How to use Integrated Graphics? Difference between Integrated vs Dedicated GPU

Various types of Graphic cards are available. Some we categorize as discrete GPUs, and some as Integrated Graphic Card(GPU). Integrate Graphics has many benefits for users. 

It allows users to take advantage of the enhanced performance using the same slot on the motherboard.

We can use it by changing the setting in your computer software. Here we discuss different facts about Integrate Graphic Cards.

How to use Integrated Graphics?

Using integrated graphics to drive your display is a great way to save power and system resources. The first step is to open up the display settings on your computer.

You can do this by either opening the control panel or going into the settings of your computer. You will need to find the “Display” option and click it. In the display settings, you can select which type of graphics card you use: Integrated Graphics or GPU. 

Selecting Integrated Graphics will help you to use your i-GPU. Thus, driving your display from i-GPU rather than using your dedicated GPU. 

There is an increase in performance and battery life for laptops that use i-GPU. You can configure each in the display settings menu if you have many shows connected to your computer.

What Integrated Graphics Means?

Integrated graphics refers to the built-in graphic processing unit (GPU) on a computer’s motherboard or CPU. It handles basic graphical tasks such as displaying images, videos, and text. 

People use this technology for intensive graphical applications such as gaming. Integrated graphics are generally less powerful than dedicated GPU cards. 

They offer many advantages, such as lower cost, less power usage, and smaller physical size than dedicated GPUs. They are best suited for everyday tasks. 

For example, they watch movies and play basic games on the internet. Integrated graphics is an efficient way to provide essential graphical performance.

What is a Dedicated Graphics Card?

A dedicated graphics card is a type of graphics card that you can install on a desktop or laptop computer as an extra device. It is also known as a discrete graphics card, as it is separate from the central processor and has its memory. 

Dedicated graphics cards made by Nvidia or AMD have their GPU, RAM, and other components. A dedicated GPU provides better performance than an integrated graphics card with a computer. 

In gaming, a dedicated GPU produces better frame rates and higher resolutions. For tasks such as video editing or 3D modeling, having a dedicated GPU can make your workflow smoother and faster. 

A dedicated GPU can help your computer render more and improve performance.

Difference between integrated vs. Dedicated GPU:


There are many differences between these two technologies. Some of these are:

  1. iGPU consumes less power, but Discrete Graphic Cards consume much power. 
  2. iGPU increases the Laptop’s battery life while a dedicated GPU lessens it. 
  3. Integrate Graphics uses the CPU’s memory, while a dedicated one has its dedicated memory.

Related Reading

How to Switch to an Integrated GPU?

Switching to integrated graphics is a great way to save power and money. You need to disable the dedicated GPU in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI control panel.

 In most cases, you can find a setting in the control panel that says something like “Preferred Graphics” or “Use the Dedicated GPU.” Set this option to use the i-GPU instead of the dedicated GPU.

 Once you have done this, you should enable the Integrated graphics through your PC’s control panel. This might involve navigating to an option called “Integrated Graphics” and ensuring it is allowed. 

Once these steps are complete, your PC should use an i-GPU instead of the dedicated GPU.

How Do You Disable Your Integrated Graphics?

To disable your integrated graphics, you must identify what type of iGPU you have. This is present in the BIOS settings of your motherboard. Once identified, you can right-click on it.

If you have a discrete GPU, such as a graphics card plugged into a connector on your motherboard, then it should take over as the primary source of the Graphic.

 To ensure this, hit the separate GPU into a dedicated port. Never shares the port of an integrated card. Once the i-GPU is disabled, the separate GPU should take over as the primary source for graphical processing.

Can you use the GPU and APU at the same time?

Yes, you can use both an APU and GPU at the same time. An APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) is a processor that combines a CPU and GPU on the same die or package.

It can power the CPU(Process complex calculations) and GPU(Render graphics). Both an APU and GPU working together can provide enhanced performance.

Both pieces of hardware work in tandem to maximize productivity and performance.

Read APU vs CPU vs GPU and the best combination.

Is iGPU important for gaming?

The integrated GPU (iGPU) is important in modern gaming. The central processor handles all the graphics and video output for games—an iGPU works in conjunction with a discrete GPU. 

The discrete GPU is more powerful than the iGPU. It allows for better graphics processing, but without an iGPU, you would not have any video output. 

An iGPU provides the necessary frame rates and visuals required for modern gaming. The iGPU also offers features such as PhysX and DirectX 12 support. Both are important for gaming performance.