Integrated vs. dedicated graphics card: features, advantages and co.

Integrated graphics cards (IGP)

A graphics processor - GPU for short (for "graphics processing unit") - is referred to as integrated if it is installed in the chipset of the motherboard or in a separate die in the same chip housing. The former is referred to as an onboard graphics card.

As an integrated graphics card does not have its own memory, it uses the PC'sRAM, just like all other programs. The size of this so-called shared memory can either be set via the BIOS or is regulated dynamically by the system itself.

All our Mini PCs with an Intel CPU are equipped with the integrated Intel GMA graphics cards or the successor Intel HD Graphics or UHD Graphics.

Advantages and disadvantages of an IGP

As an integrated GPU does not have its own video memory, it only takes up a small amount of space inside a PC. Combined with its low power consumption, it is perfect for use in small devices such as notebooks or tablets. The price of systems with an integrated GPU is also lower, as there is no need for a separate cooling system. Such a graphics card is suitable for all common office applications, but also for industrial use scenarios. Due to the slower clock rate and because it shares the RAM with other applications, an IGP has a significantly lower performance than a dedicated graphics card.

Dedicated graphics cards

In contrast to an onboard graphics card, a dedicated graphics card has its own video memory, or VRAM for short. Such a GPU is connected to the mainboard via a PCI, PCIe or AGP slot.

Our product portfolio also includes systems that are equipped with a dedicated graphics card:

• The KUMO IV with an Nvidia® GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 6GB DDR6 VRAM.
• The QUADRO P1000 is equipped with the eponymous Nvidia® Quadro P1000 and the RUGGED T1000 with the eponymous Nvidia® Quadro T1000.
• The NOVA R680E and the NINETEEN Q670E can optionally be equipped with three different Nvidia® graphics cards: RTX A2000 (12GB DDR6), RTX 2000 (16GB DDR6), RTX 4000 (20GB DDR6).

Advantages and disadvantages of a dedicated graphics card

Since a dedicated graphics card has its own video memory, the RAM is relieved and can be used for other tasks. Another advantage is that the peripheral devices are clocked much faster and are therefore also more powerful. A dedicated graphics card is indispensable, especially for use in workstations or in the demanding DS area, where several monitors are controlled simultaneously or programs such as Adobe Photoshop or CAD for 3D modeling are used. However, the enormous performance is also accompanied by very high power consumption and the development of heat. Therefore, a separate fan requires much more space than an integrated graphics card.

Last but not least, it can be said that a dedicated graphics card is not absolutely necessary for standard applications as mentioned above. However, they are extremely relevant for demanding applications or multi-monitor solutions in digital signage.

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