The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the microprocessor that offloads and accelerates 2D or 3D graphics from the microprocessor. The GPU is the main cog that controls everything you see on the computer screen. At one time, most computers were built with integrated graphic GPU’s. As gaming and video output has increased and the technology has improved the quality of graphics, the integrated GPU was found to be less than optimal for some applications. Discrete graphic GPU’s were developed to support the advance of graphic quality. Let’s look at the difference between the two.
Discrete graphics means the GPU has its own dedicated memory to process graphics data. It is separate from the memory that supports other computer functions and does not process any other date, making its performance faster. It supports TV-out as well as multiple-screen display.
The integrated graphics card means the GPU is integrated or attached to the motherboard. The GPU shares the memory available with other computer functions, sometimes making the graphics display less than optimal. Integrated graphics GPU’s are far less powerful, and can seem slower than those on a dedicated video card.
For the everyday computer user searching the web, visiting web sites, utilizing programs for word processing and spread sheets, an integrated graphics GPU is just fine. Any loss of graphic quality and speed will be minor and not even noticeable to the unsuspecting eye. For the computer and gaming enthusiast who runs a high-definition video or video game, or the person who runs heavy duty graphic related programs, the difference will be quite noticeable. The flow of the graphics will not be able to keep up with the speed of the computer.
The cost of the discrete graphic card is more expensive than the integrated graphics card, right now, because the discrete graphics requires its own hardware and RAM to function. As technology improves, and it is improving every day, it will not be long before prices between the two will be compatible, and it will be just as economical to install a discrete graphics card as it is to install an integrated card today.
Unless you are into gaming and heavy duty graphics big time and that will be the primary use of your netbook, staying with the integrated graphics card might be your best decision.
Most original netbooks were built using the integrated graphics system. They were not intended to be used as work horses, and speed was not a priority. Unfortunately, the original netbooks are not upgradeable to a discrete graphics system, without building the entire machine from top to bottom and inside and out.
Netbooks today are upgradeable for the cost of a new graphics card and most new netbooks out on the market are being used as gaming books and heavy duty graphics machines. A drawback to using a netbook with a discrete card on battery and is the graphics will suck up the battery life quicker.
The new ION netbooks (such as ASUS Eee PC 1215N 12.1-inch netbook) will feature NVIDIA ION 2 graphics and the NVIDIA Optimus technology, which dynamically switches between the integrated Intel graphics and the higher performance NVIDIA ION graphics card graphics without any user intervention required. If you are using your netbook to watch Flash or HD video, or play a game Optimus will turn on the ION graphics. For other tasks, you will be using the integrated GMA 3150 graphics offered by Intel. This helps prolong your battery life while giving you the graphics boost you need when you need it.
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