Is my graphics card onboard?

[corpse916]

What is the easiest or most efficient way of checking if your graphics card is an onboard one? What are the key differences between an Onboard and any other one? I have a desktop with an Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT. Is this an onboard graphics card?

[ratNukit]

You most likely have a dedicated video card, since as far as I know there is no 8500gt onboard any motherboard.

If you want to check the last 1 % open up your case and see if there is a card in it, if there is a card in the first top slot, you have a dedicated video card.

Onboard chips are quite limited in comparison to a real video card. Depending on the motherboard the chip has it's own memory or uses part of the computers ram to process graphics, the integrated chips are mostly for desktop use and watching movies, but depending on the chip, it can be too weak to play fullHD movies. Whereas a video card is for everything more advanced, like video and phtoto editing or gaming. Depending on what you plan to do with the computer the video card prices range from 30 to 200 $.

[XstollieX]

The easiest way with out opening the box would be to look at the back of the computer. If it is plugged into one of the expansion slots it is a dedicated card. If it is plugged into the computer real close to the p/s2 ports (mouse and keyboard) it is onboard.

[corpse916]

Thanks a lot guys!