Buying guide: Graphics cards

Purchasing Criteria

 

Also, when buying a graphics card, it is recommended that you check your graphics card options for the following:

 

1.    Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the main processing unit that powers a graphics card. As mentioned earlier, at present, there are two GPU manufacturing companies in the market: Nvidia and ATI. Fortunately, comparing and assessing a GPU’s performance is a rather easy task (well at least, many of the times), and in most cases, can be done on the basis of nomenclature alone. This is particularly true when comparing graphics card from the same original chipset manufacturer, that is, when comparing Nvidia graphics cards and when comparing ATI graphics cards among themselves. The details are as follows. In the case of Nvidia graphics cards, the older and slower series sport the nomenclature 9xxx or 8xxx (even 7xxx, 6xxx, and 5xxx series can be found, but these are very outdated), while the newer and faster series sport the nomenclature 1xx, 2xx, 3xx, and 4xx. Within each series, there are multiple graphics cards available, and for each graphics card, there are multiple variants. The logic, here, is simple: the larger the number in the name, the faster and more advanced the GPU. However, if you are comparing a low-end 1xx series card with a high-end 9xxx one, the latter will obviously come out on top. The same may not hold true, however, if a low-end 3xx series card is compared. The same also holds for ATI graphics cards that sport the following nomenclature: HD1xxx, HD2xxx, HD3xxx, and HD4xxx.

 

2.    Memory Capacity: Another rather easy to measure statistic is the memory capacity. The memory capacity of a graphics card is the actual RAM capacity of the card, and is measured in megabytes (MBs) or gigabytes (GBs). When comparing different variants of the same card, the one with higher memory capacity is usually higher. Further, if you are looking for a basic card or a graphics card for your casual gaming needs, it makes sense to go in for a graphics card that has a higher memory capacity. However, using memory capacity alone when comparing different cards (regardless of whether or not they are from the same original manufacturer, ATI or Nvidia) can be misleading. For example, a 512 MB Nvidia GT 260 graphics card is faster than a 1 GB Nvidia 9500 or a HD3650 ATI 1 GB graphics card for the former boasts of a faster processor and a newer RAM type. As such, other parameters (some of which we’ll see later) also need to be kept in mind.   3.    RAM Type: Given that graphics cards are the core component of computer gaming, they often are the first to receive the latest technologies. As an example, graphics cards running on the latest GDDR5 RAM types are also available in the market. The RAM type can be a major performance changer, especially if there is not much difference between the memory capacity and the clock speeds (which we will see later). The RAM type can be checked by a mere glance on the graphics card’s spec sheet.

 

4.    Clock Speeds: These are measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Also, there are two figures: one for the GPU and the other for the memory. Obviously, the higher the clock speeds the better. However, as with every other parameter, do not take these as the only criterion. These two are readily available on the spec sheet.   5.    Power Consumption: Some graphics card consume so much power that a system upgrade to a higher power supply is mandatory; if you would like to avoid this extra cost burden, you might have to compromise on performance. Also, manufacturers have launched graphics cards that use a heat-pipe rather than a fan for cooling; this reduces power consumption rather nicely.   6.    Noise Level: Graphics cards can be ridiculously noisy, and at times, the noise from a graphics card may interrupt the gaming or the computing experience. As such, one is advised to go in for a card that is less noisy.   7.    Multi-card Support: Both Nvidia and ATI have introduced technologies into the market that allow one to install two (and in some extreme cases, three) graphics cards on their systems, given a compatible motherboard. While Nvidia refers to its technology as SLI, ATI likes to call it CrossFire. Multi-card support comes in handy if you want a rather high-spec system but would not like to spend a bomb on the latest toy in the market, for you can simply attach two graphics card to get blazing performance. If going for such a set-up, it is essential that you check as to whether or not your motherboard is SLI or CrossFire compatible.

 

8.    Warranty: Graphics cards often run at full capacity while gaming, and are prone to damage due to voltage fluctuations. Hence, it is always recommended that you buy one that offers the maximum warranty.

 

9.    Bundle: Some manufacturers also offer many freebies with their graphics cards, including, at time, the latest gaming titles. If buying the same card but from different manufacturers, this might be a difference maker.   10. Performance Test Results: Many websites and reviews post the performance of graphics cards (while comparing or reviewing them) in certain high-end games or in benchmark 3D performance tests. These, while offering a direction toward the relative performance of a graphics card, are in no way definitive.

 

Summary

 

1. A graphics card (also known as a video card) is an add-on card that enhances the visual performance and processing capabilities of your computer. While all computers do come with a graphics processor, these are very rudimentary and will not do if your graphics needs are high.
2. Depending on your need and preference (basic computing, casual gaming, or high-end performance/gaming), you can go in for a low-end basic graphics card, a mid-end graphics card or a high-end (or preferably, top-of-the-line) graphics card.
3. Based on the interface type, the graphics cards can be classified into the following: PCI graphics cards, AGP graphics cards, and PCI-E graphics cards. Of these, the former two (PSI an AGP) are being replaced in the market by the latter (PCI-E), which is a more advanced and faster interface.
4. At present, the graphics card market is dominated by two firms: Nvidia (with its Nvidia GeForce range of graphics cards) and ATI (with its ATI Radeon range of graphics cards). Both offer graphics card for all users at all budgets, and also allow third-party vendors to modify and enhance their basic cards into their (vendors) own variants, and to sell these directly to the consumer.
5. With regards to laptop graphics cards, these are more expensive, less power consuming, and somewhat performance constrained.

 

 

As you can see, buying a graphics card is no easy task, and one is always advised to research well regarding the available options in the market.