2. Introduction to
graphics Cards
➔ The graphics card is the
graphics processing unit
(GPU) of a computer.
➔ This unit is also
commonly referred to as
the video card.
3. Brief History
➔ The introduction of a 3D graphics processor was
introduced in the 1970’s through Atari’s 2600.
◆ Later, IBM created a computer compatible version
➔ In 1995, 3D add-in cards were introduced for modern
PC’s due to its affordability.
4. Are They Needed?
➔ GPU’s are non-essential to a functioning
computer.
➔ GPU’s are only useful for gamers, studio
development, and different types of editing
and animation.
5. Graphics Cards
➔ Small processing chip that sits on a circuit board that
connects to the MoBo
➔ Cards have their own dedicated amount of RAM that it
can use purely for graphics processing.
➔ Large heatsinks that are cooled with fans (1, 2, and
even 3 fans) or water.
◆ They can run HOT if used a lot or overclocked so proper cooling and
monitoring is needed to prolong the life of the card.
6. Manufacturers
➔ There are three main GPU companies: nVidia and ATI, and AMD. These
companies develop and design the GPU’s chipset, and other companies
manufacture and overclock them: EVGA, MSI, ASUS, PNY etc...
7. SLI or crossfire
➔ Graphics card companies developed a way to
take half load off one GPU if there are two of
the exact same cards present and connected in
the MoBo via SLI (NVidia) or Crossfire (ATI).
◆ If you have the money, it’s highly recommended
◆ Prolongs card life
◆ Turns processing that would be otherwise difficult,
easy
8. Sockets
➔ Motherboards support two main sockets:
the AGP and PCI-express.
◆ Due to AGP’s age, the bus speed at which the
information is transferred from the GPU to the
MoBo is much slower than PCI-e.
➔ Most MoBo’s now come standard with
PCI-e.
10. Importance
➔ Some games require some sort of GPU in order to even
open, especially newer games.
➔ Some games require a GPU to have a certain amount of
power in order to play
◆ each game always gives a recommended amount of
power (capability of GPU, processor, RAM and OS)
amount the PC should have for a good experience.
12. Benefits
➔ The benefits of having a graphics card is the ability to use:
◆ Greater framerates
◆ Anti-aliasing
◆ Higher resolutions
◆ Anisotropic filtering
◆ Realistic lighting
◆ Light/water reflection
◆ Shadow details
◆ And much more!
13. Budget vs top
Testing the different graphics cards on the same game (Elder
Scrolls V) will show a difference.
➔ The difference between graphics cards and what
you’re paying for when buying a high-end card
➔ Low-end vs. high-end
17. Prices
➔ Graphics card prices vary… tremendously!
◆ Studio graphics cards ………………. $2,000 and up
◆ High end ……………………………….$300 - $1,500
◆ Average …………………………………. $100 - $300
◆ Low end ……………………………………. $25 - $75
➔ Studio graphics cards are needed for those who are developing or editing
3D animations (for games, movies, or design); tasks that have a big
workload.
➔ Some games require a more high end GPU in order to play the game on
recommended settings.
18. Reference
● A Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your
PC
● Yahoo Answers: Home
● Google Images
● Newegg.com: Computer Parts, Laptops,
Electronics, and More
● Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
