Video Cards
Getting the best graphics
Though the average PC can handle Internet browsing, office applications and even some simple games, a video card significantly enhances your computer's handling of graphics and is ideal for a better gaming experience or for graphics editing.
A graphics card comes with 128 MB to 512 MB of built-in video memory, and though more memory can improve performance, there are a number of other factors that can enhance your graphics experience, such as DirectX support and the number and capacity of pipes through which data travels. As well, ensuring the latest video card drivers are downloaded from the manufacturer's website keeps graphics performance running smoothly.
A PCI video card is the oldest type and plugs into a standard PCI slot in your motherboard. However, PCI cards can no longer keep up with the graphics needed for gaming. AGP video cards are higher speed, but an additional type of graphics card is on the horizon that has the potential to far outstrip AGP cards. A PCI-E video card, or a PCI Express card, is the newest video card that provides the extra bandwidth required to play the most recent games and is used in most new computers.
Laptop computers obviously have more limited power restrictions than desktop computers, and so it is highly important that a laptop video card is energy efficient and produces little heat.
Must-Have Features
- The more RAM memory on the video card, the better; DDR RAM is faster than SDRAM.
- A 32-bit color depth is necessary to produce accurate colors.
- Avoid buying a cheap card to save money; in the end, you'll have to upgrade sooner than if you shell out the cash initially.
Major Considerations
- Does my computer usage require an expansion video card on top of my integrated video card?
- Is budget or performance my highest priority?
- Which kind of interface is compatible with my computer?
Top Manufacturers
- ATI
- NVIDIA
- Matrox
- XGI
- Intel
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
- N/A
Price Range
Older, more basic graphics cards can be found for less than $50. For the most advanced video card technology, expect to pay more than $500. However, there are many options in between that will satisfy most users' video needs.
Summary
As games boast enhanced realism, quality graphics are becoming increasingly important and built-in video cards can no longer provide adequate video experience. Purchasing a video card can keep you on the cutting edge of gaming technology and on the edge of your seat as you participate in a realistic car race or medieval siege.
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