How to Improve the Quality of a Graphic Card

Almost all modern computers are equipped with a high performance graphics card. But, if you frequently play 3-D games and want to improve the quality of your graphics card for a better gaming experience, start by tweaking some settings on your system. First, lower the resolution on your monitor. The games will move and play at a faster rate.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Download and install the most recent drivers for your graphics card (either through Windows or by visiting the manufacturer's website) and the latest version of DirectX from the Internet for your Windows operating system.

2. Enter your BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and disable the "Video BIOS Shadowing" option. Depending on the type of BIOS that's on your computer, the option may be located in the "Advanced Chipset Features" menu.

3. Adjust the settings on your graphics card. Right-click on your desktop and select "Properties" from the shortcut drop-down menu. Next, click on the "Settings" tab and then click the "Advanced" button. Press the "3D" tab, and under "3D Settings for:" select the "Direct 3D" option. You can also change the default settings for "Direct 3D" by selecting the "Use custom settings" option.

4. Turn-off and disable the "Advanced Visual Features" on the graphics card. Experiment with the "Anti-aliasing, Adaptive Anti-aliasing, Anisotropic Filtering and Texture Quality" settings to help improve the card's performance.

5. Select the "More Settings" option and enable the "Support DXT Texture Formats," if this option is available on the card.

6. Close all open applications before you start to play a game. Unfortunately, multiple applications that are running at the same time can slow down your system's resources and affect the performance of your graphics card.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't entirely satisfied with the results after tweaking your system, consider upgrading to a high-performance graphics card. Browse the Internet and visit game-related websites that offer reviews and recommendations. Search for a graphics card with a better 3-D accelerator and more video memory. Also, make certain that the card you plan to purchase has a good warranty.

• Avoid purchasing a graphics card from a manufacturer that says the card has a high video memory, but actually uses part of your computer's RAM (Random Access Memory). Search for a high performance graphics card that uses the term GeForce or nVidia, because generic or clone type graphics cards are not widely supported. Also, you might find it difficult to get technical advice about the card if you're having problems with it.

References

• Repairing and upgrading your PC"; Robert Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson; 2006

Resources

• PC Wizkid's Tech Talk: Windows Tweak -- Increase Video Card Performance
• PC World: Hardware Tips - Simple Tweaks For Peak PC Graphics Performance
• Maximum PC: From Voodoo To GeForce - The Awesome History Of 3D Graphics
• Microsoft: How to Download and Install DirectX