Do Motherboards Have Integrated Graphics?It is true motherboards DO NOT, in today’s modern world, have integrated graphics cards. But the great news is that integrated graphics are built into the CPU (not the motherboard).
This means the motherboard may look quite different and come with a variety of ports and connectors but when it comes to integrated graphics, the CPU DOES ALL THE WORK!
What Is Integrated Graphics?
Integrated graphics are your computer’s version of the two-in-one printer. It does all the same things as a stand-alone graphics card, but it shares memory with its CPU.
If you are on a tight budget, getting a computer with integrated graphics gives you all the power you need to get the job done. This is an economical alternative to stand-alone graphics cards but requires less computing power, making it a better option for modern and older computers.
Do Motherboards Have Integrated Graphics?
In the olden days, motherboards used to feature onboard graphics processing chips. Now, the days when motherboards came with an integrated graphics card are over. Today, they DON’T, as most modern motherboards do not feature an integrated graphics processor.
What Does Onboard Graphics Mean?
People often get confused with the term onboard graphics when they read the spec sheet. The spec sheet may have a section for onboard graphics, which is the sole reason for confusion. However, if you read the spec sheet further, it would mention that the onboard graphics is only supported by the CPU.
How To Know CPUs That Offer Integrated Graphics Card?
Not all CPU models have integrated graphics cards. So, finding a motherboard that supports your CPU’s video output may turn into an issue.
Note that if your CPU does not have an integrated graphics card, the motherboard video output ports will not work.
For those looking for inexpensive, yet powerful PCs, you should consider CPUs that come with integrated graphics. This type of chipset consumes less power and produces lesser heat, making it easier to maintain.
Most online content producers have discovered the value of integrated graphics and have been relying on them due to their affordability and usefulness.
Most modern desktop computers have integrated graphics built into the CPU (central processing unit).Whether you are using an AMD and Intel system, you will find the integrated graphics unit incorporated in the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Using an integrated GPU consumes lesser power, making it generate lesser heat. If you only surf web and watch videos or other simpler tasks, you should be fine with computers with integrated graphics.
Related: How to Connect Extra Fans To Motherboard
Intel CPUs With Integrated Graphics Cards
Intel processors have always been known to bring the best of performance when it comes to serious computing work.
As you look for a processor for your desktop build, you may not pay much attention to the integrated graphics card (iGPU) as you believe it will have no significant impact on your gaming experience.
But that would be wrong here, as looking at your laptop specifications will show you that the iGPU can have an enormous impact on gaming experience.
With Intel, computing is really simple because most of Intel’s CPUs feature iGPU. Only their CPUs with suffix ‘F’ have no integrated graphic card, e.g., Intel Core i5-10400F, Intel Core i7-11700KF, etc.
The only difference between ‘F’ series Intel processor and non ‘F’ series is the integrated graphics card.
The latest Intel CPUs feature Intel UHD 610, 620, 630 and 750 iGPU. Intel is one of the most popular brands in PC processors, be it a laptop or desktop. They are ranked second only after the AMD brand. That being said, when choosing an Intel processor, you should know that there are different classes/series of processors ranging from i3 to i9.
The flagship class gamers and enthusiasts often find themselves looking for PCs with quite powerful Intel i7 chips. These chips have hyper-threading technology which allows them to utilize more threads at any given time.
Another thing you should take care of while choosing your chip is the naming conventions used by Intel these days. For example, the 9000 series Intel chips are the mainstream performance family while 9200 series are the mainstream high-performance family.
The 9000 series processors feature 45W TDP and 4 cores and 8 threads while the 9200 series features 65W TDP and 6 cores and 12 threads.
AMD CPUs with Integrated Graphics Cards
If you use AMD, you know a handful of their CPUs feature an integrated graphics card.The AMD CPUs that feature iGPUare called Accelerated Processing Units (APUs).
The AMD CPUs that feature iGPU have ‘G’ suffix in their name, e.g. AMD Ryzen 7 5600G, AMD Ryzen 3 3200G, AMD Athlon 3000G, etc.However, ‘G’ series CPUs performance is weaker compared to their non ‘G’ series counterparts.
