Dedicated GPU vs. Integrated Graphics: Which Is Better?

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Building our first gaming computer is always a dream, not only because of the assembly process itself, but also because of all the prior research: comparing components, looking for the best deals, finding the perfect case for one... But this dream can be shattered. easily due to the price of some components, such as the graphics card.

And when the price of dedicated graphics cards that allow us to play at a high FPS rate or in 4k seems to keep rising and we have to go for more humble options, the following question arises:Which is better, a dedicated GPU or an integrated graphics card? Keep reading if you want to know the answer!

Integrated graphics cards or iGPUs

This type of card is either integrated into the motherboard itself or into the processor. In the latter case, we are talking about the APU range (AMD Accelerated Processing Unit or the Intel range simply called HD Graphics, although last year Intel introduced its twelfth generation XE processors with high-performance integrated graphics. The difference between these two is that the former complies with HSA standards (Heterogeneous System Architecture), that is, we have the CPU and the GPU on the same bus, reducing the communication latency between the two, or what is the same, processors more focused on graphics.

Best AMD APU processors

La main advantage of iGPUs is its reduced energy consumption And in AMD's case, thanks to the HSA standard, we'll have good communication between the CPU and GPU, optimizing existing resources. This brings us to its main disadvantage: being an integrated graphics card without its own memory, it will consume system memory. Furthermore, with this type of graphics card, we won't be able to use 4K or high FPS, nor will we be able to do so with more modest dedicated graphics cards.

These types of graphics cards have been around for a while, being a common option in laptops, but did you know you can expand your laptop's graphics capabilities with dedicated external cards? We'll explain that whole other world here.

Below are some interesting processor models with iGPUs to consider if your budget doesn't allow for a high-performance dedicated graphics card:

AMD Ryzen 5 4600G with Radeon RX Vega 11

This processor is equipped with Radeon RX Vega 11 technology, which AMD claims is similar in performance to a Radeon R9 M280X. Its low power consumption and price are notable, as it can be found for around €120.

In terms of performance, with this processor we can play games that don't require high performance, such as Overwatch.

Intel Core-i5 11400 with UHD 730 iGPU

This other Intel option can also be found for under €200, so it could be a direct competitor to the AMD Ryzen 5 4600G, although the latter's current price is lower. The downside to this processor is what we've already mentioned: AMD processors are better optimized for graphics. This Intel processor is from its 11th generation, so we won't yet be able to enjoy the latest-generation integrated graphics.

Intel's UHD 730 is available with other processors in the range, with the 12400 or 13400.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 4.40GHz with AMD Radeon Vega 7

Another AMD option available for under €200. This processor offers processing power and graphics capability thanks to its AMD Radeon Vega 7.

Intel Core i7-11700K with UHD 750

We take the processing level up a notch with the Intel Core i7-11700k with integrated UHD 750 graphics. In the €300 range, this processor offers plenty of power for most tasks. It also includes UHD 750 graphics.

Dedicated graphics cards

We highlight its low power consumption and moderate performance. If you're on a tight budget, either of these two options will allow you to play less demanding games.

We don't need to explain much about this type of graphics card; they are all the graphics cards with dedicated memory that we install in our computers. Nowadays, getting a graphics card that allows us to play at high performance in 4K will undoubtedly be the most expensive option for our computer.

The advantage of this type of card is its specialization, which will initially give us greater performance by not sharing memory. Its main disadvantage is that it will increase our PC's energy consumption. Below we present two options that you can find for under €200, although if your budget is very tight, you can always choose one. consult this article.

Asus GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5

This graphics card offers 2GB of DDR5 onboard memory. Its performance is modest, allowing us to play indie or online games that aren't too demanding. It has an HDMI output and a DisplayPort output. Its small size is perfect for smaller cases, as it only requires a single PCI slot to connect.

Currently, the price of this card is around €110, making it an economical alternative to a dedicated card.

MSI GeForce GT 730

With 2GB of dedicated DDR3 memory, this MSI card is in line with what we have been discussing throughout the article: just enough performance for online or indie games for just €100.

Now then… What do I choose for my team?

Now that we know the differences between integrated and dedicated graphics cards, as well as some of their most popular models, which one should I choose?

Thanks to YouTube user Random Benchmark we can see different test of performance among the main graphics cards and processors in this article in the following videos:

These performance tests give us a surprise in the first case, and that is that the AMD processor with Vega 7 manages to surpass the dedicated GT 1030 graphics card in fps. In the second of the videos we can see how the GT 730 is the one that offers the best results in fps rate and performance.

Both the Vega 7 and Vega 11 excel in performance compared to the more modest graphics cards we feature in this article. In games like CS:GO, Genshin Impact, and GTA V, they achieve average frame rates of 60 fps. Intel lags behind the 1030's performance with its UHD 750 and 730, although it outperforms the GT 730.

Conclusions

As you can see, it's very difficult to reach clear conclusions when it comes to performance, as multiple factors influence its measurement. However, integrated graphics cards are positioned as a good option for our budgets when we want to make a modest investment.

AMD's range delivers the best performance in this case, justifying the investment in a processor of this style rather than a combination of a processor and a basic dedicated graphics card. The Vega 7 and 11 ranges in particular will allow us to get started in the world of gaming without a huge investment.

If we later want to expand our PC with a higher performance graphics card, we can always opt for options like these graphics between €200 and €250 or some high end graphics card like the ones we analyze in this article.

As we will always be able to have a dedicated card in the future, the most interesting option in terms of performance and consumption are this type with dedicated graphics, where AMD has been doing very well for some time. And if what you are looking for are the best graphics cards for graphic design Here you have all the answers.

Now that you know the main differences between dedicated and integrated graphics, which one would you choose?