Last week I was giving a webinar presentation and mentioned enhanced performance for QuickBooks Desktop by having a graphics-card with dedicated memory (generically referred to as VRAM), in contrast to the typical 'on-board' graphics found in many computers. I attempted to give a brief response, but later I thought this might be a suitable topic for a 'Techno Topic Thursday' feature.
Graphics cards with on-board memory, like GDDR#, RAM can improve the performance of computer applications with significant graphical interface features. At the same time, these cards can also improve overall computer performance by freeing-up the computer's general memory performing short-term and cache functions.
Computer_CPU_GPU
Most computers come with standard ‘on-board’ graphic cards. The term ‘on-board’ implies they are part of the ‘motherboard’ of the computer. Most Intel-based computers will have Intel graphics on the motherboard. These graphic cards generally rely on memory available from the overall memory of the computer. (Note: In a few instances, some may have dedicated memory as an option).
Graphics card
In contrast, supplemental graphics cards will typically come with a minimum of 2 GB of GDDR memory, and in some cases significantly higher RAM values depending on the feature set of the card (such as the number and type of monitors to be driven by the card). Early on, these graphic cards were used for sophisticated graphic programs such as computerized design, graphic arts, drafting, or video or photographic editing. Soon thereafter, they became the favorite of ‘gamers,’ and even low-end computers were developed with high-end graphic cards for such gaming purposes.
Now let’s talk about how optional graphic cards (rather than ‘on-board graphics’) with dedicated (graphic) RAM can impact QuickBooks. To do this, we need to define one important term, ‘QuickBooks.’ In this case, we will define QuickBooks as four separate configurations. First, QuickBooks Desktop in the local environment. Second, QuickBooks Desktop in a Remote Desktop or Hosted environment. Third, QuickBooks Online via a Browser Connection, and... Fourth, QuickBooks Online via the Windows App for QuickBooks Online.
QuickBooks Desktop
Substantial advances have been made in the QuickBooks Desktop application over the last few years. As more and more features have been added, many of those features have taken the form of new enhancements that make use of graphic programming languages and interfaces. Features of this nature demand increased RAM memory to operate fluidly. This is one reason why the RAM requirement for QuickBooks has increased significantly over the last few years as well.
While Intuit does not require users (in the form of system requirements) to install a graphic card on their computer to be able to use QuickBooks, installing a graphics card with on-board memory can make your QuickBooks experience smoother. A system with 2GB or 4GB of dedicated graphics memory on the video card should facilitate these newer enhancements, and result in a more ‘fluid’ display of data, especially any data which is updated across the internet (like the new Invoice Tracker feature).
Most on-board graphics rely on the computer’s overall RAM (memory), if RAM is low or under high-demand, graphics may suffer. Installing a graphic card with its own RAM will free up the (general) computer memory that the graphics would otherwise be using, making that memory available for other tasks. This means that the overall computer performance can be improved by the installation of a graphic card with dedicated memory. Additionally, because the graphic memory is typically faster responding for graphic-related functions, both the computing and graphic functions will show enhancement.
QuickBooks Desktop in RDS/Hosted Environments
Our concern is the user’s experience, and while there are significant hardware and software methodologies that the RDS or hosting environment can employ to accelerate performance, we want to look at how a graphics card can enhance QuickBooks on a client-basis. We won't be discussing the 'server end' technologies or operations.
Whether you are logging-in to a RDS server via your local area network, or across the internet to a hosting company providing QuickBooks (Desktop), you are doing so in either case via a web browser. Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge can all tap into the dedicated memory and processing capabilities of your graphics card, to improve page rendering times. Many hosting companies will rely upon some form of compression in rendering your QuickBooks requests, they must be decompressed before they are displayed at your end. With a high-quality graphics card, you’ll probably run into fewer unwanted glitches or stutters during that process, therefore the application will seem more responsive.
QuickBooks Online (via Browser)
In this case, we are dealing with a web-based application on a server in which the displayed data on your browser is undergoing compression at the server and decompression on your computer. As with the QuickBooks (Desktop) on an RDS or Hosted Server, the ability of the browser you are using, Intuit recommends Chrome for QuickBooks Online, to access and make use of the dedicated graphic processing and memory features of a high-quality graphic card should result in improved performance over use of the shared memory of your computer.
QuickBooks Online via the ‘Windows App’
Intuit developed the Windows App to give you a ‘dedicated internet browser’ for QuickBooks Online. The intention was to be able to call for ‘dedicated memory’ to run the App rather than QuickBooks Online sharing the total memory dedicated to your Chrome (or other) browser among any and all open browsing windows. Some other features regarding decompression and refresh rates were intended to help improve the computing experience when using the App with QBO.
As the ‘Windows App’ can, like a browser, make use of the dedicated memory and processing capabilities of your graphics card, you should experience enhanced QuickBooks Online operations over running the App with only ‘on-board’ graphics and your computer’s standard memory.
Perhaps now you can see why not only the recommended (minimum) RAM requirements related to QuickBooks are essential to your successful use of the application whether you are using the Desktop or Online version, but you can also recognize how a high-quality graphics card with dedicated memory can only enhance your experience regardless of the environment in which you are operating.
Last minute late addition: "And no folks, I am not going to recommend or even suggest a specific 'graphics card'." You should consult your local IT professional or computer manufacturer in regard to a compatible graphics card if you wish to upgrade your technology to insure compatibility.