How important is a Graphics Card for your Computer?

Even if you are remotely into computers you might have heard the word ‘graphics card’ hurled around in conversations. For those of you who are confused about what it does and whether your computer needs a special one, let us explain it in detail.

What is a Graphics Card?

A graphics card is essentially a chip named GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that dictates the quality of the images displayed on your computer. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) of your computer sends instructions and information to GPU that processes it and tells the computer what and how to display.

Integrated & Dedicated Graphics Card

Before we go further in, it is important to know that there are two types of GPUs. Integrated GPUs and Dedicated (or Discrete) GPUs. Integrated GPUs are the ones that come integrated into the CPU of your laptop or desktop PC. Since all CPUs have built-in GPUs, you don’t have to worry about getting one. They’re engineered for power-efficiency and standardisation so there’s no hassle of non-compatible drivers either. However, integrated GPUs are only meant for displaying basic graphics used to view emails, draft documents and sometimes to watch videos. An integrated GPU will crumble in the face of graphics-intensive tasks such as heavy-gaming, 3D modelling and video editing. 

Dedicated GPUs, on the other hand, constitute of separate hardware pieces designed for handling graphics needs. They don’t only have a chip specifically for this purpose but also a dedicated RAM for faster and smoother processing of images. In addition to delivering an extraordinary performance, GPUs also feature a wider variety of ports than your motherboard. But all of this comes at a price. While integrated GPUs are free of cost, Dedicated GPUs cost between £200-400!   

Do you need a Dedicated Graphics Card?

The real question is not whether or not you want a graphics card on your computer since all computers already have integrated graphics, it is whether you need a dedicated graphics card for high-end visual experience? If you are afraid that you are missing out on some wondrous creation of technology that would have altered your life, you should first consider the nature of your computer usage. If a normal day for you involves checking emails, writing reports, filling out spreadsheets and creating PowerPoint presentations, the integrated graphics card already configured on your laptop or desktop PC is more than enough to do the job and deliver decent graphics. 

However, if you play serious video games, edit photos or render videos, you might want to consider choosing a dedicated graphics card to offer the kind of visual results these tasks require. A dedicated graphics card also allows you to connect more than one monitor and experience crisp visuals. 

You can browse our website to look at graphics cards and other accessories for your computer.