Types of graphics cards: find out what’s best for you

The graphics card is a key component of any computer that greatly affects its performance and capabilities. Whether you’re a gamer, a professional working with 3D graphics, or a user who needs stable performance for common tasks. Choosing the right graphics card can greatly affect your computing experience. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of graphics cards, their advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations so you can choose the best one for your needs.

Basic types of graphics cards

Graphics cards can be divided into two main categories: integrated and dedicated graphics cards. Each of these categories has its own specificities, advantages and disadvantages that correspond to different types of users.

Integrated graphics cards

Integrated graphics cards are built directly into the processor (CPU) or motherboard. They are ideal for common tasks such as browsing the internet, watching videos, working with office applications and even some casual gaming. Modern CPUs, such as the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, often include integrated graphics chips (such as Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Graphics) that can offer surprisingly good performance for basic use.

Benefits of integrated GPUs:

• Price: integrated graphics cards are affordable because they are part of the processor.
• Consumption They consume less power, which is especially advantageous in portable devices.
• Simplicity: No additional installation of components is required, making it easier to configure the computer.

Disadvantages:

• Limited performance: integrated graphics cards are not suitable for demanding tasks such as rendering videos, working with 3D graphics or playing modern games.
• Shared memory: They use system RAM, which can slow performance when multitasking.

If you only use your computer for simple tasks like working with documents, emails, or watching YouTube, the integrated card is perfectly adequate. For example, when working on an ultrabook with Intel Iris Xe, I had no problem with even basic HD video editing.

Dedicated graphics cards

Dedicated graphics cards are standalone components that plug into a PCIe slot on the motherboard. They have their own graphics processor (GPU) and memory (VRAM), which allows them to achieve much higher performance compared to integrated solutions. Dedicated graphics cards are designed for more demanding uses such as gaming, working with graphics programs, 3D modelling or video editing.

Benefits of dedicated GPUs:

• High performance: ideal for demanding applications and games.
• Dedicated VRAM: Dedicated cards have their own memory, allowing for better handling of large files.
• Flexibility.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Dedicated graphics cards are more expensive and can increase the overall cost of the computer.
• Power consumption: they require a more powerful power supply and produce more heat.

If you play modern games or work with graphics-intensive programs, be sure to reach for a dedicated card. For example, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 allowed me to smoothly edit 4K video in DaVinci Resolve while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings.

Graphics cards by application

Choosing the right graphics card depends on what you plan to use it for. Below is a breakdown of the most common uses.

Gaming graphics cards

Gaming GPUs are optimised for the best possible gaming experience. Their performance enables realistic textures, fast real-time processing of game scenes and smooth gaming at high resolutions. Some of the best gaming graphics cards include models such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT.

The main features of gaming GPUs:

• Ray tracing: realistic lighting, reflections and shadows.
• Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology.
• NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync ensure smooth, jerk-free gaming.

I used the NVIDIA RTX 3070 gaming PC while playing Witcher 3 at 4K resolution. Not only did the game run smoothly, but the lighting in the scenes was realistic thanks to ray tracing.

Professional graphics cards

These GPUs are designed for professionals who work with 3D modelling, CAD, rendering or scientific computing applications. The most well-known professional graphics cards include the NVIDIA Quadro RTX and AMD Radeon Pro series.

Main features of professional GPUs:

• Certification: optimized for applications such as Autodesk Maya, Blender or SolidWorks.
• Large VRAM capacity.
• Reliability.

When working on large-scale animations in Autodesk Maya, the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 allowed me to render quickly without any system crashes. For a professional, this reliability is invaluable.

Multimedia (general-purpose) graphics cards

For casual users who need a computer for work, entertainment and occasional gaming, there are affordable mid-range cards such as the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6600.

Key features:

• Sufficient performance: ideal for Full HD resolution and less demanding tasks.
• Great value for money.

If you’re looking for a versatile card that can handle everything from streaming Netflix to simple photo editing in Adobe Lightroom, the GTX 1660 Super is a great choice.

Graphics cards by cooling type

Graphics cards can be divided by cooling type into active (air-cooled), water-cooled, hybrid or passive cooling. Each type offers different advantages and is suitable for different applications.

Active fan cooling (open-air design)

Graphics cards with open-air design are among the most common and are popular for their excellent price/performance ratio. They use 1 to 3 fans and a robust heatsink to efficiently cool the GPU and dissipate heat into the system.

The downside is the spread of hot air in the case, which can affect the temperatures of other components. However, this problem is easily solved with good case cooling. Open-air cards are ideal for a wide range of uses, both gamers and professionals, thanks to their efficient cooling and low noise.

Graphics card water cooling

GPU water cooling is designed for demanding users, mainly because of the high price. It transfers heat from the GPU using liquid through hoses to a radiator with fans that provide efficient heat dissipation. The pump provides circulation of the liquid, but can be a point of failure with long-term use.

Although water cooling allows lower temperatures and stable performance, its complexity and high cost make it unsuitable for most users. For mainstream needs, air-cooled cards are a simpler and more reliable choice. However, water cooling remains attractive to professionals and enthusiasts looking for maximum performance or aesthetics.

Hybrid GPU cooling

Hybrid GPU cooling combines the benefits of air and water cooling into one system. This type of cooling uses a fan to dissipate heat from less demanding components and a water circuit to efficiently cool the GPU chip that produces the most heat.

Hybrid cooling is ideal for users who want a quieter, more powerful system without the need to install full water cooling. It is popular among gamers and content creators alike who require stable performance even under sustained loads. Although this type of cooling is more expensive than traditional air solutions, it offers significantly better temperatures and lower noise levels.

Passively cooled graphics cards

Unlike actively cooled GPUs, they do not use fans, but rely on heat sinks and efficient heat distribution through passive cooling fins. As a result, they operate completely noise-free, which is especially appreciated by users in HTPC setups or office applications. Their main advantage is a longer lifespan, as they have no moving parts to wear out over time. However, due to their limited ability to dissipate heat, they are particularly suitable for less demanding tasks and undemanding graphics processing.

How to choose the right graphics card?

Choosing the right graphics card depends on a variety of factors that you should consider before making a purchase. The first step is to determine what the card will be used for. If you’re a gamer, you’re looking for high-performance graphics for smooth gaming in 4K or VR. For professional users who are into graphic design, video editing, or 3D modeling, a card with a high CUDA core count and ample VRAM is key. For casual users who don’t plan to perform demanding graphics tasks, a basic model with less power will suffice.

In addition, you should also consider compatibility with your computer, especially when it comes to the interface (such as PCIe), the physical dimensions of the card, and power requirements. Don’t forget about cooling – powerful graphics cards can generate a lot of heat, so it’s important that your card has sufficient cooling

Price is also a significant factor, as high-performance models are generally more expensive. Consider your budget and find a balance between price and performance to suit your needs. There are three main graphics chip manufacturers on the market – Nvidia, AMD and recently Intel joined them with their first ARC gaming card models. It is ideal to compare GPUs with similar specs from each of those manufacturers and choose the one that best suits your requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about which manufacturer dominates the market and what the individual advantages are between their cards read on as well: AMD, Intel or NVIDIA: Which manufacturer leads?

Conclusion

Graphics cards are a key component of any computer, and different types of graphics cards can make a big difference to your experience. Consider your needs and budget and choose the graphics card that best suits your requirements. Whether you choose an integrated or dedicated graphics card, it’s important to remember that the right choice can give you optimum performance and longevity from your computer.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions