Discrete VS Integrated Laptop GPU: Which one to choose?

Aug 31, 2023

If you’re reading this, there is a good chance you’re in the market for a new laptop. And maybe while doing research and checking laptop specs, you came across terms like “discrete graphics”, “dedicated GPU”, “integrated GPU” … and you started wondering what exactly the difference is and which one is suitable for your needs.

This article aims to explain the two variants and provide some pointers on how to choose the one that best fits your needs.

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a printed circuit board responsible for processing image-related data. Long story short, it translates a series of electrical impulses into commands for the display, “telling” it which pixels should light up at a given time.

How does that work? It’s a very complex process, but we’ll simplify things and provide a general idea of the process.

Everything you do on your laptop — moving the mouse or pressing the buttons on your keyboard — sends information to the CPU (central processing unit, aka processor) for processing. Part of the data that the CPU receives is related to imagery. The CPU sends this information to the GPU. The GPU then translates that data into information that it then sends to the display. If you are curious to learn more, Intel provides more info about what GPUs are and how they work in the linked article.

A discrete or dedicated GPU, aka dGPU, is a graphics processor that is separate from the CPU chip. This type of GPU is usually used in high-end, specialized laptops designed for content creation or gaming. It’s powered independently from the CPU, allowing the CPU to work at its fullest processing capacity without sharing power.

Some examples of discrete graphics cards are AMD Radeon™ RX series or the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs.

Pros

Dedicated graphics are much more robust than an integrated GPU and are capable of handling heavy graphical tasks like content creation or gaming.

Since it’s not sharing power with the CPU, the processor can direct all its power to its own processes, therefore effectively boosting the CPU performance. That’s the reason why the CPU of a laptop with a dGPU can often outperform its equivalent in a laptop with only integrated graphics.

In addition, some powerful dedicated graphics cards feature ray tracing. This technology offers a superior viewing experience, especially while gaming or working with 3D content. If this sounds like something you do, you may want to seriously consider buying a laptop with a GPU that supports ray tracing.

It’s worth mentioning that many laptops that feature dedicated GPUs still do have an integrated graphics card built into the CPU chip. Such laptops can switch between the dGPU and iGPU. This functionality is enabled by an MUX switch, as featured in some higher-end gaming and creator laptops. When processing demands are low, the laptop will route the graphical processes to the integrated graphics card for the sake of efficiency.

In some cases, the display connection port — e.g., the HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort — is directly connected to the GPU, ensuing a speedy connection.

Cons

Since the dedicated GPU is powered independently of the CPU, the battery life can suffer. After all, instead of having to power one chip, there are two separate components that require energy to work. This is often customizable if MUX switch is available, however. Laptops equipped with MUX switch can stay very efficient when not processing heavy graphical tasks.

In addition, a discrete GPU requires more space — for the chip itself, as well as power components and cooling. That translates into a bit of added weight, and a bit of added thickness.

The most common type of laptop GPU is the integrated variety, aka an iGPU. Unless a laptop is built for heavy workloads, there is a good chance it has only an integrated GPU.

Such graphics processors are built into the same chip as the CPU, sharing power. They are perfect for handling most everyday tasks. Modern integrated GPUs are capable of executing some more advanced tasks, such as light content creation or casual gaming.

Examples of a popular integrated GPU would be Intel® Iris Xe graphics or AMD Radeon™ graphics.

Pros

The big advantage of an integrated GPU is its efficiency. It lives on the same motherboard as the CPU, therefore sharing its power. It also generates very little heat, which helps laptop performance by avoiding performance loss caused by throttling (a safe-switch in computer components that slows down their operation to prevent overheating and permanent damage).

An iGPU also takes very little space, allowing for extremely thin and light chassis. Laptops with only integrated graphics tend to cost less.

Cons

On the downside, integrated GPUs may not be able to handle some heavier graphics processes, such as video editing or 3D content rendering. Since it shares power with the CPU, when both are operating, neither is able to reach its full potential.

However, keep in mind that most everyday tasks, such as word processing or surfing the internet put very little strain on a GPU, meaning nearly all the power is directed towards the CPU for smooth operation.

Discrete GPUs are a must for content creators or gamers. When processing heavy files and executing complex processes such as video editing or 3D graphics rendering, or running the latest AAA game release, you will need all the power you can get.

And that goes for both the CPU and the GPU. If your CPU cannot perform at its best because it’s sharing power with the GPU, it could slow down productivity or games.

The vast majority of users will be perfectly fine with integrated graphics. If you are planning to use your laptop only for common tasks like browsing the internet, watching videos, working in the Microsoft Office suite, attending video calls, or even light gaming, an iGPU should be adequate.

An iGPU also allows for a thinner, lighter body, and may also enable a larger battery for increased battery life. These are key laptop characteristics for those frequently on the go.

Finally, if you are on a tight budget, you’ll want to opt for a laptop that features an iGPU. The iGPU means one less component and a less robust cooling solution, which results in a lower price.

Of course, you should not choose a laptop based solely on its GPU. Other important considerations are the CPU type, device weight and dimensions, display technology, and of course, price.

On the other hand, you need to keep in mind that the GPUs cannot be upgraded in a laptop. Users who need more power than their laptop GPU can offer will need to buy a new machine.

We often recommend that if you are on the fence between two laptops, opt for the one with higher specs. So, if you foresee yourself potentially needing a laptop that can handle heavier tasks in the future, investing in a laptop with more robust GPU and CPU can save you money in the long term.

Below are some excellent laptop options on offer from ASUS. Enjoy exploring!