Buying a video card to build a new computer, or to the old in need of modernization, is reduced to the answer to one main question: which will be used for? It should be borne in mind, that there is no perfect and universal video, which is inexpensive and, simultaneously, It allows you to run any recent game on the market. But the answer to the question above and the approval of the budget will allow to narrow down the model takes into account.
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Built-in or dedicated?
In this case, it is best to use the examples of use. Currently, integrated systems have good power and performance, close to the most weak and old video card special (external, not connected to the processor). If the computer is used for:
- watching movies and office work - Integrated with the latest map (or almost final) processor model.
- view movies and run periodically on average demanding games - enough midrange discrete graphics card (Outside special).
- play the latest games, which require a large supply of power - you need to buy an already very efficient discrete card with good cooling.
Map hybrid
Using Variant hybrid card can sometimes be output. It will combine the power and improve the performance of your computer without the need to invest in more expensive solutions in the form of external video cards.
SLI or CrossFire
For the most demanding players, graphics card manufacturers have produced an opportunity to join two (or more) models of high-performance graphics cards. The decision is variously referred to producers:
- SLI - NVIDIA у
- CrossFire – у AMD
In any case, make sure, that the board supports two processing (or more) graphics accelerator. Although power is growing in proportion to the number of connected cards, during the game, It feels a significant difference. In a situation, when your computer is necessary to modernize, rather than creating from scratch, sometimes necessary to decide on the combination of two cards of the middle class , you buy a very expensive top model from the top shelf.
What to Look For?
Screen
When you select a video worth checking out the native resolution of the screen, and then check, how effective system at such settings. It is important, especially for aesthetes and true fans of computer entertainment, who want to avoid image quality deterioration during the game and enjoy the details at the highest level.
Power Supply
Changing to a more powerful video card, especially on the top model, can do so, that the old power supply does not provide enough power, or will not sustain the load. therefore, when preparing a gaming set, you should pay attention to the power consumption of the new GPU, and, Consequently, a current capacity of a power supply unit. For the most powerful cards may be needed with a minimum power supply unit 600 W, it should also be made with very good quality materials.
Memory
What is important is not only the number, but also the type of memory. The graphics cards can be found:
- DDR3
- GDDR3
- GDDR5
Usually, the best cards are equipped with GDDR3 and GDDR5 memory. Memory bandwidth also affects performance gain. The higher the number of name, the higher bandwidth it has. This is essential in games, when you want to transfer large amounts of data.
Cooling
On a powerful graphics card is a very important element. Manufacturers tend to use solutions, which prevent reaching too high temperatures through the card. However, this is not always the case. Therefore, before choosing a particular model of graphics card, worth checking out or learn, some cooling was applied, what quality and whether there is sufficient power graphics accelerator.
map size
graphic system, prepared with the true lovers of large sizes in mind, so do not always fit in your workstation. distinguish card:
- cards with low profile - characterized by a low productivity, but put in small boxes.
- video full profile - used in normal desktop computers. These cards are designed for people with special needs.
note! Cards full profile (above) It may also be longer. So before you buy, check the amount of space in the building and the size of the layout.
video ports
Apart from the usual connectors for video cards, manufacturers attached a number of multimedia ports like:
- HDMI - allows you to transfer image and sound quality. useful to people, that connect the computer to a TV, Use this port.
- DisplayPort - to connect a computer to a monitor, home theater projector or.
- D-Sub - base, analog port, allowing you to connect a monitor (CRT or LCD if you can not use the DVI cable.
- DVI - in later maps replaces the D-Sub port for connecting a monitor, LCD or CRT.
Support for multiple monitors
Professionals and amateurs play videos on a large area may be concerned about the use of at least two monitors. To make this possible, card must be equipped with the technology to support multi-screen. Each manufacturer has developed its own solutions:
- AMD: Eyefinity – поддерживает до шести мониторов в режиме разделения экрана
- nVidia: 3D Vision Surround - Support for up to three monitors in split screen mode.
The only prerequisite is a sufficient number of outputs on the map (DisplayPort), Allows you to connect a monitor.
Supported graphics standards and effects
On this section you should pay particular attention to people interested in buying a graphics card for demanding games. At least, more of the following technologies will provide a very good picture and the bells and whistles, cooking game developers:
- DirectX 11 - the latest version of the library, responsible for displaying 2D and 3D.
- PhysX physics effects - improves graphics quality through natural reproduction of Physics.
- Tessellation - is responsible for the best display of characters, cars, items.
- aliasing - smooths the edges of the so-called clove.
the graphics card
Comparing the graphics card model, you can pay attention to some of its parameters:
- SP (StreamProcessors) - a flow processors, responsible for video performance. The more, all the better.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power) - specifies the maximum GPU power consumption.
Connect the card to the motherboard
Many people wonder, or graphics card is suitable for the motherboard. At present, the accelerator is connected to the PCI-Express bus. Before buying, check:
- PCI Express graphics card connector and motherboard version. Below version of the video card can reduce performance due to lower throughput.
- card power consumption - if it is too high, the computer can not handle or the card may need to connect an additional power cable.
graphics card
For the majority of people, who do not follow the latest events and offers manufacturers of computer equipment, separate the graphics card, as:
- clock frequency
- the number of flow processes
- TMU number of blocks, etc.. d.
will not say too much. Therefore, it is desirable to get acquainted with the tests, and reviews the achievements of individual cards with running games.
many manufacturers, like Asus or MSI preparing their proposals, based on one and the same chip by AMD and nVidia. Therefore it is necessary to compare the individual models in terms of changes, additions, improvements.
Graphics card for gaming
Yes, really, it all depends on the selected game titles, their demands, as well as participation of users. A large role is played by budget. costs, but, pay attention to the additional elements, as:
- powerful processor (so it does not become a bottleneck)
- quiet and efficient cooling system
- firm block high-end with an appropriate power supply (chosen for the whole set)
Besides, graphics card should have:
- own memory - the current standard is, at least 1 GB
- minimum current consumption
- the possibility to connect card SLI and CrossFire
- good results in tests and tests (costs check rankings, some models cope very well in some games).
Laptop Video Card
Laptops require different solutions, than desktop computers. Video card manufacturers must not only take care of reducing the size of the system, but also take care of the reduction of energy consumption. Therefore, you create separate video card designed for mobile computers, characterized by a reduced capacity compared to the model table.
Selecting the video for the players in this price range can hit hard on the wallet. You can select a budget model. Although the graphics card in this range do not always provide a smooth play at high detail, certainly, allow to enjoy sufficient detail image. Pay special attention to cooling, It should be very good quality. Learn more about choosing a graphics card in a laptop can be from a video to this article.
Which manufacturer has the best graphics card?
The most popular video card manufacturers is, in particular, Sapphire, Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, EVGA, Gainward, Zotac, Palit. Each of these manufacturers is in the range of the best, and worse graphics card.