Do I need a dedicated graphics card

Finally upgrading my desktop. Selected a Dell that I want but the only question is do I need a dedicated graphics card? I am NOT a gamer. The only processor heavy app that I run is Paint Shop Pro X4. So...

- the Intel HD Integrated Graphics should work fine right? (the option is a Nvidia GForce GT 625 1GB GDDR3)

- and if I do not get the Nvidia card now I can always add a card of choice later, right?

 

My question would be color depth and accuracy. How accurately does the Intel HD graphics represent the colors you choose during your work. Would they look the same on paper as they do on screen? As a former DTPer, I know how critical WYSIWYG is.

 

Check the specifications on your computer, you will need a PCIe slot to install a graphics card. Or you can post your model and we can check for you.
BTW if you are running Windows 7 with aero interface you will want a graphics card.

 

Today's low end graphics are far and above better than most older graphics scenarios that had issues with matching prints to screen. You'll still never get it exact as one is a light emitting display and the other is a reflected print, but most people edit in the Adobe RGB or sRGB color spaces and both of those are well tuned for today's computers. It's more critical to adjust your monitor properly as most manufacturers set the video card's output to a slightly blue tint which is easier on the eyes if you've got to read text on a white background all day, less eye strain. But once you have it calibrated it's usually good for years, something LCD screens have over old CRT monitors which needed to be recalibrated every 6 months in some cases.

I have PSPX6, X5, X4, X3, X and 9. They doesn't use any extra GPU power for any tasks. Corel's Aftershot Pro does use GPU processing power (when available and set to do so) to process images on output faster. Corel's Video Studio is GPU intense, but I never did get it to work properly. But PSP benefits more from RAM or faster Hard Disks or even better an SSD.

 

Intel® HD Graphics frequently asked questions

I have an Intel Core i3-4330 processor with HD Graphics 4600.

The Windows Experience Index for this processor is:

• Desktop performance for Windows Aero - 6.6
• 3D business and gaming graphics performance - 6.6

What is the Windows Experience Index?

edit:
I did not mention that 6.6 is the Base Score for the Win Exper. Index