Graphics cards are devices your PC needs to function properly and are indispensable when it comes to PC gaming. What if you don’t really need one because you aren’t into gaming? Is it feasible to put together a functional PC without a GPU? The answer is yes. In this article, we will show you how to build a PC without a GPU, what components you will need, and how to put them together properly. We will also discuss the limitations of a PC build without a graphics card.
In summary, you can actually build a PC without a discrete or dedicated graphics card if you don’t really need one. However, there are some things to keep in mind with respect to performance and productivity. We cover these in detail below.
Why Build a PC Without a GPU?
There are a number of reasons why someone might want to build a PC without a discrete graphics card. Here are a few examples of the most common:
Budgetary Restrictions
One of the priciest components of a gaming PC is the graphics card. Building a PC without a discrete graphics card can be a cost-effective method to get started in PC gaming if you are on a low budget.
Availability
Graphics cards might be challenging to locate or expensive to purchase due to strong demand and shortages. A remedy for this issue is to build a PC without a dedicated GPU. Your PC will still function by utilizing the inbuilt graphics processing unit on the processor.
Purpose
A discrete graphics card isn’t essential for everyone. You may not require one if you are building a PC for regular tasks, office work, or other non-gaming purposes.
Future Upgrades
If you intend to upgrade to a dedicated graphics card later, you can save money by building a PC using a CPU with integrated processor graphics and installing the graphics card later.
Benefits of Building a PC Without a GPU
There are several benefits to building a PC without a dedicated graphics card. Here are a few of the most important:
Reduced Price
Graphics cards, as previously said, are not cheap. You can save a significant amount of money on your build if you do not include a dedicated GPU.
Reduced Power Consumption
Graphics cards consume a lot of power. You can save both money and energy by building a computer without a dedicated graphics card.
Quieter Operations
Graphics cards produce a lot of heat; thus they require additional cooling. These cooling kits may generate a lot of noise. You can have a quieter PC by eliminating a discrete graphics card.
Components Required for Building a PC Without a Discrete GPU
You will need the following components to create a PC without a discrete graphics card:
CPU
Essentially, you need a CPU that includes an integrated GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Some processors include integrated graphics, which give good gaming performance but are not as powerful as discrete GPUs. Intel’s Iris Graphics/ HD Graphics and AMD Vega Graphics are integrated into their respective CPUs as the case may be.
Motherboard
Secondly, choose a motherboard that supports the CPU that you’ve chosen and has an HDMI or DisplayPort output.
RAM
Thirdly, you need RAM that is compatible with your motherboard and CPU.
Storage
You’ll need at least one storage device for your PC. You may use an SSD (Solid State Drive), an NVMe, or a regular mechanical HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
Power Supply
You’ll also need a power supply that can power your components and is compatible with your motherboard.
Case
You must select a case that is compatible with your motherboard and can house all of your components.
Recommended Intel PC Build without Discrete Graphics
NB: CPU Cooler included with Processor
Recommended AMD PC Build without Discrete Graphics
List of Intel CPUs with Integrated Graphics
- Intel Pentium Gold G6600
- Intel Pentium Gold G6500
- Intel Core i3-10300
- Intel Core i3-10100
- Intel Core i3-10320
- Intel Core i3-10105
- Intel Core i5-10400
- Intel Core i5-10500
- Intel Core i5-10600
- Intel Core i7-9700K
- Intel Core i7-10700
- Intel Core i9-10850KA Avengers Limited Edition
- Intel Core i9-10900
- Intel Core i9-10900K
- Intel Core i9-10850K
- Intel Core i5-10600K
- Intel Core i7-10700K
- Intel Core i9-10900K
- Intel Core i7-8700 OEM
- Intel Core i9-9900KS
- Intel Core i9-9900 OEM
- Intel Core i5-9600
- Intel Core i3-9100
- Intel Core i9-9900
- Intel Core i5-9500
- Intel Core i5-9400
- Intel Core i5-9600K OEM
