In the world of gaming, having a high-end graphics card is often seen as a necessity. However, not everyone has the budget or the need for such powerful hardware. Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy gaming without a dedicated graphics card. Whether you’re waiting for prices to drop, dealing with hardware shortages, or simply looking to game on a budget, this guide will help you get started.
Leverage Integrated Graphics
Modern CPUs often come with integrated graphics, which can handle many games at lower settings. Intel’s UHD Graphics and AMD’s Vega series are surprisingly capable. Here are a few tips to get the most out of integrated graphics:
- Adjust Game Settings: Lower the resolution and turn off or reduce graphics settings like shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing.
- Update Drivers: Ensure your integrated graphics drivers are up to date for the best performance and compatibility.
- Optimize Your System: Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources.
You can check out our guide on how to best optimize graphics settings for best performance while playing video games.
Explore Cloud Gaming Services
Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Google Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming allow you to play high-end games on low-end hardware by streaming the game from powerful servers.
In this specific guide, we will dive into NVIDIA GeForce NOW since it is the most stable and comprehensive service so far. We tried it ourselves and we will save you the hassle and trouble: it is the best service there is.
NVIDIA GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming service that allows you to play games you already own on various digital platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. This service streams games from powerful servers, enabling you to enjoy high-quality gaming on devices that might not have the hardware to run these games natively.
Supported Games
GeForce NOW supports over 1500 games, including more than 100 free-to-play titles. This extensive library covers a wide range of genres, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer.
Plans and Pricing
GeForce NOW offers three membership plans (correct for 24th August 2024):
- Free Plan:
- Session Length: 1-hour sessions.
- Access: Standard access to servers, with ads.
- Cost: Free.
- Priority Plan:
- Session Length: Up to 6-hour sessions.
- Access: Priority access to servers. No ads.
- Performance: RTX ON (ray tracing enabled,) up to 1080p Resolution and Up to 60 FPS.
- Cost: €10.99/month or €54.99 for 6 months.
- Ultimate Plan:
- Session Length: Up to 8-hour sessions.
- Access: Priority access to the best servers. No ads.
- Performance: RTX 4080-class performance, 4K resolution, 240 FPS, and RTX on.
- Cost: €21.99/month or €109.00 for 6 months.
How to Get Started
- Sign Up: Create an account on the GeForce NOW website.
- Choose Your Plan: Select the plan that best suits your needs.
- Download the App: Install the GeForce NOW app on your device or use a supported browser.
- Link Your Game Libraries: Connect your existing game libraries from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or Ubisoft Connect.
- Start Playing: Launch the game from the GeForce NOW app and enjoy high-quality gaming without the need for a powerful GPU.
GeForce NOW is an excellent solution for gamers looking to play high-end games on low-end hardware, offering flexibility and performance through cloud technology.
Optimize Your Operating System
A well-optimized operating system can significantly improve gaming performance. Here are some tips:
- Disable Startup Programs: Reduce the number of programs that start with Windows to free up resources.
- Use Game Mode: Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in Game Mode that prioritizes gaming performance.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your system clean and updated. Regularly defragment your hard drive and clean up temporary files.
You can check out section 3 in our guide on how to optimize settings for Squad 44, which is relevant for all games and will help you to optimize your Operating System for every game.
Conclusion
Playing video games without a graphics card is entirely possible with the right approach. By leveraging integrated graphics, exploring cloud gaming, optimizing your system, and considering other upgrades, you can enjoy a satisfying gaming experience without breaking the bank. Happy gaming!
