Video Cards
Although the motherboard does include integrated graphics for 2D operations, you’re thinking of getting a separate video card so that you can play 3D games. By getting to know some of the best video cards means that you’ll know that you will definitely enjoy sharper images, higher resolutions and more realistic scenes for maximum playing pleasure.
Video Card Buying Guide
1) 2D or 3D?
Sure you can play 3D games on 2D video card but you will experience jerkiness. 2D video cards are not much better than the integrated graphics found in most motherboards. You should shoot for 3D video cards that offer huge difference in terms of frame rate and image quality as compared to 2D version.
2) AGP or PCIe?
Video cards built upon Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) interfaces have reached the maximum speed limit of 8x with data transfer rates peaking at 2.1 GB/s. Newer and better video cards are built upon the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interfaces and theoretically performs at much higher speed of up to x16 (4 GB/s) and x32 (8 GB/s). The faster the data transfer between the video card with the system’s CPU & memory, the faster images are rendered onto the screen resulting in higher performance.
** Go for at least PCIe x16 video card if possible.
3) Clock Speed
Much like the PC’s clock speed, a faster video card clock speed does not indicate better performance but rather the per-clock performance of the graphics processor is determined by the number of pixels it can process per clock cycle.
4) Memory: Size & Bandwidth
This refers to the amount of memory available on the video card that is to be used during graphics operations. The higher the amount, the more previously stored data it can retrieve instantaneously to render a scene without going to the system’s memory, which means better performance. It’s not uncommon for graphics memory to hit 512 MB nowadays due to complex applications.
Memory bandwidth refers to the speed at which the graphics processor talks to the graphics memory hence the higher the number, the better is the performance. It depends on the width of the memory bus whether 256-bit or 512-bit etc.
5) RAMDAC
Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter (RAMDAC) converts digital data to analog form compatible with the monitor. A faster RAMDAC means higher resolution of the image being displayed.
Video Card Reviews & Ratings
We found the best video card reviews from CNET, GPUReviews, Guru3D, LegitReviews, PC World and PCMag. Expert reviewers there tested some of the best video card models from 2 established makers ATI and Nvidia. Video card ratings based on gaming performance determines the best video card in their class.
Best Video Card (High-End for PC Gaming)
Video Card Reviews #1: Annihilating rivals with unrivalled video card reviews from experts and gamers is the best rated GeForce 8800GTX OC2 768 MB Video Card. For mind-blowing gaming experience that will make you scream in delight, this GeForce video card will make it a reality. This best video card from GeForce features unified architecture, Lumenex engine, GigaThread, Quantum Effects and SLI technologies to deliver stunning, true-to-life graphics realism. Supports DirectX 10 GPU with Shader Model 4.0. With PureVideo HD technology & HDCP support, watch HD movies like it’s meant to be on your PC. Key specifications: PCI-Express x16 interface, 768 MB DDR3 memory, 575 MHz core clock speed.
Video Card Reviews #2: Firing up the competition with superb video card reviews from pro reviewers and users is the best rated ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 Video Card. For the ultimate gaming experience, you’ve got to hand it to this ATI Radeon video card to perform the magic. This best video card from ATI features dual GPUs producing over 1 teraFlops computing power for real-life gaming performance that will rock you on. With CrossFireX ready for upgrade to push to stratospheric heights in performance, you’ll want to play and play non-stop. Supports DirectX 10.1. Comes with dual DVI, HDTV and HDMI support to enjoy Blu-Ray and HD-DVD videos in high-definition mode. Key specifications: PCI-Express 2.0, 512 MB DDR3 memory.
Best Graphics Card (AGP)
Video Card Reviews #3: Topping expectations with excellent video card reviews from users and pro reviewers is the top rated GeForce 6200 256 MB DDR2 AGP Video Card. For optimum performance to match today’s demanding applications and games, this GeForce video card will live up to the expectation. Features revolutionary design that is geared towards much of today’s complex applications, it offers superb performance to overall system functionality. Supports DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0. Key specifications: 8x AGP interface, 256 MB DDR2 memory, 128-bit Graphics Processing Unit, 400 MHz RAMDACs.
Resources: Video Card (Wikipedia)