A discrete graphics card is a type of computer processor that is responsible for the display on the screen. A typical graphics card consists of a graphics processing unit (GPU) and RAM. Some video adapters still use system RAM.
GPU
A GPU is a microchip specifically designed to handle 3D graphics. It is essentially the "brain" of a discrete graphics card. The GPU interprets a series of binary instructions known as machine code and converts them into a signal on the monitor. This algorithm includes line-by-line creation of frames on the display, filling in pixels, adding lighting, texture and color. These actions involve a lot of mathematical calculations. The GPU performs the necessary calculations, reducing the load on the central processing unit (CPU) and freeing up RAM that can be used for other purposes.
Performance
Several factors affect the performance of a discrete graphics card. One is the core clock, which is measured in cycles per second, or megahertz. This parameter determines the speed at which the video card performs its primary task. Memory frequency determines how quickly information is distributed in GPU blocks. Some high-performance video adapters exceed processor performance by an order of magnitude.
Discrete and Integrated Graphics Cards
An alternative to a discrete graphics card is an integrated video adapter. In the first case, this element is a separate microcircuit that is mounted on the computer motherboard. An integrated video adapter is built into the processor or motherboard.
Both configurations have their own advantages and disadvantages. With a discrete graphics card, the system has tremendous processing power, but consumes a lot of electricity. The integrated video adapter performs only basic functions. It may be suitable for some graphics applications, but is generally less powerful and slower than a discrete graphics card.
Application
The integrated graphics chip can be quite suitable for web browsing and basic office applications such as word processing. But for high-performance applications, a discrete graphics card is required. A negative factor in such an application will be a strong heating of the motherboard and a reduced runtime from the UPS. However, if you work with demanding applications, a discrete graphics card will be the only option. You can install two types of video adapters on the same computer, which will allow you to switch between them if necessary.