- Intel Core i9-9900K
- Intel Core i9-9900K Standard Packaging
- Intel Core i7-9700K
- Intel Core i5-9600K
- Intel Core i5-9600K OEM CM8068403874404
- Intel Core i9-9900K OEM
- Intel Core i7-8086K
- Intel Core i7-9700K OEM
- Intel Core i5-8500T OEM
- Intel Core i3-8100T OEM
- Intel Core i5-8500 OEM
- Intel Pentium Gold G5500
- Intel Pentium Gold G5600
- Intel Core i3-8300
- Intel Core i5-8500
- Intel Core i5-8600
- Intel Core i3-8300 OEM
- Intel Pentium G5500 OEM
- Intel Core i7-8700K OEM
- Intel Core i5-8600K OEM
- Intel Core i5-8400
- Intel Core i7-8700
- Intel Core i5-8600K
- Intel Core i7-8700K
- Intel Core i3-8350K
- Intel Core i3-8100
- Intel Core i3-8100 OEM
- Intel Core i7-8700T OEM
- Intel Core i5-8400T OEM
- Intel Core i3-8300T OEM
- Intel Core i5-8400 OEM
List of AMD CPUs with Integrated Graphics
- Ryzen 3 2200G – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 3 2200GE – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 5 2400G – RX Vega 11
- Ryzen 5 2400GE – RX Vega 11
- Ryzen 3 3200G – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 3 3200GE – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 5 3400G – RX Vega 11
- Ryzen 5 3400GE – RX Vega 11
- Ryzen 3 4300GE – RX Vega 6
- Ryzen 5 4600GE – RX Vega 7
- Ryzen 7 4700GE – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 3 4300G – RX Vega 6
- Ryzen 5 4600G – RX Vega 7
- Ryzen 7 4700G – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 3 5300GE – RX Vega 6
- Ryzen 3 5300G – RX Vega 6
- Ryzen 5 5600GE – RX Vega 7
- Ryzen 5 5600G – RX Vega 7
- Ryzen 7 5700GE – RX Vega 8
- Ryzen 7 5700G – RX Vega 8
Building a PC Without a GPU
It’s time to build your PC now that you’ve chosen your components. A step-by-step tutorial for building a PC without a discrete GPU is outlined below.
- Step 1: Set up the CPU
Make sure your hands are clean and free of static electricity before installing the CPU. Remove the CPU from its package and gently insert it into the CPU socket on the motherboard, ensuring that it is properly aligned.
- Install the RAM in Step 2.
Insert the RAM sticks into the RAM slots on your motherboard. Ensure that the RAM slots’ clips click into position, securing the RAM sticks.
- Step 3: Set up the Storage
Install the SSD or HDD into your case’s drive bays, making sure it’s securely fixed.
- Step 4: Connect the Power Supply
Install the power supply in the right place in your case and secure it with screws. Connect the motherboard, CPU, storage, and case fans to the power supply cords.
- Step 5: Attach the Case Fans
Connect the case fans to the motherboard’s appropriate headers, making sure they are pointing in the right direction for optimal ventilation.
- Step 6: Connect the Front Panel Cables
Connect your case’s front panel connectors to the proper headers on your motherboard, including the power button, reset button, USB ports, and audio jacks.
- Step 7: Install the CPU Cooler
Install a cooler now if your CPU requires one. Chances are your CPU should have a cooler bundled together with the processor. Apply the accompanying thermal paste evenly on the CPU and use the screws to securely hold the cooler in place.
- Step 8: Connect the Display
Connect your monitor to your motherboard’s HDMI or DisplayPort output.
- Step 9: Test Your PC
Turn on your computer and check that all of its components are operational. You may need to access the BIOS to change parameters like boot order and RAM speed.
Congratulations! You have now built your own PC without the use of a dedicated GPU.
Concluding Thoughts
If you are on limited finances or only need to carry out simple tasks like web browsing and office work, building a PC without a dedicated GPU is a great option. With the right components and proper installation, you can build a PC that is cost-effective and capable of running your apps and perhaps some light gaming.
When selecting components for a PC build without a dedicated GPU, keep in mind the CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, power supply, and the case must be compatible. Follow our step-by-step approach to assembling your PC, and remember to test your components before using it.
Have a look at our build guides for different scenarios such as gaming, photo editing, 3D Rendering, CAD, Home Office, and more. Hope this article helped. Let us know in the comments section below.
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