Do You Need a Graphics Card for Gaming?

Unlike gaming on your console, PC gaming often revolves more around the components than it does the individual gaming unit. In order to find a great unit for your gaming interests, you have to look into your gaming computer’s build to know whether it meets the minimum requirements to suit your play. Consoles can be pretty straightforward, usually featuring a selection of games that are designed specifically for a unit.

So, what components will you need to look into when you consider the best gaming PC for your needs? The CPU, GPU, RAM and storage capacity are considered key factors to help gamers find a rig that suits their needs. The build and connectivity options often play a big part as well. But why is there a lot of focus on your CPU, and especially the GPU? Do you need a graphics card for gaming? Can an integrated GPU rival a dedicated alternative? Will more graphics cards increase your computer’s performance for games? How will you know if your GPU is right for your needs? We look into your gaming unit to help you understand this critical component.

The Advantages of Using a Graphics Card For Your Gaming PC

Your graphics card is essentially a specialized video and image processor that pack its own RAM chips. It is built to take a load off the CPU when running  games and entertainment. Not everyone will need a graphics card, thanks to light duty gaming titles that will work well with integrated  graphics, but having one will help you gain some advantages in your gaming and regular use of your pc. Here are the top key reasons why you should consider a graphics card for gaming.

Graphics cards improve your gaming experience

Your video card is a crucial component if you enjoy heavy duty gaming. Most titles on offer will have very tasking demands on your CPU, with some even featuring specialized content designed for  the video card. If you are looking to enjoy high end gaming, then a graphics card is a must have component for your gaming PC.

Improved system function

Your graphics card will improve the output of your gaming pc for all kinds of needs. From gaming to enjoying content in high definition, a great graphics card will be a value component for your rig. This chip will reduce the demands on your CPU, allowing for faster operations and less lag times. The component will also free RAM, since it features its own built in memory that allows other operations to run at maximum efficiency. The performance peak is noticeable in 3D applications and software beyond your games as well, which facilitates a better HD and video experience.

Should You Consider Multiple Graphics Cards For Your Gaming PC?

Even gamers who only enjoy light to medium duty gaming with their units may find value in graphics cards. The right GPU for your unit will allow you to run games, create content and customize your entertainment around your pc. We recommend having a graphics card on your gaming unit.

But will your gaming unit run multiple cards? You computer needs a compatible motherboard and  either AMD’s or NVIDIA’s graphics solution options to help connect both cards and channel them into producing linear output. The desktop case should also have sufficient space, with both cards needing to be linked with a bridge connector.

Gaming pc with multiple graphics cards will benefit from enhanced resolution and frame rates, as well as high end output on multiple displays. Multiple cards allow for a lot more monitors, which may be part of an immersive gaming experience. With cards being produced after every year and a half, the upgradeability of rigs with multiple cards will also allow gamers to stay ahead of the system requirements of the highest end gaming titles in the market at any time.

Multiple graphics cards come with a cost to value responsibility. If you engage in high end gaming, then multiple cards could be ideal. If you do not take up very heavy duty gaming, having multiple cards could be an unnecessary expense.  The increased quality of output will also raise your power consumption rates, which means you have to check your system’s wattage compatibility and allow for a slight increase in consumption rates.

If you are looking to run high quality games on heavy settings with multiple displays and experience no lagging, then a graphics card is a must have tool for your gaming PC!

How To Install Your Graphics Card

Some gamers will be able to update their gaming rigs by simply installing a standalone graphics card in an available expansion slot. This may allow for the possibility of multiple cards, which could be a great boost for some gamers. If your computer does not have an expansion slot, you may have to consider replacing your video card with a newer model.

If you have both a video card and integrated GPU, as well as multiple graphics cards, your computer will generally use the more powerful processing unit to run tasks first. This can be configured to help users maximize the output  of their gaming rig. If you  tend to run medium to light duty games, having multiple cards could be pointless as a result of this reason. Still, thanks to the customization available and guaranteed output of multiple cards,  it may be the right option for some.

Final Word

So, do you need a graphics card for gaming? Depending on the type of games and intensity of your sessions, an integrated graphics option could still be a viable option for some gamers. However, if you are looking to enjoy high quality gaming in a richer experience, then a dedicated graphics card could be a great choice for your needs. Some experts will even suggest having multiple GPU, which can  work to improve the quality of gamers running  very heavy duty games with high frame rates and on multiple displays. With the right GPU for your needs, you could take gaming to the next level.