integrated graphics

integrated graphics

Building the display circuitry for a computer directly on the motherboard rather than on a separate, plug-in card (the "display adapter"). Integrated graphics typically shares memory with the CPU (see shared video memory) and provides a more economical alternative to the stand-alone card, which is known as a "discrete graphics" or "dedicated graphics" card.

From Integrated to Discrete Graphics
Discrete graphics cards always provide the most advanced display circuitry and are especially desired by avid gamers who constantly desire more and more realistic visualization. However, for the average user, the display circuit built into the chipset of the motherboard is more than adequate and also getting better in coping with the demands of high-definition video.

However, desktop computers with integrated graphics can be upgraded to discrete graphics by plugging a display adapter into an empty PCI Express or PCI slot on the motherboard. The integrated graphics is then disabled by changing a setting in the BIOS or by changing a jumper on the motherboard. See display adapter.