The differences between integrated graphics and discrete graphics
With the continuous development of science and technology, graphics cards have become an indispensable part of computers. As two common types of graphics cards, integrated graphics and discrete graphics each have unique advantages and applicable scenarios.
There are significant differences between integrated graphics (core graphics cards) and discrete graphics (independent graphics cards) in terms of hardware form, performance, and applicable scenarios. The specific comparisons are as follows:
I. Core Differences: Hardware Form and Independence
| Comparison Item |
Integrated Graphics |
Discrete Graphics |
| Form of Existence |
Integrated within the CPU chip, shares the CPU core and part of the system memory (no independent video memory) |
Independent hardware device, has a separate graphics chip and dedicated video memory, connected to the motherboard via a PCIe slot |
| Replaceability |
Cannot be replaced independently, usually upgraded by replacing the CPU |
Can be plugged in and replaced at any time, with flexible upgrade options |
| Power Consumption |
Extremely low power consumption, suitable for low - power - consumption devices |
Higher power consumption, high - performance discrete graphics require additional power supply |
II. Performance Differences and Applicable Scenarios
1. Performance
Integrated graphics:
They have relatively weak performance and can only meet the needs of daily office work, audio-visual playback, and light gaming. For example, Intel HD Graphics 630 and AMD Vega 11 integrated graphics, whose performance is close to entry-level discrete graphics (such as GT1030), can run some games with low graphics quality.
Discrete graphics:
Their performance covers low, medium, and high-end levels. From GTX 1660 Ti (capable of handling 2K games) to RTX 2060 and above (suitable for 4K games and graphics rendering), they can meet high-load tasks such as large-scale games and professional design (such as CAD and video editing).
2. Applicable Scenarios
| Scenario |
Recommended Choice |
Reason |
| Daily office work, audio - visual entertainment |
Integrated graphics |
Low power consumption and low cost, meeting the needs of high - definition video playback and basic operations 1 9 |
| Light - duty games (e.g., League of Legends) |
Integrated graphics (e.g., Vega 11) |
Performance is close to entry - level discrete graphics, capable of running at low graphics quality 1 |
| Large - scale games, 4K resolution |
Discrete graphics (e.g., RTX 2060 +) |
Integrated graphics cannot support games with high resolution and high graphics quality 1 |
| Graphics rendering, professional design |
High - performance discrete graphics |
Independent video memory and strong computing power improve efficiency 1 |
III. Other Key Differences
Naming identification:
The names of integrated graphics usually include "HD Graphics" (Intel) or "Vega" (AMD APU);
The names of discrete graphics are mostly "GTX/RTX" (NVIDIA) or "Radeon RX" (AMD), such as RTX 2060 and Vega 56 (note that the AMD Vega series needs to distinguish between integrated graphics and discrete graphics).
Processor matching:
Some CPUs do not have integrated graphics (such as Intel models with the suffix "F" and AMD Ryzen series), so they must be paired with discrete graphics;
Integrated graphics require selecting CPUs with integrated graphics (such as Intel Core non-F models and AMD APU).
Summary
Integrated graphics: low cost, low power consumption, suitable for office work and light use, and are a "cost-effective choice";
Discrete graphics: high performance, high flexibility, suitable for gaming and professional scenarios, and are a "performance choice".
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