How Do The CPU Integrated Graphics Cards Perform?
The iGPUs are comparable when it comes to budget, performance and basic dedicated graphics cards good enough for video output.
The good thingis that the newer AMD APUs, especially the 4000 and 5000 series come with seriously enhanced dedicated integrated graphics.
The Vega 8 GPU featured in the Ryzen 5 and 7 APUs are said to be as good as some entry level dedicated graphics card from NVIDIA and AMD.
Their performance is superior to Intel’s integrated graphics cards, not only in terms of power consumption but also in terms of how long they can last compare to their PC counterparts.
Related: What CPU Is Compatible With My Motherboard
When Do You Need a Stand-Alone GPU?
When do you need a stand-alone GPU? When you are a gamer. With today’s most graphically demanding games requiring this kind of hardware, the need for a stand-alone GPU is here to stay.
If you are shopping for a PC and want to use it for gaming, ray tracing, graphic production or cryptocurrency mining, then you will need to add a stand-alone graphics processing unit (GPU). These specialized electronic circuits speed up the creation and rendering of images, videos and animations.
For a competitive gaming edge, you need a dedicated graphics card that is ready to do what you want. When it is time to take your gaming experience to the next level, I recommend a stand-alone GPU that does not share memory with your CPU
Unlike an integrated graphics unit, a stand-alone GPU has its own memory source and can run independently of the processor.
Things To Consider When Upgrading Your GPU
A graphics card (or GPU) is an integrated circuit that is capable of accepting digital video data and processing it to output a video signal.
Providing graphic displays, the GPU is a crucial element in any computer with a graphical user interface. If you are thinking of upping your graphics game, here are some factors to consider when looking for a new GPU.
- Memory: higher memory like 8GB GPU is better.
- Monitor resolution: A monitor with up to 1440p or more needs a higher-end graphics card
- Form Factor
- Cooling
- Refresh Rate: Higher refresh rate needs a GPU
- Power
- Shader Cores
- Bandwidth
How Do You Determine Graphics Card Compatibility With a Motherboard?
Before you embark on a motherboard and graphics card purchase, be sure that they are compatible.
There are several things to keep in mind when pairing these computer components including the design of both products and the types of connectors that they use. Here are things you should consider:
- Check the BIOS
- Take note of the Video Card Specs
- Size is important too.
How To Attach A GPU or Video Card To Motherboard?
First things first. Once you have found a compatible GPU, it is time to attach it to your motherboard. Sound scary? Do not worry, there are not any hidden wires or complex software that give you a headache.
Step 1: Put off Your PC And Locate PCI
Put off your computer, unplug it and locate the long PCIe x 16 slot on the motherboard – usually the first or second slot, very close to the processor heat sink.
Step 2: Unplug The Connected Cables And Unscrew
Replacing existing graphics card? You need to unplug the connected cables to it and then, unscrew it. If your motherboard has a small plastic latch, be sure to unlock it to safely remove the old card.
Step 3: Install The New Graphics Card
It is time to install the new GPU. Insert the GPU into the slot firmly and push it down he plastic latch to hold it in place firmly. Then, screw its metal retention to the PC’s case.
Related: Does it Matter Which PCIe x16 slot I Use
How Many GPUs Can Your Motherboard Support?
Can a motherboard support multiple GPU? Yes. Most motherboards can support two GPUs, while some can even accommodate up to six.
Most motherboards can support two video cards, but some only support one. If you want to use two video cards, you should check your motherboard’s user manual to see if this is supported.
The type of graphics card also has an impact—for example, a PCI-E x 16 graphics card will take up more space than a PCI slot, so if you want to install both types, you may find the second one will not fit in the slots available.
Remember that two or more video cardswill draw more power and produce more heat.
Conclusion
Do motherboards have integrated graphics? In the past, motherboards do have integrated graphics. However, the modern motherboards no longer have it.Nowadays, only CPUs come with onboard graphics.
If you are a gamer, you can use a stand-alone GPU that has own memory. To install a new GPU, you need to ensure that it is compatible with the motherboard.
