Integrated Motherboard: A Cost-Effective Solution or a Performance Sacrifice? Check out the Advantages and Disadvantages Here!

2. Parents at Home

To watch Netflix, access social media, or read the news.

3. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Internet Cafes

A system that is efficient in power usage, low cost, and sufficient for cashier, administration, or light gaming needs such as Point Blank or Dota 2 with low settings.

Electricity Saving = Your Monthly Bill Is Light.

One of the advantages of an Integrated Motherboard is its excellent energy efficiency.

Energy Usage Comparison:

  • Integrated PC: On average, only requires ≤150W
  • Gaming PC (with Split GPU): Can reach ≥500W

With 6–8 hours of daily use, this energy saving can significantly lower your monthly electricity bill, an ideal solution for households as well as small offices.

Easy, Ideal for Those Who Don’t Want to Be Hassled

The integrated system is very easy to maintain and use, as all the main components are designed to be compatible with each other from the start.

It is suitable for lay users, parents, or small business owners who don’t want to bother with technical matters or routine maintenance.

Disadvantages of Integrated Motherboards — Warning for you!

Integrated motherboards do offer affordable prices, but the advantages are often not worth the limitations that come with them. Let’s discuss its three main drawbacks in depth.

1. Gaming? Forget!

If you like AAA games or competitive games that require high graphics, then the Integrated Motherboard is not the right choice.

Benchmark Results:

  • Intel UHD Graphics 730 can only run Genshin Impact at 720p, 30fps resolution at low settings.
  • Meanwhile, the RTX 3050 can play the same games at 1080p, 60fps at high settings.

With an integrated GPU, the gaming experience is often limited, laggy, and less immersive. Heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Call of Duty Warzone are almost impossible to play well.

2. When You Need an Upgrade, You’ll Regret It

One of the main drawbacks of integrated motherboards is the very limited upgrade support, especially for components like GPUs and additional coolers.

True stories like Rina, a design student who had to replace an entire system because she wanted to upgrade the GPU, are real proof of this problem.

Issues such as few PCIe slots, inadequate VRM, or incompatible electrical power often make the upgrade process not only tricky but also worth building a new system from scratch.

3. Overheating: The Silent Enemy

Because all the essential components are integrated into a single board, the heat circulation becomes denser and more difficult to control. This increases the risk of overheating, especially in small cases or hot rooms.

Mitigation Tips to Reduce Heat:

  • Install additional fans, such as the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition, for a significant increase in CPU airflow.
  • Use a well-ventilated or air-conditioned room, especially if the PC is used for extended periods, such as streaming, editing, or multitasking.

Overheating not only degrades performance but also shortens the life of components and risks causing permanent damage to the motherboard.

Choosing Guide — Customize to Need!

One computer system cannot meet everyone’s needs. When choosing a motherboard, do it as you would choose a car: adapt it to your personal needs, not just follow what’s trending.

Consider the specifications you need, such as the ability to play games, do heavy work, or perform daily use. This way, you’ll get the right motherboard to support your activities optimally.

Answer These 3 Questions Before Buying!

Before buying an Integrated Motherboard or system with a dedicated GPU, you should answer the following three important questions:

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