What is a discrete video card in a laptop?

A laptop is one of the most common devices that almost every modern person has. A huge number of users prefer them to traditional desktop computers. This is explained by the fact that a laptop is more mobile, and its technical characteristics are practically not inferior to a PC.

But not every owner of such a device has an idea of ​​all its components, which allow you to use many functions. For example, what is a discrete graphics card and how does it differ from other types? You will learn about all this in this article.

Types of video cards in a laptop

There are several types of video cards that can be included in laptops. Each of them has its own characteristics, which you should definitely know about when choosing a device for certain purposes.

Let's look at the types of these elements:

1. Integrated - such a card is built into the device’s motherboard or located in the processor. It is used during normal work, which does not require much energy and power from the laptop. This card does not have its own video memory.
2. Discrete - such a video card can be either built-in or removable.Its difference lies in the presence of its own video memory and some other features.
3. External - a card that is connected separately and housed in a separate case.

Modern laptops usually have two types of cards: integrated and discrete. The first is used when performing simple tasks, and the second is activated when launching games and other more “powerful” applications.

What is a discrete video card

So what exactly is a discrete video card? This is a card that practically does not use the laptop’s resources; it only receives all the necessary data from it. It is most often performed in a separate housing and significantly improves performance and also guarantees excellent image quality. It has a graphics adapter with special custom processors, which makes it even more useful when using a laptop.

Attention! The best option is a laptop model that has two types of cards. This is explained by the fact that at first only an integrated card is used, and then, if necessary, a discrete one is also connected. In this way, the most acceptable balance between performance and energy consumption is achieved.

Like any other card, a discrete one has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when choosing a laptop or a separate video card. Let's take a closer look at them.

Advantages and disadvantages of a discrete graphics card

Discrete and integrated cards differ on one point: one has excellent performance, but is quite energy-consuming, while the second, on the contrary, consumes less energy, but does not have a good level of performance.

The main advantages of a discrete video card are:

• the ability to update to the latest, most powerful version;
• the ability to play any media files in excellent quality;
• the ability to use multiple monitors at once;
• increasing the computing power of the device.

The disadvantages include the rather high cost of such a video adapter, as well as extremely high energy costs. In the second case, you should be careful - too much energy consumption can lead to excessive heating of the laptop, which will negatively affect its further operation.

How to switch to a discrete graphics card

Switching from an integrated card to a discrete card should occur automatically as soon as the device’s operating system understands that this is necessary and the built-in element can no longer cope with the given load.

But this doesn't always happen. The system is not perfect, so errors periodically occur that can significantly spoil the experience of using the laptop. What to do in this case and is it possible to switch from one card to another on your own?

There are several ways to do this: using firmware (it is installed simultaneously with the necessary drivers), through Windows tools, or through UEFL/BIOS. The procedures for such switching are not too complicated, so even a beginner who does not have in-depth knowledge in the field of technology can cope with the task. Detailed instructions are easy to find on the Internet.

It is also necessary to take into account your laptop model and manufacturer, as there may be minor differences in systems.

Now you know what a discrete video card for a laptop is, what it is needed for, and whether you can switch between discrete and built-in cards yourself, without waiting for the automatic transition. With the help of this knowledge, you will be able to choose the ideal laptop for yourself, which will be able to play any, even the most “heavy” applications and will have a high level of performance. This means that you will be able to watch videos in the highest quality, as well as play any games without disturbing graphics and other important parameters.