How to Buy a PCI Graphics Card

Graphics cards are integrated circuit cards attached to the motherboard of your computer. These cards use binary information to form visuals on the monitor. One of the most basic forms of graphics cards, the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), is ideal if you do not plan to install applications that require high-resolution graphics. Here is how to buy a PCI graphics card.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Assess your need for a graphics card. This will help you to decide the size and number of cards suitable for you.
2. Remember to check the memory size of the card. Memory size refers to the extent to which it can support graphics operations without tapping into the PC’s memory.
3. Look for a card with the TV-out facility. It enables you to watch your PC video on a TV screen.
4. Choose a model with DVI if you want to watch PC video on DVI monitors. Several LCD monitors support the DVI format.
5. Consider a dual-head graphics card if you want to connect two monitors together using one graphics card.
6. Compare prices of PCI cards online and in computer stores. Look at various buyers’ guides to understand pricing of different PCI cards. Some buyers’ guides include MySimon, Nextag and Bizrate (see links below). These will also give you a list of stores selling PCI cards and the respective price.
7. Buy a PCI graphics card after comparing prices. Search for online vendors using search engines like Google or Yahoo!. Browse through popular online stores, such as CompUSA, Best Buy and Circuit City (see links below).

Tips & Warnings

• Browse through blogs and technology discussion forums to get more information on graphics cards.
• When you a buy a new computer, a PCI graphics card is usually included. Check the specifications carefully to avoid buying the card unnecessarily.
• The more memory a PCI card has, the better it works. PCI card memory ranges from 2 MB to 16 MB. Keep in mind that PCI cards are available in only one bandwidth that provides a transfer rate of 132 MB per second.

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