Reference Guide

• Integrated–Often referred to as on-board video card, it is integrated on the system board. In some computers, the video card is

integrated on the processor. Integrated video cards generally share the system memory (RAM) and the may also utilize the processor

to perform video processing.

An Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is integrated on the same die as the processor and provides higher data transfer rates while

reducing the power consumption.

• Discrete– Discrete video cards are installed separately on the systemboard. Discrete video cards have dedicated memory on the

cardsand generally provide higher performance than integrated videocards. These cards are best suited for graphic intensive

applications,high‑definition video games, and so on.

NOTE: When a discrete video card is installed on a computer that also has an integrated video card, the integrated

video card is disabled by default. Use the BIOS setup program to select which card to use.

Switchable graphics allow computers equipped with both a low‑power integrated graphics chip, and a high‑power discrete graphics card

to switch between either cards, depending on the load and requirements.

TV tuners

You can use TV tuners to watch television on your computer. TV tuners are available for desktop and laptop computers as internal or

external devices.

NOTE: TV tuners are not supported in all computers.

Internal

• PCI-E

• PCI

External

• USB

• PC Card

• ExpressCard

TV tuners are mostly standalone, however some video cards also have built-in TV tuners. For more information on using TV tuners, see

the documentation for the TV tuner.

Speakers

Laptops and tablets have built-in speakers for audio output. Desktops also have a built-in speaker. However, they are used only to produce

beeps to indicate errors or failures.

You can also connect external speakers to your computer or tablet. Speakers may support 3.5 mm audio connector, USB, or wireless

connection to your computer.

Speakers are generally categorized by the number of audio channels they support such as; 2, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, and so on. The digit before the

decimal point indicates the number of channels and the digit after the decimal indicates the sub-woofer.

About your computer