A Guide to Laptop Graphics Cards - Dedicated or Integrated

What decides the overall performance of your computer games and other graphics intensive programs is the GPU or Graphics Processing Unit. It is involved in all the things involving graphics, but has also turned out to be essential in performing general calculations in your computer together with the CPU. Wether it's a desktop or a notebook, it can be dedicated or integrated.

Regardless, there is a big difference between notebook and desktop graphics. This is chiefly due to the size constraints in a laptop. Notebook video cards are specially built to be housed in tight inner spaces. More often than not, this implies that both the size and the overall performance of the GPU unit will be substantially reduced in contrast to its desktop counterpart.

The most usual graphics components are built by Intel. These GPUs are mobile IGPs that are soldered directly onto the motherboard or part of the main processor. Intel is not the only manufacturer and they face competition from manufacturers like AMD/ATI and Nvdia, who also produce integrated graphics processors. However, integrated graphics are not at all suitable for gaming.

Desktops have expansion slots, making it uncomplicated to swap your graphics card for something a lot quicker. The same can't be said for laptops, which generally do not have this possibility.

While Intel is the most common, there are a good deal more capable gaming choices from other manufacturers. Let's first of all look at Intel. As a processor manufacturer, Intel's key goal is to produce machines with integrated cards that are energy-effective. Intel GPU/IGP units do not provide the same level of high-quality graphics as the other manufacturers. Even though they have improved in recent years, they are still not suitable for new 3D games.

Another player in gaming graphics is AMD. AMD produces both regular processors and GPUs, but the Radeon graphics line is the most sought afte among avid gamers. AMD produces both processors and GPUs under the AMD Fusion brand, but also discrete gaming video solutions. The other huge name in gaming video cards is NVIDIA. Both of these two companies are far ahead of Intel in GPU technology. Both of these manufacturers are great, so which one you decide upon need to be dependent on the individual mobile GPU.

There is no question that avid gamers should look only at NVIDIA or AMD when buying a gaming laptop computer.

In conclusion, we have learnt that, due to the minimal space, it is more or less impossible to swap the GPU unit inside of a laptop computer. In other words you must unquestionably pick out a laptop computer that is outfitted for high-end gaming from the get go. Go with a capable graphics card right from the beginning. Choose for a dedicated mobile graphics card and never ever an integrated option if you want to play 3D games. Which specific model you end up picking of course depends on your preferred price range.