A PC’s performance, albeit it a desktop or laptop, is highly dependent on the central processing unit (CPU) and the graphics processing unit (GPU), which converts data on the CPU to provide your visual displays. If your GPU lacks power, you will obtain far less enjoyment from gaming and unsatisfactory results when editing videos and photos. This guide tells you what you should consider when choosing the best graphics card for your needs.
Reasons For Upgrading A Graphics Card
Older devices only had the CPU to process and display graphics. Nowadays, a graphics card is integrated with the CPU or a discrete GPU is added. When deciding on the right graphics card for you, the distinction between discrete and integrated becomes important. Every modern PC has one or the other.
New games are constantly being developed as technology advances. Video software and streaming capabilities are continuously enhanced. An older graphics card does not have the increased functionality to utilise these upgrades. For new games, ensure that they run at a steady 60 frames per second (fps). If your current graphics card cannot manage this, you need to get a new one.
A GPU can create a bottlenecking situation for a CPU. Likewise, the CPU can constrain the GPU. One sign of this may be stuttering (although other factors can cause this). Bottlenecking indicates the need for a new graphics card.
Desktop Versus Laptop
Your preference for a PC or laptop will play a role in your decision. A PC can house the size and power of a GPU better than a laptop, which is more compact. Additionally, a GPU generates a lot of heat that a PC has more space to provide sufficient fans for cooling. Laptops are thus quieter than PCs and are also designed with specific thermal technology to limit overheating.
A graphics card in a PC has better specs (more memory, greater pixel rate, better texture mapping) than a laptop graphics card. Overall, this makes for superior performance.
Price is another consideration. It is cheaper to manufacture PC graphics cards. The ones in laptops cost more because they need to be so much smaller. Some larger cards for laptops are available but make them heavier to carry and can add to heating.
Discrete Versus Integrated Graphic Cards
GPUs (discrete graphic cards) have their own RAM in addition to the CPU. If your requirements are centered around graphics, especially gaming, 3D rendering, or photo and video editing, you will need the extra RAM and graphics capability. However, if you just want to watch television or stream movies, an integrated graphics card will suffice. You can read more here.
An integrated graphics card doesn’t produce as much heat as a discrete one. It also uses less power and conserves battery life. Integrated is the cheaper option.
The CPU to match a discrete graphics card will have to have greater capacity than when it is integrated. Additional fans may be needed for keeping your setup cool. You will have to install a larger power supply unit to run a CPU and a GPU, which also costs more.
This guide makes your choices clearer when selecting the right graphics card.