Difference between integrated and dedicated?

[Deleted member 1694414]

So I was wondering... I read about integrated (BLANK) or dedicated (BLANK) and I never understood what that means. For example an integrated or dedicated GPU. I know it has something to do with using its own memory or the RAM but how does integrated or dedicated apply to other components?

 

[SkyBill40]

Integrated means that it's on board and part of the system and shares system resources whereas dedicated is a stand alone unit.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Integrated means it a chip soldered onto the motherboard. Dedicated or Discrete means it's a physical expansion card, installed into one of the expansion slots of the motherboard.

-Wolf sends

 

[endeavour37a]

An integrated GPU (iGPU) is part of the CPU that plugs into the CPU socket. A dedicated GPU is a card that plugs into the PCIe bus.

 

[spadam_2000]

Usually this means that you buy a separate component to supplement or replace the existing component (if there is one).

You mentioned GPUs, so some motherboards/CPUs come with an 'integrated' GPU. This means there is a video output built in to the motherboard allowing video without the need to buy a separate component. However, these are not very high-end, so when a consumer needs more graphics power, they install a video card. This is considered "dedicated", because that's essentially the sole purpose of the 'expansion' card. Yes, you are correct with mentioning that an integrated GPU would share the system RAM, in that case.

You could also purchase a standalone ethernet or wireless controller that would fit in an expansion slot, and you could use the same terminology. I've mostly seen it used defining graphics. You could also have a 'dedicated' storage controller as well.

Hope I have helped.

 

[Deleted member 1694414]

Integrated means that it's on board and part of the system and shares system resources whereas dedicated is a stand alone unit.

Thanks! I think this is the easiest definition to understand for a guy like me who is still learning how a processor works, lol.

So thanks again!

 

[bootcher]

Integrated graphics are embedded in the CPU, Intel had it's CPU's with the HD graphics and AMD had it's CPU's with its radeon integrated graphics.
Dedicated graphics mean they are a separate chip/videocard in the computer. For example an Nvidia card or an AMD card.
Usually a dedicated graphic card will perform better if compared to an integrated.
Between the dedicated cards both major chip makers offer good dedicated chips in different prices. Between the integrated graphics the AMD ones perform better, though Intel usually has a better performing CPU.