Graphics Cards
4 Types of
Graphics Cards
A graphics card is what
your computer uses to convert data in your machine to useful images on your
monitor. Graphics cards—also known as video cards—come in a wide variety of
models, with many different options available. For the casual user, looking at
graphics cards and trying to choose between the different options available can
be intimidating and confusing. While there are many graphics cards to choose
from, all graphics cards come in four basic types. Anyone looking to upgrade
their existing computer, buy a new machine altogether, or just learn a little
bit about how their computer works, should be aware of what different kinds
exist. What follows is a simple overview of the four main types of graphics
cards.
1. Integrated
If you have a computer
but did not assemble it yourself or upgrade it in any way, chances are that it
uses an integrated graphics card to display images on your screen. When a
graphics card is described as integrated, it refers to the card's relationship
with the computer's motherboard. Integrated graphics cards, sometimes known as
onboard graphics cards, are the default option that comes with standard
motherboards. An integrated graphics card can be upgraded, but it requires
plugging a new graphics card into your computer's motherboard and having the
computer ignore the old card.
Integrated graphics
cards are the least powerful variety overall, at least compared to the technology
that exists simultaneously. If you have an integrated graphics card and want to
play the latest video games, you will need to upgrade.
2. PCI
PCI graphics cards are
cards that use the PCI slots on your motherboard to connect to your computer.
PCI graphics cards are usually a little bit out of date, if not extremely so.
However, many older motherboards have PCI slots and lack newer varieties of
connections. For this reason, there is still a reason to buy a PCI graphics
card, but only if you are trying to upgrade an older system.
3. AGP
AGP graphics cards are
named for the same thing PCI cards are—the slot they connect to on a
motherboard. AGP cards can have four speeds, the fastest being 8x. However, if
your motherboard only supports a lower speed, such as 1x, 2x, or 4x, your
graphics card will behave as if it is of a slower speed, rather than its real
speed. AGP connections are not quite as fast as PCI-E slots due to
technological limits, and as a result, will not be developed to run at higher
speeds. However, like PCI cards, they are more widely compatible than the most
cutting-edge cards.
4. PCI-Express
PCI-E cards are the most
advanced, connecting to the motherboard's PCI-E slot. PCI-E graphics cards can
be accelerated to 16x. In addition, a motherboard with more than one PCI-E slot
can have more than one PCI-E graphics card connected to it and combine their
power. However, this is a rare scenario. This can also cause compatibility
problems if not planned out correctly; certain motherboards work better with
specific brands of a PCI-E video card.
إرسال تعليق