Integrated and discrete graphics?
I’m looking to buy a Windows Q 11 PC, but I’m bamboozled by all the modern jargon. I mainly need it for web browsing and word processing, so I probably don’t need anything too powerful. However, as I’m retired, I’d be interested to explore gaming a little more – perhaps the new Microsoft Flight Simulator I’ve heard about. Trouble is, I don’t really know what type of graphics my computer would need. I’ve seen mention of ‘integrated’ and ‘discrete’ graphics cards but I don’t understand the difference, nor which would be best for me. Can you explain in a way I’ll understand? David Burke
Can we condense the A complex world of graphics cards into a couple of hundred words? Well, we like a challenge!
Actually, unless you want extreme performance and the highest levels of graphical finesse, it needn’t be all that complicated. First, the difference between integrated and discrete is simply whether the graphics hardware is built into the computer’s own central-processing unit (CPU), and thus integrated, or is a separate chip – a discrete graphicsprocessing unit (GPU). In a desktop PC a discrete GPU is on its own expansion card
– hence ‘graphics card’ (as pictured right). In a laptop, a discrete GPU is just a separate chip on the motherboard, alongside the CPU.
At the high-performance end of the PC market, a discrete GPU or graphics card is essential. However, modern integrated graphics are fine for the average user’s needs – even for casual gaming. Both Intel and AMD make a wide range of CPUS with integrated graphics, and these have a similarly broad spread of capabilities.
Microsoft Flight Simulator works well with many integrated-graphics setups, although Microsoft recommends a discrete GPU (see www.snipca. com/40359 for the minimum and recommended system requirements). However, many modern integrated graphics are at least as good or better than Microsoft’s own suggestions. In other words, unless you want the very highest resolution and detail settings, you should be able to enjoy Flight Simulator on any modern, mid-level laptop or desktop – whether it has integrated or discrete graphics.
Want to know the difference between technical terms? Email noproblem@ computeractive.co.uk