Graphics and AMD’s APUs. Let’s dive into each one so you can see how they work and how they differ from other types of graphics cards. Then, at the end, we’ll talk about some of their benefits and drawbacks.
The Pros and Cons of Integrated Graphics Chips
One of the big buzzwords around technology today is integrated graphics. But what does that mean, and how does it affect your next computer purchase? We lay out all you need to know about integrated graphics chips in our latest editorial.
Is this the future of gaming?
It’s no secret that video cards are expensive, but what about that huge investment you just made in your gaming PC? Are integrated graphics ready to replace them? It’s worth considering, especially if you’re on a budget. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between integrated and dedicated graphics.
Conclusion
While integrated graphics might not perform as well as dedicated video cards, they still give you enough gaming performance to meet your basic needs. The high-end AMD APUs and Intel’s Core processors are better options if you want a desktop for casual gaming. If you’re looking for a computer that can play modern games without an upgrade, though, integrated graphics will do just fine. You won’t get top-of-the-line performance, but it’s enough to run most games at modest settings.