A desktop graphics card is an advanced computer component.
Graphics cards are among the most advanced of all computer components. Their role is to process instructions associated with rendering, gaming and visual design programs so that the computer's main processor is free to perform other tasks. These graphics-intensive applications require many instructions to be processed at once. This means that graphics cards need speed, memory and the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The extent of the performance demands can make it difficult to choose the right graphics card. However, understanding and comparing some key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Instructions
1. Note the slot type of the models you are comparing. This is otherwise known as the "interface." This will either be the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express slot or the Accelerated Graphics Port slot. As of 2011, AGP has been phased out in favor of PCI-E. Thus, PCI-E cards represent the latest technologies and the best possible performance. AGP cards can only be used in older computers with compatible slots.
2. Compare the core clocks of the models in question. Usually expressed in megahertz (MHz), this is the manufacturer's way of conveying the speed of the card. It is the number of times per second the cards' processors work to carry out commands from software. The higher the clock, the more calculations the card executes in a given amount of time and the faster it produces the necessary graphics.
3. Look at how many stream processors each card has, also referred to as cores. Each of these can be thought of as a separate processing unit. The more of these a given graphics card has, the more tasks it can perform simultaneously; that is, the better its parallelism. This is especially important with fast-paced 3D games that have to constantly produce and display rapidly changing graphics.
4. Determine the memory specifications. Here, you have three main specs to consider -- amount, speed and type. The more memory you have on the card itself, the less often the card has to wait for data from other slower sources. Speed is important because it determines how quickly the card retrieves the information it needs and supplies it to the areas handling the processing. As of 2011, most new cards use either GDDR3, 4 or 5. The higher the version, the more information the card's processors can obtain per memory access and the less time they sit idle, waiting for tasks to execute.
5. Note the types and the versions of software each card supports. The two main types of graphics card software are Direct X or Open GL. Both are forms of Application Programing Interfaces. They allow the card to interact with other components in order to translate its work to the 2D and 3D images you see on screen. As of summer 2011, the most recent versions of these are Direct X 11 and Open GL 4.1. The more current this support, the better the card will run new games and applications.
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