Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Computer
- Internet access for online buying
Step1
Choose between an AGP card and a PCIe card. You can choose one depending upon which of the two slots is supported by your motherboard. An AGP slot offers options up to 8x, while a PCIe slot is available in 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x and 32x. PCIe is considered superior to an AGP card in that a PCIe motherboard supports more than one PCIe slot while only one AGP slot is supported on a motherboard. Multiple PCIe slots let you load two graphic cards. If you use advanced image editing or audio editing applications, a PCIe card is ideal for you.
Step2
Understand the processor clock speed, one of the measures of a processor’s power but not the only one. A higher clock speed does not guarantee faster processing, but it certainly aids in increasing processing speed. A high-performance video card generally has a clock speed ranging between 500 MHz and 1 GHz.
Step3
Understand memory size. The memory size of a graphics card refers to the extent to which it can support graphics operations without tapping into the PC’s memory. The more memory it has, the faster it works. A high-performance video card generally has a memory ranging between 256 MB and 1 GB.
Step4
Understand memory bandwidth, which refers to the speed at which the graphics processor communicates with the graphics memory. A higher memory bandwidth enables faster rendering.
Step5
Know more about shader model. If you are an advanced graphics developer who wants minute details like shadows and reflections, you will need a DirectX Shader Model.
Step6
Consider a model with the TV-out facility. It enables you to watch your PC video on a TV screen.
Step7
Consider a model with DVI. Such a model would enable you to watch PC video on DVI monitors. Several LCD monitors support the DVI format.
Step8
Consider a dual-head graphics card. It enables you to connect two monitors together on one graphics card.
Step9
Compare prices of high-performance video cards online as well as in computer stores. Look at various buyers’ guides to understand features, pricing and versions of different video cards. Some buyers’ guides include MySimon and Nextag (see links below). The guides will also give you a list of stores selling high-performance video cards and the respective prices.
