Where is the video card in the laptop: what kind of video cards are.

There are several ways to restore the functionality of an old laptop. One of them is to increase productivity by updating internal elements. An easy way to improve graphics performance is to upgrade your graphics card. To do this, you need to know where it is located.

What graphics cards are

Video cards are divided into two groups - discrete and built-in. Both types can be used both separately and in pairs. Each group has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Integrated graphics cards

An integrated card, often called an integrated card, is not a separate card. It does not have its own memory, processor and uses the resources of the central core. Simply put, it is combined with the main processor. Replace this type of video adapter at home is not possible. Its minus is a noticeable decrease in CPU performance and overall performance.

Such cards are used in mobile PCs designed to solve the tasks of the average user. They cope well with video playback, “pull” simple games. Pluses of such cards:

• the price of a laptop with an integrated graphics card is lower;
• integrated video generates less heat, it does not need additional cooling;
• increases battery life, because it consumes less energy;
• does not require additional space in the housing.

Discrete graphics card

This type has its own processor and RAM. Everything is mounted on a separate board, which is installed in the motherboard slot. Using a discrete graphics card allows you not to reduce the power of the main processor and get high graphics performance. If you need to upgrade, it is by replacing the discrete card that you can achieve a significant increase in performance.

Cons of discrete cards:

• an independent board requires additional space in the case, due to which the size of the laptop increases;
• requires forced cooling, especially for high-performance chips;
• increase the cost of a laptop;
• reduce battery life due to high power consumption.

Reference! Discrete cards are suitable for those users who use a laptop for games, work in graphic editors and other tasks that require high graphics performance.

Some laptop models can use both types of graphics cards at the same time. But do not think that this gives a significant increase in productivity - the cards work in turn. A significant advantage of such a scheme is the ability to work without a discrete card, i.e. you can extract it and everything will work on the integrated graphics.

Integrated discrete

A new development of engineers, which is still rarely used. The card is a separate chip with its own memory. Such an adapter is installed directly in the loop of the central processor on the motherboard.

Where is the video card located in the laptop

Be it a discrete graphics card or an integrated one, they are located in the laptop case and have direct contact with the motherboard. To replace it, you will need to open the case, which is difficult to do without certain knowledge.

Reference! On YouTube You can find video instructions for disassembling most popular laptop models and replace the video card yourself.

Some manufacturers made sure that users had the opportunity to replace the discrete graphics adapter without completely disassembling the laptop and provided a special hatch. For such models, it is located on the back side and is attached using several screws with a hat under a Phillips screwdriver.