How to Compare Graphics Cards Before Buying

You must consider several factors before buying a graphics card for your computer. For instance, an average home or office user probably will need only a value-level (or basic) graphics card, whereas gamers and advanced graphic designers need high-level graphics cards. Here's how to compare and assess graphics cards before buying:

Instructions

1. Choose between an AGP card and a PCIe card depending on 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 AGP because a PCIe motherboard supports more than one PCIe slot, while the AGP motherboard supports only one AGP slot. Having multiple PCIe slots enables you to load two graphics cards. If you use advanced image editing or audio editing applications, PCIe is ideal for you. Note: There is also a PCI card, but it is found only in older computers; it has largely been replaced by more advanced cards.

2. Choose the level of graphics card you want. If you want one that supports normal office applications and Internet browsing, go for a low-cost card. If you want to use 3D games along with your normal usage, a mid-level graphics card is ideal, although it may not give you perfect results for highly advanced 3D games. If you want to have the best results for the latest 3D games, choose a high-level premium graphics card.

3. Understand processor clock speed, which is one of the measures of a processor's power (but not the only one). A higher clock speed does not guarantee faster processing but aids in increasing the processing speed.

4. Understand memory size, which is the extent to which a card can support graphics operations without tapping into the PC's memory. The more memory the card has, the faster it works.

5. Understand memory bandwidth, which is the speed at which the graphics processor communicates with the graphics memory. A higher memory bandwidth enables faster rendering.

6. Know about shader models. If you are an advanced graphics developer who wants minute details like shadows and reflections, you need a DirectX shader model.

7. Learn about fill rate, which is the number of pixels that can be reproduced on the screen per second. A good fill rate results in faster loading of the image on the screen.

8. Consider a model with TV-out facility, which enables you to watch PC video on a TV screen.

9. Consider a model with DVI. These models enable you to watch PC video on DVI monitors. Several LCD monitors support the DVI format.

10. Consider a dual-head graphics card, which enables you to connect two monitors on one graphics card.

11. Consider scalable link Interface, which supports the use of two graphics card on the same computer. This means you can use two monitors at the same time. If you use a PCIe card, you can connect up to four monitors at the same time.

12. Understand integrated graphics. Some motherboards do not require a graphics card at all because they have built-in graphics processing capabilities. However, the built-in capability supports only basic office applications and normal Internet browsing.

13. Compare prices of graphics cards online as well as in computer stores. Look at buyers' guides (including MySimon, Bizrate and Nextag; see links below) to understand features, pricing and versions of different cards. Buyers' guides also list stores selling graphics cards, and their prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Browse through product reviews on technology Web sites such as CNET (see link below) before you settle for a particular graphics card.

• Check compatibility with your computer. Although graphics cards are compatible with most computers, some require specific configuration.