🎮 Do You Really Need a Graphics Card? (Part 4 of the 'How Not to Get a Rubbish Computer' Series)

Graphics cards (also known as GPUs – Graphics Processing Units) are one of the most talked-about parts of a computer. But do you actually need one? Let’s cut through the confusion. 🧠💡

This is Part 4 of our 'How Not to Get a Rubbish Computer' series – practical advice for choosing the right tech without wasting money. 🚀

🖼️ What is a GPU and What Does it Do?

A GPU handles all the images, video, animations, and graphical effects you see on your screen.

There are two main types:

Integrated Graphics – Built into the CPU. Handles basic tasks like web browsing, office work, YouTube, Netflix, etc.

Dedicated Graphics Card – A separate component designed for much more demanding visual tasks.

💡 Who Actually Needs a Dedicated Graphics Card?

You should consider a dedicated GPU if you:

✅ Play modern 3D games 🎮✅ Edit 4K video or work with visual effects 🎬✅ Do 3D modelling, CAD, or architecture work 🧱✅ Use AI, machine learning, or crypto mining 💻⛏️

For everyone else – especially for general office use, admin, or even watching 4K video – integrated graphics are absolutely fine (and save you money).

🛒 Practical Buying Tips

🔹 If you don’t need one, don’t buy one – they add cost, use more power, and can make your system noisier.🔹 For casual gamers or creators, look at mid-range GPUs like NVIDIA GTX 1660, RTX 3050, or AMD RX 6600.🔹 For pro users, go for RTX 4060/4070 or AMD RX 7700/7900 series.🔹 Check your power supply and case size – high-end GPUs need space and wattage.

📌 Quick Tip: Check What You’ve Got

If your display cable (HDMI/DisplayPort) is plugged into the motherboard, you’re likely using integrated graphics. If it plugs into a separate slot lower down, that’s your graphics card.

🔮 Future-Proofing Advice

If you think you might take up gaming, video editing, or other graphics-heavy work in the near future, it may be worth investing in a mid-range GPU now.

But don’t get lured into overspending “just in case.” If your use is light now and likely to stay that way, skip it.

📢 Need Help Deciding?

Not sure whether a GPU is right for you? We’ll help you work it out and avoid wasting money on the wrong setup.

📧 Email us: hello@kalidus.com 🌐 Visit our website: www.kalidus.com 📞 Call us: 01904 952 265

📌 Next up: Displays, Sound & Ports – The Overlooked Essentials (Part 6 of the 'How Not to Get a Rubbish Computer' Series)