A video card or graphic card is a device that allows for the visualization of
images on your computer monitor. Without the card you would not be able to view
images, play games or see colors. If you are anything less than a graphics card
expect, the shopping process for a video card can be grueling. With a bit of
knowledge it should make the trip easier and you may just come home with the
correct video card. There are currently more than sixty types of video cards
that range in price and specifications. In order to decide which card is right
for you there are a few things that you must understand first. Keep in mind the
type of computer, purpose and uses of the computer, as well as the expectations
for rendered image. After that is all decided you must remember your budget when
shopping for the video card.
The type of computer that you have is one of the most important issues when
deciding on a video card. You must ensure the compatibility of the card with
your PC or it could be a waste of money. To ensure compatibility you will need
to know what type of card slot the computers mother board has for the video
card. There are three types of card slots that we will discuss further.
• PCI Slot – the PCI slot is short for Peripheral Component Interconnect
and is not exclusive with any one processor type. PCI was the first expansion
slot made by computer manufacturers. The PCI has limited performance, but there
are several value cards that offer acceptable performance.
• AGP Slot – the AGP slot is short for Accelerated Graphics Port. AGP has
many versions and was first designed for 3D gaming abilities. Today the AGP 2.0
and 3.0 are sold, but the 1.0 is no longer in use.
• PCI Express – this is the latest card slot and is up to four times
faster than the PCI slot or AGP slot. The PCI Express was made with the
intention of replacing the PCI and AGP slots for the extended performance
ability. Note PCI and PCI Express are not compatible and are very different
products, not to be confused with one another.
Along with knowing the card slot type you must also know the requirements and
specifications of the CPU. When we refer to requirements and specifications we
mean the CPU type and speed. If you are purchasing a video card for regular
viewing the 500 MHz will suffice, but for optimal use the 800 MHz is suggested.
When viewing images it is important to have a higher MHz or your system may
become overloaded. The 1600 MHz range is suggested for limited 3D gaming and
running other applications such as business applications or graphics. For
optimal 3D gaming the minimum CPU would be 2.4 GHz. Much of the CPU speed
depends on computer use and personal budget. The faster the CPU the better and
more realistic the special effects are. Cost rises as CPU speed rises!
by:http://www.diamondmm.com
