The graphics or video card is the component in your computer that allows it to convert binary information into viewable pictures and signals that are seen on your monitor. The CPU or central processing unit sends data about the graphic to the video card. The video card processes the data and sends the data to the monitor to create the best possible image supported.
The video card performs complex functions. It is connected to the monitor, motherboard, RAM, and central processing unit and works in conjunction with all of them. Some video cards even have outputs for TV's, recording devices, as well as input devices. Many computers come with the graphics processing built into the motherboard, but are capable of having more powerful graphics cards added on.
There are many brands of video cards available today. When choosing a video card to buy, there are several areas to look at to make sure that you are purchasing a video card worth your money. CPU speed is one of these areas. CPU speed of the video card is crucial to its functionality as a graphics processor. Without enough power to process the image data quickly, demanding video programs and applications will come to a halt. The specifications of the computer need to be compatible as well. Check to make sure that if the video card your are purchasing is PCI-Express, that your computer has an available PCI-Express slot. For simple applications like word processing and web browsing, an on-board video card is sufficient. But, for advanced 3D gaming you will need a high-end video card. Computer games today are very complex and require a lot of video processing. To accomodate this, video cards have been made to be easily upgraded by anyone.
What you see on your monitor is all made possible by your video card. Without it, we'd just be seeing dots or pixels. What the video card is capable of is what makes all those pixels into something that we can interpret.
Aaron Guhl is a long time computer and PC gaming guru. He has been highly involved with the online gaming community for over 10 years. He frequently writes articles pertaining to the state of PC gaming.
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