Computer Graphics Cards
A computer graphics card is an expansion card used to generate output images to a display, usually a PC monitor. Many graphics cards also offer additional functions such as FireWire, TV output, accelerated rendering of graphics and the ability to connect more than one monitor. The basic chipset in the motherboard of a PC is adequate for normal usage: word processing, surfing the Internet and e-mailing, for example, but a separate graphics card is essential for PC gamers and anyone who works with 2D graphics or 3D video rendering.
Graphics cards are quite a complex subject but when choosing there are six key aspects to consider. GPU Interface, Video Memory, Display Interface, Supported API, Rendering Technology and any additional features included. There are two main suppliers of graphics cards: ATI Radeon and Nvidia, both of these produce a wide range of cards in terms of quality and price.
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is basically a second processor designed take the burden of all graphics rendering away from the main processor. The speed the GPU is capable of working at is known as `clock speed`, the higher the clock the better the graphics card. Video Memory is the equivalent of RAM memory and likewise, the more memory available to the graphics card, the faster the speed.
The Display Interface consists of the connections that the graphics card uses to connect to an output display, most often a monitor. There are three main types: DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI which will need to match the connection to the monitor to achieve the best result. API (Application Programming Interface) enables the graphics card to interact with compatible software such as DirectX.
Rendering Technologies refers to the various technologies integrated within the card itself. These vary between the two main manufacturers, with CUDA relating to Nvidia and EyeFinity to ATI Radeon. Additional features such as liquid cooling, multiple fans and heat sinks are only essential if the PC will be used for long periods of time for demanding high level graphics work.
Putting the best of all these features together have resulted in two phenomenal graphics cards namely, the ATI Radeon 6990 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 580 are currently considered the best two on the market and naturally, are also the most expensive.
The average-priced graphics cards available for desktop computers tend to excel in one or two of the six key aspects but may fall short in others. It is therefore important when choosing a new graphics card to consider the specification of the PC, the uses expected of it and to set a budget. Buying the best graphics card that can possibly be afforded is definitely advised and the result obtained will prove it to be a worthwhile investment
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