
Do I Need a Graphics Card?
When buying a new work computer, it’s easy to get lost in the list of add-ons and configurations. Knowing which upgrades are beneficial and which are unnecessary can make for an overwhelming purchasing experience. Chief among these questions is whether or not to add a dedicated graphics card or GPU (graphical processing unit). In this blog we’ll discuss what exactly a graphics card is, what they’re used for, and if you would need or benefit from one.
What is a Graphics Card?
Graphical processing units (GPUs), or as they’re more referred to, graphic cards, are pieces of hardware designed to handle specific computation regarding computer graphics. They are specialized, physical circuits installed in every computer but can come in different sizes and shapes depending on their capability.
Dedicated vs. Integrated Graphics
Most computers have integrated graphics cards, which are graphics cards that are directly attached to the motherboard and cannot be removed. Integrated graphics draw power from the motherboard and assist the CPU by processing graphical operations. Typically, these cards provide the minimum necessary capabilities, and when attempting to handle more complex graphical processes, the computer can slow or fail to complete them.
A dedicated graphics card is designed to handle more complicated operations without burdening the rest of the computer. It contains its own processing unit to better support the CPU, often its own power supply, and often fans to keep it from overheating. These cards are what most people refer to when they discuss graphics cards. Their powerful capabilities make them premium pieces of hardware, but not everyone will take advantage of their capabilities.
What are Graphics Cards Used for?
The most common use case for a graphics card is for rendering the graphics of video games, but they have many uses within the workplace as well. Most commonly, they are required to run 3D rendering and design software such as AutoCAD and Blender. They’re also beneficial for video editing and rendering, helping you seamlessly playback videos during editing and render videos faster. Finally, they’re useful for complex software development work that requires a high volume of matrix multiplication, such as neural networks.
Can I Upgrade my Device?
Now that you know more about graphics cards, you may be wondering if you will need to purchase a brand new device or simply install a graphics card in your computer. Not all computers have a slot or space to add a dedicated graphics card, but Abstract can help you find out. Drop by Abstract to make use of our free 1-hour diagnostics to see if your computer is capable of adding a graphics card.