A Graphic card, also known as a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), plays a crucial role in gaming PCs as it translates data from the CPU to images.
Gaming is a hardware-intensive task requiring an additional processor to calculate maximum information and convert it to high-quality images for a better gameplay experience.
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Previously, the CPU maintained data in memory spaces named “frame buffers’ and then translated them to images but with the emergence of graphical user interfaces, such as Windows
The CPU could not handle hefty tasks, so graphic accelerators were introduced to process large amounts of image information that can manipulate lots of data in parallel.
Importance of choosing the right graphic card
Choosing the right Graphics card is important for gamers as more powerful GPUs can calculate maximum information in a shorter time.
Recently, real-time ray tracing technology was introduced, providing more realistic lighting effects and stimulating reflections that behave just as in the real world.
Gaming is a hefty task for the CPU, and thus, Graphic Cards are required to
- Improve gaming speed
- Process complex 3D graphics for gaming
- Speedup video encoding for video editing
- Design applications like AutoCAD
Factors to consider when choosing a graphic card
People who indulge in serious gaming are always searching for upgraded versions of GPUs to have a better and faster gaming experience.
Today’s PC games are more complex as they display new and more realistic graphics. GPU has a direct connection to better-looking on-screen games, and different games have varied requirements for the power of GPU.
If the users know exactly what games they want to play, it will help them choose the correct graphic card according to the game’s required recommendations and specifications.
To choose a graphic card for your gaming PC, the following factors must be considered.
1. Performance
GPUs can perform complex tasks like 3D rendering and game development. GPU must perform at an accurate speed to have a stable and reliable undertaking of these complex operations.
Laptop graphic cards are less powerful than full-sized desktops due to some limitations. Some laptops are now introduced that can fit an impressive amount of power into thin notebooks but are expensive.
2. Budget
While choosing the graphic card, you must set your budget in advance. High-end games require powerful GPUs that are very expensive.
But if you’re using a normal PC and not playing high-power games, then relatively inexpensive GPUs can also be used. Tools like camelcamelcamel can help you check the launch price of each card.
3. Compatibility
Graphic cards must be compatible with your PC and game type. It is important to pick a graphics card based on how you plan to use it, as the most expensive graphics cards are sometimes better.
Many graphic cards are sufficient for 1080p, but you’ll require nearly 4k resolution with high-end game settings.
4. Cooling
High-end graphic cards consume a lot of power, so a proper cooling system must be present to avoid overheating of PCs.
AIO coolers are the easiest way to cool liquid graphics. Circulating water around GPU also dissipates heat.
5. Power consumption
Ensure the graphic card consumes power according to the space of the PC case and that your power supply has enough watts to spare. Use the correct type of power connectors depending on the card.
6. Memory
The more memory a GPU has better processing, but this does not directly impact its performance. A GPU with 2GB is more than adequate for general use, but gamers and creative pros should aim for at least 4GB of GPU RAM.
The amount of memory you need in graphics depends on the resolution needed to run games and the games themselves.
Types of graphic cards
There are two main types of graphic cards. Integrated and discrete graphic cards.
a. Integrated graphics cards:
An integrated GPU is built directly into the same housing as the CPU. The vast majority of Intel CPUs come with integrated graphics.
Most smaller systems, such as laptops, use integrated graphic cards, but they are also found in desktop PCs for those who don’t need to run high-powered visual software.
b. Discrete graphic card:
A discrete GPU is added to an expansion slot found on the motherboard. Discrete graphic cards are used if you want to use your PC for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming at high settings, video editing, photo editing, and 3D rendering.
If you have a discrete card in your laptop, you’ll have a shorter battery life compared to less-powerful options.
Comparison of integrated and discrete graphic cards
a. Mid-range graphics cards:
Mid-range graphics cards strike a great balance between price and performance, so they have gained immense popularity among budget-conscious gamers.
These are the best graphic cards with respect to their affordability, versatility, and feature set. Mid-range graphics cards typically fall within a price bracket of $250-$500.
Moreover, from a performance standpoint, these GPUs are powerful enough to drive most modern AAA titles at High/Ultra settings on a 1080p or 1440p display.
Mid-range graphics cards offer distinct advantages over their high-end counterparts. They have
- Lower Power Consumption and Heat Output
- Better Value for Money
- Compact form factor
b. High-end graphics cards:
High-end graphic cards are used. If you’re interested in PC gaming, crypto mining, video editing, or 3D. The latest high-end graphics cards have a core clock speed of 2GHZ and above.
Comparison of different high-end graphic cards
Nvidia vs AMD graphics
NVIDIA and AMD are the two main players in graphic cards for gaming. These two graphics card giants then license other companies to sell their GPUs, including MSI, ASUS, EVGA, and others.
1. AMD
AMD started operating in California in the 1960s as a secondary chip producer. It got its GPU chip brand identity in 2006. It focuses on graphics and computing chips.
2. NVIDIA
Established in mid 1990sw. It focused on next-generation computing. One of its products, ‘GeForce 256,’ became the most popular.
