Many users depend on graphic cards for a wonderful gaming experience, but an issue arises when looking for one that has outstanding performance and reliability. We are here to ensure you select the best graphic card ideal for your needs and budget.
Graphics card buying guide
We often think that a computer's CPU is the most crucial part of a computer. Graphics cards are equally essential components as they are responsible for the quality of images displayed on your monitor. A powerful graphics card assures high-quality images and, in turn, better gameplay and editing experience. Professional content creators and gamers who love epic graphics need to evaluate if a GPU is a good buy. Our comprehensive guide will ease your search and ensure you buy a graphics card that is best for your needs.
When do you need to purchase a graphics card?
Graphic cards are helpful to gamers and non-gamers, especially professional content creators and cryptocurrency miners. Although you might be a regular PC user, you will need a separate non-integrated graphic card to display images on your monitor.
A graphic card enables high-end performance if you work with demanding programs or play heavy video games. Still, it will allow you to speed up a whole host of tedious tasks involved in image processing.
Types of graphics cards
There is a wide array of graphics card options to choose from. Upgrading your graphics card allows you to have an easy time playing video games and editing HD videos. So, it is essential to know which type of graphics card is suitable for your computer.
Discrete vs integrated graphics card
A discrete graphics card is a GPU distinct from the processing unit, while an integrated graphics card is built into the CPU. Since integrated cards aren't independent, they tend to have low performance, so not ideal for high-powered visual software or videogames. Despite this, integrated graphics are budget-friendly, don't generate much heat, or consume much power.
On the other hand, you should invest in discrete graphics cards to use your computer for graphic-intensive tasks. Since discrete cards are distinct from the CPU, they provide higher performance, are faster and better than integrated ones. Discrete GPUs also enable customization, so you can add more cooling fans if you want to overclock your graphics card.
Overall, it is recommended to purchase discrete cards as even though they are power-hungry, they deliver crisp and clear graphics quickly. Besides, they have high clocking speeds and advanced cooling, so they are significantly better than integrated GPUs.
Laptop vs desktop
When choosing between a laptop GPU and a desktop GPU, there are some factors that you should consider. Generally, laptop GPUs are more expensive, portable and very convenient. On the other hand, desktop GPUs are budget-friendly, not mobile and convenient.
In terms of performance, desktop graphics cards are better as laptop GPUs underperform in lots of areas. The desktop graphics cards have exceptional clock speeds than laptop GPUs as a more prominent space backs them. Besides, the desktop's cooling system is more efficient, so it enables overclocking. Due to limited space, overclocking is impossible in laptop GPUs. Desktop GPUs are very effortless to upgrade and replace, unlike laptop GPUs since they are integrated.
NVIDIA vs AMD
When choosing graphic cards, it is not uncommon to come across two leading brands; AMD and NVIDIA. These brands release exceptional graphic cards to the markets. However, they differ in aspects such as features, performance, pricing and efficiency. For a good reason, we believe that NVIDIA tops the chart and is better for buyers who value performance over costs.
The features supported by AMD GPUs can be supported by NVIDIA graphic cards, while AMD can't support most features in NVIDIA graphic cards. NVIDIA offers better features that are updated often to meet the demands of the market. Moreover, NVIDIA graphic cards are quieter and cooler than AMD graphics cards, which are noisier and hotter.
When looking at hardware, NVIDIA is more advanced than AMD. NVIDIA has DLSS and SHIELD hardware that has allowed the cards to be used in mobile technologies. At the same time, regarding the vertical sync substitute, NVIDIA G sync is better than AMD's Free Sync on performance. G sync is better at harmonizing the monitor's refresh rate with the frame rate.
What to look for when buying a graphics card?
Graphic cards are one of the most expensive components of a computer. Therefore, it is only right that you take the necessary measures to get the right one. We think you should keep in mind some aspects and features while in the market for a graphic card.
Graphics and memory amounts
Typically, the first feature listed when naming a graphic card is the amount of video RAM. A graphic card's memory is vital in image quality as it enables you to play games at higher resolutions. A large VRAM allows you to play heavy video games that utilize huge amounts of data to display complex images. Insufficient RAM makes the complex images to overload your graphic and results in poor performance. Therefore, you should opt for graphic cards with sufficient VRAM.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the speed of the Video Random Access Memory. Typically, it is measured in gigabytes per second. This feature is important as a high memory bandwidth allows the display of higher-quality images. When your graphic card has a high memory bandwidth, you are assured that data will get fed to the cores faster. Therefore, you will get to enjoy video graphics without interruptions and with seamless clarity.
Refresh rate
A graphics card's purpose is to display images to the monitor as soon as possible. However, monitors refresh their images often, at a set rate of 60 Hertz. Monitors with higher refresh rates are perfect for a great and ultimate gaming experience, as it helps clear the blur. Therefore, a graphics card's frame rates should correspond to a monitor's refresh rate. If more frames are displayed than the monitor can handle, screen tearing will occur.
Resolution
Resolution entails the sharpness of the visual image displayed on the monitor. When purchasing a graphic card, you need to ensure it matches your monitor resolution. A high monitor resolution requires more graphical processing power to accommodate the pixels that the monitor will display. Besides, if you plan on upgrading your monitor, you might want to start with a high-end graphics card. This way, when you purchase your high-resolution monitor, you won't need to upgrade your graphics card to handle it.
Dimensions of the graphic card
Graphic cards are measured according to their height, length, and standard height. Having a wrong-sized graphics card can cause significant issues when trying to upgrade a computer. Graphic cards are available in the following sizes:
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Single-slot
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Half-height
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Dual slot
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Triple slot
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2.2
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2.3
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2.5
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2.75
Single slots occupy the least amount of space on your motherboard. A dual-slot will occupy two expansion slots, while a triple slot covers three slots.
Thermal design power (TDP)
When playing video games, you may notice your desktop or laptop getting hotter with time. TDP is the maximum amount of heat produced by the graphics card under the workload. If your graphic card has a high TDP, it will need more cooling. Therefore, you should choose a cooling system that dissipates such heat. Still, the TDP tells you how much power your graphic card is going to consume. With this metric, you can identify which graphic card is ideal for your needs.
Clock speed
A graphics card clock speed shows how fast its cores are. Essentially, the function of cores is to display graphics. So, if your graphics card has a high clock speed, you are assured of fast processing. Gamers and those who work with demanding programs should watch out for the clock speed. This is because they indulge in graphic intensive activities. Clock speeds will also enable you to see the tasks you have commanded your CPU to perform completed them quicker.
Ports
Graphic cards have many ports that enable you to connect to other devices like TVs and monitors. Understanding these ports and their functions is vital. Before you purchase your graphic card, ensure that it has the port you need for your monitor. Most analog monitors relate to VGA ports, while digital monitors can use display ports, HDMI, DVI or USB type C ports.
Ray Tracing
Ray tracing is a feature that enables light in video games to simulate real-life lighting. This way, it offers a wonderful gaming experience. Besides, they provide realism that wasn't previously available. Better graphics allow you to appreciate your video games as you become hooked to them.
For professional content creators, it has enabled them to have a smooth time in developing movies. Ray tracing allows content creators to design accurate 3D textures and realistic environments.