What Is Graphics Card Memory?

A graphics card uses embedded memory

PC users often utilize peripheral devices like cards and adapters to add functionality to their computers. Graphics cards are a common way to enhance a computer's graphic capabilities. Graphics cards must use a certain amount of memory in order to perform efficiently.

Definition

Graphics cards are plug-in cards that create electronic signals that are sent to and interpreted by the computer monitor. Graphics cards attach to slots contained on the computer motherboard, or primary circuit board.

Function

Graphics cards determine the maximum amount of colors, resolution and refresh rate that the monitor will display and support. The CPU, or central processing unit, in a computer sends image data to the graphics card, which determines how to configure the pixels on the monitor screen to create that image. The graphics card then transmits that information to the monitor.

Memory

Graphics chips often draw memory from the computer's main RAM system. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of temporary memory system the computer uses to store and retreive information. Graphics cards also contain some embedded memory, which typically ranges from 128 MB (megabytes) to 4 GB (gigabytes.) A megabyte is equal to 1,048, 576 bytes, or units of digital data. A gigabyte is equivalent to 1,042 megabytes.

References

• PCmag.com: Definition of: display adapter
• "Principles of Computer Hardware"; Alan Clements; Oxford University Press; 2006

Resources

• "How Computers Work"; Ron White; Que; 2007