There are many hardware components to consider when you buy a new computer. The salesman may ask about what type of applications you may plan to run in order to help determine what type of video card you will require.

What is a video card? It is the hardware responsible for the pictures that you see on the monitor. The video card is crucial for gamers, graphic artists and the everyday website surfer. Prior to purchasing just the standard video card or the top of the line one, know how to shop for one.

Consider some basic criteria before choosing a video card:

• Price

• Speed

• Resolution

• Card Slot Type

Video Card and Graphics Card

You may have heard people having a discussion about video cards and graphics cards. They are comparable in how they function. Video cards are more functional to gamers. Gamers prefer to have the greatest amount of memory on their video card so that they can have a higher frame rate. Certain games use a lot of resources and no one wants to have technical difficulties while they are engaged in an online battle.

Video games have progressed beyond the scope of Atari table tennis. Resolution is an important factor but in some gaming worlds that are advanced the better frame rate is more of the essence.

Graphics cards are desired more by graphic artists and those using CAD. Here, attention to detail is important in your designs so that is what will be the main concern here. The same goes for the casual client who surfs the Web.

Different types of Video Cards

This will depend on what kind of connection you have for a video card. The video card may already be installed to your preference in a new computer. If you assemble computers, this information is accommodating.

There are three main connection types for video cards. The most common ones that you will see used most often are AGP and PCI-E and sometimes PCI. Older connections use a VGA cable.

Price

Video cards range from somewhat expensive to quite expensive. A typical everyday user may not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a new video card, but a graphic designer might to suit their job needs. Cheaper doesn’t mean substandard quality, just fewer features. That’s okay if you are not into gaming or computer design.

Not sure what all the letters mean? Talk to someone at your local computer store who can help you choose your video card wisely.