Whether you’re building a new computer from scratch, or just upgrading your current PC to handle new developments in video games and graphic design tools, buying a video card is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your PC.
It can also be one of the most confusing experiences you’ll have to deal with, especially if you’re a beginner or relative layman. But as long as you learn a few key points, the information on the back of the box won’t seem so much like gibberish, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what you need.
Connectivity
Finally, two connections will be key to the vast majority of card users, and those connections affect how the card connects to the computer and how the card connects to the monitor.
For connecting to the computer, there are three options out there:
PCI (Old, slower)
AGP (Current, fast)
PCI-Express (New, fastest)
You really won’t have much of an option here—your choices will be limited by the connection slot your have available on your PC. But it’s nice to see the progression of the technology, and to know which to choose, if you can, if speed is your main interest.
And for connecting from your card (the back of your computer) to your monitor, you’ll almost certainly be using a DVI output, as that’s what is used by modern LCD monitors. Older CRT monitors will connect with a VGA cable, and you’ll need an adapter to connect your old monitor to your new video card. Such an adapter is usually included along with either your monitor or your video card.
Common connection type between the graphic cards and monitors.
Connectivity is where you’ll have the least amount of options. Beyond that, there are as many video cards out there as there are colors in the rainbow. It’s not always about which one is best, but more so about which one is best for you.
Happy Gaming!
