Graphics card?

[tommy]

I am researching parts for a new PC and have decided on an Intel Comet Lake Core i5 10400 with integrated graphics on an ASUS PRIME H410M-A MATX motherboard with an integrated graphics processor. This is so that the current monitor with a DVI-D port can be used.

The PC is to replace a much older machine and will mainly be used for word processing, internet, light photo editing and viewing Google Earth. I am now wondering whether the integrated graphics will easily handle the latter or whether I should really be considering getting a graphics card? If so, which one? Reviews say it handles certain games with no issues but it won't be used for gaming at all.

Thanks.

[chiefnz]

It "should" be fine, if that's all you're doing. You might be hard pressed to get a GPU that still has DVI (you might have to go to a GTX970/980Ti).

You monitor is likely going to stop you from getting a recent GPU given it is DVI, the last series (nVidia anyways) which had DVI was the 9xx series and most of those usually only had 1 DVI, though most GTX 970s did come with 2 DVI's.

But as I mentioned, if you're not going to be doing any heavy graphics lifting you should be fine.

Cheers,

[pcuser42]

It's worth noting that HDMI to DVI adapters are very cheap as they use the same signalling, so DVI on the PC might not be a requirement

[dugimodo]

DVI is still pretty common on the cheaper cards, I have a 1030 and a 1650 I just got to replace it and both have a DVI port on them still.
You can always add a graphics card in the future if it turns out to be needed so there's not much to lose in just giving it a go without.

In my personal experience if you aren't gaming integrated graphics are perfectly capable for most uses.

The only issue I have had is hardware video decoding videos using newer codecs with older integrated graphics, which is why I got the 1030. The 1650 upgrade was to allow a bit of gaming to happen and added just because I could.
My tiny cheap dual core media PC has somehow morphed into a 6 core mini gaming PC

Edit, A Ryzen 3400G might be worth a look. 2 less cores and a bit less CPU performance but much better graphics for a similar price. Really depends on whether CPU or GPU is more important to you

[tommy]

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful. Since I don't see the need to replace the current monitor at this time its good to know that the integrated graphics will be sufficient for now and I can add a graphics card later if necessary. I was originally intending to go for the Ryzen 3400G but they are out of stock. Worldwide supplies are also very low hence the switch to Intel.

[tommy]

I should probably start a new thread but with regards to getting Windows 10 Home, I'm wondering why its ~$10 cheaper to get a copy on DVD rather than USB? Am I missing something or is one more preferable than the other?

[dugimodo]

Makes no difference, all you need is a valid key. Better to download the latest version with the media creation tool and use that rather than actually use the DVD or USB.
I bought a grey market key off Ebay last time myself, cheap but maybe a bit dodgy.

[tommy]

Makes no difference, all you need is a valid key. Better to download the latest version with the media creation tool and use that rather than actually use the DVD or USB.

Thats good to know, thanks.

[tommy]

Just thought I would update this thread to say that the new PC works extremely well with the integrated graphics without a graphics card. It is lightening fast, including when using Google Maps and other maps on the internet. Very happy with the system.