A dedicated graphics card is an essential component for modern computers if you want to achieve high performance in games, graphics applications or professional use. They offer a number of advantages over integrated graphics, but require careful consideration when choosing one. This article gives you a detailed overview of dedicated graphics cards, their advantages, disadvantages and recommendations.
What is a dedicated graphics card?
A dedicated graphics card is a separate component in a computer that has its own graphics processor (GPU) and memory (VRAM). Unlike integrated graphics, which are part of the processor and share performance with other components, dedicated cards offer separate and optimized performance for graphics tasks.
A dedicated graphics card is designed for different levels of use:
- For gamers: provide smooth gaming at resolutions from 1080p to 4K with high detail
- For Creators: Support video rendering, 3D graphics work and other demanding applications.
- For professionals.
Benefits of a dedicated graphics card
- High performance
A dedicated graphics card offers unparalleled performance compared to integrated solutions. For example, NVIDIA RTX 4090 can deliver 4K gaming with ray tracing at over 60 FPS, while integrated graphics can only handle basic visual tasks. - Random Random Access Memory (VRAM)
A dedicated graphics card has its own memory that allows it to handle textures, graphical effects and large files. Modern cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX come with up to 24GB of VRAM, which is essential for professional applications and high-resolution games. - Next-generation technologies
Dedicated graphics card brings innovations such as ray tracing (realistic lighting and reflections), DLSS or FSR (intelligent resolution scaling) and support for AI acceleration. These features enhance the graphics and gaming experience. - Compatible with modern displays
With HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, the dedicated cards support high resolutions (4K, 8K) and refresh rates up to 240 Hz.
Disadvantages of a dedicated graphics card
Price
Dedicated graphics are significantly more expensive than integrated solutions. While entry-level models cost around €200, high-end cards like the NVIDIA RTX 4090 can cost upwards of €1,800.
Consumption
A dedicated graphics card requires a significant amount of power, which means the need for a powerful power supply unit (PSU) with a capacity of 650W to 1200W.
Heat
Powerful GPUs produce a large amount of heat, which can require robust cooling. In cheaper builds, this can lead to higher noise levels.
Size and compatibility
Some dedicated cards, especially high-end models, are large and can be a problem for smaller enclosures because they may not even fit. This is another factor to consider when thinking about a new graphics card.
How to choose the right dedicated graphics card?
When choosing a card, consider the following factors:
- Display resolution: If you’re gaming in 1080p, a card like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti will do. For 4K, an RTX 4070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is a better choice. If you’re looking for completely high-end – the NVIDIA RTX 4090 is the obvious choice.
- Use: For gaming, choose a card with good FPS and ray tracing support, while for professional work, choose cards with more VRAM.
- Budget. Cards like the AMD Radeon RX 7600 offer excellent price/performance ratio.
- Power supply and cooling: Make sure your power supply and enclosure can handle the demands of your graphics card.
Recommended dedicated graphics cards
We’ve selected examples of the best GPUs for each specific category based on price, performance, and usage.
| Model | Price | Performance | Usage |
| AMD Radeon RX 7600 | 300 € | 1080p gaming at ultra | Mid-range gaming |
| NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti | 850 € | 1440p and 4K with ray tracing | High-end gaming, creative work |
| AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | 1 100 € | 4K gaming, 24 GB VRAM | Professional and demanding applications |
| NVIDIA RTX A4000 | 1 500 € | Rendering, CAD | Professional graphics applications |
Dedicated vs. integrated graphics – comparison
Graphics cards are a key component for computer performance, especially in areas such as gaming, professional content creation, or demanding visualization. There’s a distinction between dedicated and integrated graphics, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs.
Integrated graphics cards
Integrated graphics cards are part of the processor (CPU) and use system memory (RAM) to render graphics. This type of graphics is commonly found in most basic and mid-range computers, especially in portable devices such as ultrabooks and some affordable desktop computers.
Lower cost: Integrated graphics are much cheaper because they are not separate components and share system memory.
Lower power consumption: Since integrated graphics don’t use their own memory or power supply, they consume less power, which extends battery life in portable devices.
For office applications, surfing the web and watching videos, integrated graphics are perfectly adequate.
Lower performance: integrated graphics don’t have dedicated graphics memory (VRAM) and can’t compete with dedicated cards for more demanding tasks like gaming, 3D modelling or rendering.
For professional graphic designers, video makers or gamers who require high performance, integrated graphics are not the ideal choice.
When to choose integrated graphics and when to choose dedicated graphics?
For casual tasks: if you use your computer for general office work, web browsing, multimedia entertainment and light graphics, integrated graphics are more than sufficient. It’s affordable and saves power.
For gamers and professionals: If you’re into high-detail gaming, video work, 3D modelling or other graphics-intensive applications, a dedicated graphics card is a must. It offers the performance and efficiency you need.
For mobile devices: for ultrabooks or portable devices where power savings and low cost are important, integrated graphics are the ideal solution. However, if you want to play games or work with professional tools on the go, look for portable devices with dedicated graphics.
Conclusion
The choice between an integrated and a dedicated graphics card depends primarily on your needs. Integrated graphics are suitable for casual users who need a computer for everyday tasks, while dedicated graphics are essential for those who need high performance for gaming or professional graphics applications.