How to Identify the Integrated Video Port on a Dell Desktop Computer
Summary: This is a quick and simple guide to help you identify which ports on your desktop computer use the integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Identify which ports use added hardware such as dedicated graphics cards with their GPU and memory. You can read through the following information for methods that help you correctly identify the video ports. ...
Instructions
Table of Contents:
- How to identify the integrated video port on your desktop computer
- How to identify the video ports on a dedicated graphics card fitted in your desktop computer
If a card has been fitted since the desktop shipped from Dell or you are considering fitting a dedicated card, ensure that the card is:
- Higher rated than the integrated GPU it is replacing
- It has a selection of ports for setting up multiple displays
- Fits in your chassis correctly for proper cooling
- Does not draw an excessive amount of power from your Power Supply Unit (PSU)
How to identify the integrated video port on your desktop computer
Every type of port and connector is identifiable by both it is color and it is shape. It is useful to be able to visually identify the various ports and connectors you see on your computer. The following link shows a guide with pictures of every port and connector on a Dell computer. (The guide has a section that deals with video and graphics ports. For example: Everything from legacy ports, through Video Graphics Adapter (VGA), Digital Video Interface (DVI), DisplayPort (DP), High-Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) to the latest Thunderbolt ports.) See the guide for referencing when identifying what the different ports and connectors are:
The next step is to identify which ports are physically part of your devices motherboard. (This includes the integrated video port.) The motherboard gathers all the input and output ports directly connected to it into a rectangular strip on the back of your computer.
Look at the rectangle that is the back view of your computer. Whether the device stands upright (vertical) or flat (horizontal) on the desk, the motherboard runs along the long axis of your devices rectangular back. As do the strip of ports that project out from the motherboard and are accessible from the rear of the desktop computer.
Dell also provides a Quick Start Guide for all Dell computers. This guide shows a diagram with all the ports and important features on your device. The diagram is marked with legends and numbers that relate to a list that shows what each marked part is. You can download this guide from the following link. (Remember to either enter the service tag or select the model type of the computer you want the guide to.)
By understanding that when your device is standing upright or on its side that the motherboard is orientated along the long axis of your computer. By employing the visual guide provided, you can identify any additional graphics ports and which port is integrated to the motherboard.
How to identify the video ports on a dedicated graphics card fitted in your desktop computer
A dedicated graphics card with its powerful GPU and dedicated Video memory is a common upgrade to many desktops. Newer cards connect using the Peripheral Component Interface express (PCIe)) port while older cards use the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)) port.
Dedicated video cards can upgrade your device to the best possible graphics output. It can be confusing to determine which ports and connectors are going to be the best ones for you to use. (The common rule is to use the most recent type of port that your display and card both support. This is because as newer ports and standards are developed they add features and functions that older ports cannot support. Graphics technology is in a state of constant improvement as new standards come out.)
You can identify the different ports by checking what they look like and matching them to known port types. The following link shows a visual guide to every port and connector on a Dell computer. Use this guide as a reference when identifying what the different ports are:
You can use the following links to find out more about the benefits and limitations of the various video ports available:
- What Are the Differences Between the White Digital DVI and Blue Analog VGA Ports on My Dell Graphics Adapter?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the DisplayPort on a Dell Computer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the HDMI port on a Dell Computer
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Thunderbolt ports on a Dell Computer
There is a difference between Dedicated Video and a Dedicated Video Card.
Dedicated Video is a video GPU chip on a motherboard, in addition to the integrated GPU. (Mostly seen in Desktop All-in-One or Micro computers. It is a permanent part of the motherboard.)
A Dedicated Video Card is an external card with a video GPU and video memory installed on the card. The card itself can be added into a desktop using the motherboard expansion slots. (The card may take up more than one of the expansion slots available. It is removable if you want to upgrade to a better card later.)
Look at the rectangle that is the back view of your device. The expansion slots run along the short axis of the rectangular back of your computer, as does any card fitted to an expansion slot. No matter whether the chassis is upright or on its side, you follow the short axis to identify expansion slots and added on dedicated cards.
Depending on the chassis type of your desktop, some expansion slots come in a smaller size than regular slots.
These two types of slot are termed full height and half height. (They both run along the short axis of the chassis.)
This can affect the type of card that can be fitted and you must check that your card fits your chassis before purchase.
The Dell Quickstart guide mentioned in the first section helps you to identify where the expansion slots on your particular computer are located.
In particular, remember that if the port is on a card, then it can be removed from the device. The integrated GPU is part of the motherboard and cannot be removed, but it can be disabled in the BIOS. (Remember what our recommended best practices are when removing or fitting any parts to your computer.)