Now that we are in a new year, you may find yourself wanting to upgrade your older computer technology. After memory upgrades and operating system updates, you realize that you are ready for a new tower. The first question you may ask yourself is: What do I hope to get out of this machine? People use their computers for a variety of needs ranging from surfing the web, checking emails, Facebook, as well as gaming, graphics and animation, and powerful photo editors. As a result, with each person there will come a separate set of hardware required in order to utilize the strengths of the machine most efficiently. One key component that requires a lot of attention is the graphics card.
What is a graphics card?
In short, a graphics card (display card/video card) is a peripheral that allows images to be displayed onto the monitor. There are two types of graphics cards: Integrated and Dedicated. In addition, graphics cards allow users to use multiple monitors and TV output.
So what’s the difference?
Integrated graphics are installed on the motherboard of both laptop and desktop computers. As a result, they cannot be removed. While they offer good graphics at lower costs, in the event of damage, the entire motherboard may need to be replaced. This can be quite expensive and complicated and contacting your local computer repair company is ideal. Dedicated graphics cards are much larger, expensive, and more times than not require separate coolers in order to prevent overheating of the computer. They do, however, provide superior graphics and processing powers, allowing the card to function without using vital system resources. They are also transferable and replaceable.
In order to determine which card suites you best, you have to ask yourself what kind of computer user you are.
Basic Users
If you consider yourself any of the following: a novice, not very technologically sound, or too old for this. In this case, you probably would be best suited for an integrated graphics card. They take up a lot less space, allow the system to run cooler, and are much cheaper.
Intermediate Users
If you mainly perform basic computer tasks, but other users of the machine get involved in video/picture editing and occasional games, you may want to consider a dedicated graphics card. Check the system requirements of the programs that you use in order to make the best decision.

Advances Users
If photo editing and graphics are your most common computer tasks, a dedicated graphics card is absolutely necessary. You still may be able to use an integrated card, but definitely would improve your overall efficiency with a beefier more memory intensive graphics card.