When it comes to building a gaming PC or upgrading your current setup, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right graphics card. But with the rise of integrated graphics, many people wonder if they can still use a graphics card with their system. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between integrated graphics and graphics cards and answer the question: do integrated graphics work with graphics cards?
What Are Integrated Graphics and Graphics Cards?
Before we dive into the compatibility of these two components, let’s first define what they are.
Integrated Graphics
Integrated graphics, also known as onboard graphics, are built into the motherboard of a computer. They use a portion of the system’s RAM to function and are typically found in budget-friendly computers. Integrated graphics are not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, but they can handle basic tasks such as web browsing and video playback.
Graphics Cards
Graphics cards, also known as GPUs (graphics processing units), are dedicated hardware components that are designed specifically for handling graphics-related tasks. They have their own processor, memory, and cooling system, making them much more powerful than integrated graphics. Graphics cards are essential for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Can You Use Integrated Graphics and Graphics Cards Together?
The short answer is yes, you can use integrated graphics and graphics cards together. However, there are a few things you need to consider before doing so.
Compatibility
The first thing you need to check is the compatibility between your integrated graphics and the graphics card you want to use. Most modern motherboards have a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot, which is used to connect a graphics card. However, some older motherboards may not have this slot, making it impossible to use a graphics card.
You also need to make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the additional power consumption of a graphics card. Most graphics cards require a dedicated power supply, so you’ll need to check if your PSU has the necessary connectors.
Switching Between Integrated Graphics and Graphics Cards
If your system has both integrated graphics and a graphics card, you can choose which one to use through your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings. However, some systems may not have this option, and the integrated graphics may be automatically disabled when a graphics card is installed.
Performance
One of the main reasons people use graphics cards is for better performance. But when using integrated graphics and a graphics card together, the performance may not be as significant as using a graphics card alone. This is because the integrated graphics will still use a portion of the system’s resources, which can affect the overall performance.
How to Use Integrated Graphics and Graphics Cards Together
If you’ve determined that your system is compatible and you want to use integrated graphics and a graphics card together, here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Install the Graphics Card
The first step is to install the graphics card into your system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and secure the card properly in the PCIe slot.
Step 2: Connect the Monitor
Next, you’ll need to connect your monitor to the graphics card. Most graphics cards have multiple ports, so make sure to use the correct one for your monitor.
Step 3: Boot Up Your System
Once everything is connected, boot up your system. If your system has a BIOS setting to choose between integrated graphics and a graphics card, make sure to select the graphics card.
Step 4: Install the Drivers
To ensure that your graphics card is working properly, you’ll need to install the necessary drivers. You can download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website or use the installation disc that came with your graphics card.
Step 5: Configure Your System
Once the drivers are installed, you can configure your system to use both integrated graphics and the graphics card. This can be done through your computer’s BIOS settings or through the graphics card’s control panel.
Integrated Graphics vs. Graphics Cards: A Comparison
Now that we know that integrated graphics and graphics cards can work together, let’s compare the two in terms of performance, power consumption, and cost.
Performance
When it comes to performance, graphics cards are the clear winner. They are specifically designed for graphics-intensive tasks and can handle them much better than integrated graphics. However, if you’re only using your computer for basic tasks, integrated graphics may be enough.
Power Consumption
Graphics cards require a lot of power to function, which can significantly increase your system’s power consumption. On the other hand, integrated graphics use a portion of the system’s resources, making them more power-efficient. This can be a crucial factor for those looking to build an energy-efficient system.
Cost
The cost of a graphics card can vary significantly depending on the model and brand. On average, a decent graphics card can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000. On the other hand, integrated graphics are already built into the motherboard, making them a more cost-effective option.
Real-World Examples of Using Integrated Graphics and Graphics Cards Together
Many people use integrated graphics and graphics cards together, and here are some real-world examples of how they do it.
Gaming
Many gamers use integrated graphics and graphics cards together to get the best of both worlds. They use the integrated graphics for basic tasks and switch to the graphics card when playing games. This allows them to save power and still get the performance they need when gaming.
Video Editing
Video editing is another task that requires a lot of graphics processing power. Many video editors use integrated graphics and graphics cards together to handle the workload. They use the integrated graphics for basic tasks and switch to the graphics card when editing videos.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrated graphics and graphics cards can work together, but there are a few things you need to consider before doing so. Make sure your system is compatible, and you have the necessary power supply to handle a graphics card. While the performance may not be as significant as using a graphics card alone, using integrated graphics and a graphics card together can be a cost-effective and power-efficient option for many users.
