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PC hardware forum: Need for Discrete Graphics card?

by: kokura845 April 4, 2012 12:10 AM PDT

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Need for Discrete Graphics card?

by kokura845 - 4/4/12 12:10 AM

If one primarily uses a Windows 7 desktop PC for websurfing, watching HD quality video via the internet or via a blu-ray player, in this day of integrated GPUs in intel core i7 chips does one really need a discrete GPU like the ones from AMD or Nvidia?

If a discrete GPU is considered a necessity, what's the minimum specs one should look for?


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None I see here.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 4/4/12 8:42 AM

In Reply to: Need for Discrete Graphics card? by kokura845

I own a prior lower class machine called the Lenovo y530 with the Core 2 Duo and the Intel 5400MHD video solution. It does HD just fine. Your machine has what I'm guessing is more than 2 generations newer so expect BD and HD play will be just fine.

The dedicated GPU is something gamers must have and then hard core "buff" Photoshop users may pine for such.
Bob


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When you need...

by Lee Koo (ADMIN) ModeratorCNET staff - 4/6/12 2:50 PM

In Reply to: Need for Discrete Graphics card? by kokura845

Discrete graphics card:

-- Video editing
-- Intense graphic or 3D PC games
-- CAD or 3D rendering programs

Integrated graphics card:
-- Web surfing and e-mailing
-- Microsoft Office stuff
-- Watching movies online or off physical discs

Just remember that your computer usage may change down the line and if you do go with a discrete graphics card it would hurt to have it...

Cheers!
-Lee


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