Do I need a graphic/video card???

[aarons10]

Hello all,
I am a first time builder and have heard different things from different people about a graphics/video card. I want your opinions. I am using this computer for general use such as surfing the web, tasks i need to do for school, streaming videos, and watching dvd movies on it. I am not a gamer, but will play the occasional online game. This is the motherboard I am getting. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
My question is do I need to purchase a graphics card for what I am going to be using it for? Are there benefits to having one even if I don't game? If I do need a graphics card, what is a good option to go with, brand price etc. Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you!

 

[clarkjd]

According to the description details on Newegg, that board doesn't have onboard graphics, So you will either need a graphics card, or an Intel processor that has graphics integrated in the CPU. There are some Intel CPU's that do not have integrated graphics (I5-2380P, 2450P). As Intel integrated graphics are not considered "gaming quality", I would recommend getting a CPU with at least HD4000 graphics. What CPU were you planning on getting?

 

[aarons10]

I am planning on getting this CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
I believe this does have one integrated in it, will this alone be sufficient?

 

[bavman]

No you will not. H61 and Z68 chipsets are designed for LGA 1155 processors and can use their integrated graphics chip to run a display. No discrete card is required. P67 on the other hard is unable to use integrated graphics and DOES required a discrete card

 

[clarkjd]

I am planning on getting this CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
I believe this does have one integrated in it, will this alone be sufficient?

That would be sufficient.

I think I would spend a little more and get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

It has the HD4000 integrated graphics , is clocked faster and uses only 77 watts as opposed to the 95W 2500K

 

[aarons10]

Thanks. Would there be any benefit to getting a graphics card in my case if I have the money? or getting the better CPU would be the better option?

 

[clarkjd]

Thanks. Would there be any benefit to getting a graphics card in my case if I have the money? or getting the better CPU would be the better option?

Nearly ANY discrete graphics card will outperform the integrated graphics in a gaming scenario. If all you are going to do is surf the internet or watch pre-recorded videos, then you can get away with using integrated graphics, particularly the HD4000 graphics. The only caveat to check is to make sure that your motherboard will support the 3570K without a BIOS update, otherwise, you would be better off getting the 2500K. According to the ASRock website:
http://www.asrock.com/mb/cpu.asp?Model=Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3
It requires BIOS level P2.10 to support the 3570K.

 

[lycros]

IMO all the parts being linked are all overkill for what he is wanting to do.

 

[clarkjd]

IMO all the parts being linked are all overkill for what he is wanting to do.

Ya gotta have a little overkill, or you will wind up buying a prebuilt from Dell or HP.