What is a discrete graphic card?

[rahul_arora_32]

I have a HP G2 Core I3 Notebook PC, I recently wanted to update its drivers and went on to check the manufacturer's website(http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=5449369&swLangOid=8&swEnvOid=4158) . My Laptop already has Intel HD Graphics as I was already told but then I found Nvidia Geforce 820M in the Graphics Section but after the word 'Discrete' and I have no idea what it means. I further checked on the internet that the discrete one has way better graphics than Intel HD one's . Now my question is that does all of this mean that my laptop has Nvidia's graphic Card's hardware already in it or it just means that it supports it. I am actually a little low on budget for buying a graphic card because I would love to play all those games which my pc could not handle before. Tell me if its a blessing or I am just an idiot?

 

[jaguarskx]

There are likely versions of your laptop model with and without the GeForce 820m. You can download the following program which will provide you info about your laptop including if it has the 820m which would be listed under "Graphics". Low end graphic chips like the 820m are generally soldered into the motherboard. Also, there is no way to add it to a laptop without the graphics chip.

https://www.piriform.com/speccy/download

 

[velo3100]

A discrete gpu is a gpu that is used when a laptop is on load. This can range from photoshop to heavy 3d rendering to gaming. They are generally better than the igpu which are designed for low powered tasks like surfing the web, watching videos, etc.

Your current gpu is very weak and will be soldered on the motherboard. I would not get the dgpu and save up as the fps in games will not increase that much. Also to let you know, hp are not very good at making laptops that are designed for gaming. They are more of your general use laptop.