Do graphics cards make a huge difference?

Joey92

Reputable
Dec 26, 2014
22
0
4,510
Right now I have a Desktop with 8gb ram and a 4th gen quad core i7 pc with 3.6ghz. I would have expected it to run games on high-ultra easily, but that was not the case. My computer has Intel HD Graphics 4600, which is pretty bad. If I upgrade to a better graphics card such as the GTX 750 TI, will my results be drastically improved, or about the same?
 
Solution
Games will perform waaaay better. Intel HD Graphics are meant for things like web browser games and basic operations. It's not meant for full, 3D games.

You'll notice a huge difference instantly.

Aaayron

Distinguished
Oct 16, 2013
272
2
18,965
And if you want a full game experience, I suggest you get at least a mid-end graphics card like an R9 270x or a GTX 760. Cards like the one mentioned are usually entry level ones and would not be able to allow you to play at the best settings with the smoothest framerates in most games.
Also, it would do your i7 justice since that's a seriously powerful CPU.

If you're planning to buy one, maybe we can help you out if you're confused.
 

JKatwyopc

Distinguished
Good gaming performance is usually heavily dependent on graphics computing power and not just on the computing power of the CPU. The Intel Graphics 4600 is the built in graphics solution that is integrated into your CPU. If you are using that for gaming, your results will be pretty dismal because it's simply not designed for gaming. If you get an actual graphics card such as the GTX 750 TI you mentioned you will get much better results. However, that is not really a well balanced combination of CPU and graphics card. Check out this article: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html to get a better idea of what would serve your needs and decide what price range you are willing to step into. You need a well balanced system that takes into account the computing power of both the CPU and Graphics card, Memory Usage and storage speed and capacity. Additionally, Powerful CPU's and graphics cards require a lot of electricity and, therefore, require a higher quality Power supply that is capable of supplying plenty of current along with clean sustainable voltages. You may need to upgrade your power supply if you install a powerful, current hungry Graphics card. Keep that in mind when selecting your graphics card.
 

KingSaif

Distinguished
Jan 27, 2012
593
0
19,160
Yes, there is definitely a way. Here are PSU wattage recommendations for each card based on calculated values + ideal headroom : http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

But before you go searching for a PSU, decide on the card first. Here is a great website that you can use to compare the performances of different cards (anything below 60 FPS is laggy): http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1130?vs=1080

Just select two GPUs from the dropdown list and scroll down for the comparisons.

Lol I have the 4600 in my Z97-A and I was forced to use it while I was waiting for my 970. It was so awful, I couldn't even have like 6 taps open without lagging. :|
Since you have an i7, I'm assuming your budget would be fairly high. Because of that, I'd definitely recommend getting a GTX 970. It is the best card to get right now, right behind the 970, it's bigger brother, which avgs like 7-10 frames higher than it, but costs an additional $200. If you don't want to spend that much on the 970, try getting a 290, 280, or a 270x. Up to you ultimately, but report back if you want me to suggest some high quality PSUs. :)
 

chenw

Honorable
Also, your PSU's quality is as important (sometimes even more so) as your wattage. Big brands usually do not translate to quality PSU's (Corsair being the biggest example out of this. Their AX and HXi are good, their CX and RM, not so much).

Here is Tom's list of PSU tiers.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

I'd recommend at least a Tier 2B, but Tier 2A or Tier 1 is probably most idea for your rig.

Also, as it has been stated before, Games are actually not that dependent on CPU or RAM, they depend on GPU much more. A decent CPU and RAM (your 4th gen i7 is pretty high end for this, and 8Gb ram is the sweet spot. You can expect to get any GPU currently on the market and not worry about your CPU holding you back.

Current best value Mid-High GPUs are 970, 290x or 290. The latter requires a higher wattage power supply than 970.