Integrated Graphics On The Motherboard Question

Robert11 · 03 Nov 2015

Hello,

Am about to look into purchasing a new desktop PC.
No gaming; just normal Sr. Citizen stuff; internet, playing with photos of Grandkid, etc.

Seem like most of the ones in my price range of $ 700 or less come with what is apparently
integrated on the motherboard graphics. No separate graphic card.

About a year ago my graphics card fan on my HP Desktop conked out, but I was able to replace it very easily with a cheap $40 one. Worked just fine again.

If it was all on the Motherboard, I guess I would have had to scrap the whole PC ?

Am I missing anything, and what are your thoughts regarding a new Desktop PC
with "integrated graphics" ?

Thanks, as always,
Bob

AddRAM · 03 Nov 2015

The graphics chip is now combined with the cpu, they are very good, but a good video card will always be better.

ThrashZone · 03 Nov 2015

Hi,
Like you said graphic's cards are easy to add later and or replace as you have already done

Just make sure you don't get a mini or compact pc because they limit what cards if any can be added later
Plus the compact pc's have very poor cooling and very small power supplies

Good rule of thumb is to buy at a minimum 2.5 Ghz processor Intel quad core would be best

AMD would be the lesser priced units

If you want feedback on a particular computer post a link to it here and we can take a look see :)

wasnotwas · 03 Nov 2015

I can only speak for Intel desktops - the graphics integrated in the cpu chip are quite amazing nowadays. I have an i7 4770K and the on-die graphics copes easily with Photoshop, HD TV and video, Cinema 4D (3D design). I also have a cheaper i3 and even that chip can drive 3 HD monitors with no separate gfx card.

I'd say the OP will be fine with integrated graphics for general use, but as I said - my experience is only with Intel desktops.

edit : re 'would have had to scrap the whole PC ?' I'm referring above to cpu's with integrated graphics. In the very unlikely event of cpu failure, it's a simple chip swap.

RoasterMen · 03 Nov 2015

AMD's Integrated Graphics is also good, but it's been hold back because of the processor being a bit slow. Intel made a huge improvement with their graphics.

Mellon Head · 03 Nov 2015

The advantage of AMD is that it's about half the price of Intel.

The drawback is that it's about half of the performance of Intel.