A video graphics board is a physical graphics adapter—usually called a graphics card or video card—that contains a GPU and supporting hardware to help a computer produce visual output. The GPU is the processor on the board, not technically the whole board. A computer may instead use integrated graphics, which do not require a separate card.
What does a video graphics board do?
The board connects graphics-processing hardware to the rest of the computer and to a display. Its GPU handles graphics-related work such as rendering images and scenes. That processing can support everyday display output as well as gaming, video work, visual effects, design, and other demanding creative tasks.
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A graphics board is an assembly: it incorporates the GPU along with the supporting components and connections needed for it to operate in the system. Intel explains the distinction this way: “Much like a motherboard contains a CPU, a graphics card refers to an add-in board that incorporates the GPU.” Intel’s GPU explainer describes the GPU as the processor and the graphics card as the board that contains it.
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Is a GPU the same as a graphics card?
Not quite. A GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the graphics processor. A graphics card or video graphics board is the physical card that carries a GPU and supporting hardware. In casual conversation, people sometimes use “GPU” to mean the whole card, but the terms refer to different things technically.
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Microsoft puts the GPU’s role simply: “The graphics processing unit (GPU) in a Windows device handles graphics-related work.” Its GPU overview also describes integrated and discrete graphics.
What is the difference between integrated and discrete graphics?
Discrete graphics
A discrete GPU is provided as a separate graphics card. In a desktop PC, the card plugs into the motherboard. This arrangement can provide graphics processing for heavier workloads, including demanding games, design, and video editing, but generally uses more power than integrated graphics.
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Integrated graphics
An integrated GPU is built into the computer platform rather than installed on a separate graphics card. It can be more power-efficient and is sufficient for many everyday tasks, as well as some gaming and light editing. Whether it is enough depends on the workload and the computer’s design; the term “video graphics board” does not mean every computer needs a separate card.
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These names overlap. “Graphics card” and “video card” are the familiar consumer terms for a discrete graphics board; “graphics adapter” and “video adapter” are also used for graphics hardware. Terminology references list variants including “video board,” “graphic board,” “display adapter,” and “graphics board.” Those terms do not change the key distinction: the GPU is the processor, while a discrete graphics card is the add-in board that incorporates it.
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Older computer terminology described a graphics adapter as a video adapter able to display graphics as well as alphanumeric characters. Modern explanations are clearer when they distinguish the GPU from the complete card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does a computer need a separate graphics board?
No. A computer with integrated graphics can handle display output without a separate card. A discrete graphics board is relevant when the computer’s intended work calls for the capabilities of a separate GPU, and whether one can be used depends on the system design. For a basic definition, the important point is that graphics processing may come from either integrated hardware or a discrete card.
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