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Discrete graphics card for home PC?

Tags:
  • Graphics
  • Desktops
  • Graphics Cards
  • Internet
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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March 12, 2014 7:39:13 AM

If a desktop PC is only used for Internet browsing, emails, listening to music and watching HD video, does it need a discrete graphics card or can it get away with the integrated one?

More about : discrete graphics card home

a b U Graphics card
March 12, 2014 7:41:17 AM

integrate work fine in your case.
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a c 148 U Graphics card
March 12, 2014 7:58:06 AM

Integrated is typically fine. Though, I have found PC's that are only a few years old are starting to have issues with video and other general media type content. Even a low-end discrete card is sometimes nice. However, generally speaking the newer integrated video will get you where you need to be.
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March 12, 2014 8:14:43 AM

Integrated is enough for everyday things like you said you will use it for:
surfing, email, maybe watching some videos

No you do not require one, however "if you feel the need for speed" when watching Netflix and want to go with a discrete, then that is fine.
In fact, I think I still have an old HD6570 that would work fine. That's the ideal discrete card as it's only $40 or so. Mine is still in great condition, and if you want it, you're welcome to have it.
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March 13, 2014 8:55:06 AM

jay2tall said:
Integrated is typically fine. Though, I have found PC's that are only a few years old are starting to have issues with video and other general media type content. Even a low-end discrete card is sometimes nice. However, generally speaking the newer integrated video will get you where you need to be.


xxthunder256xx said:
Integrated is enough for everyday things like you said you will use it for:
surfing, email, maybe watching some videos

No you do not require one, however "if you feel the need for speed" when watching Netflix and want to go with a discrete, then that is fine.
In fact, I think I still have an old HD6570 that would work fine. That's the ideal discrete card as it's only $40 or so. Mine is still in great condition, and if you want it, you're welcome to have it.


Dumb question: how would a discrete graphics card improve video consumption? I can understand its use in games, but in videos? Would it improve their quality?
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March 13, 2014 9:02:15 AM

Some tasks like Netflix use hardware acceleration, and in places like these, a more powerful gpu is better and is what you want to have.

Quote:
but in videos? Would it improve their quality?


Hardware acceleration does not improve quality, but the stability and speed of the video.
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a c 148 U Graphics card
March 13, 2014 12:17:15 PM

It helps process the video faster. I have issues with some general video streaming online as it consumes a lot of CPU (core2duo t7500). Even on an older laptop with a dedicated card it performs better with the same video. However, on newer integrated graphics it works much better. Just something to keep in mind. For general use integrated graphics should be fine on newer CPU's.
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