Selecting Graphics Cards for your PC
In looking at your PC game collection, are the majority of your games 2-D or call for 3-D. If the are 2 dimensional then virtually all of today's graphics cards will suffice and your game play can not be enhanced by purchasing a new one. On the other hand if you play a lot of 1st person action shooters that call for 3-Dl acceleration then you may want to take a look at some of the latest PC graphics cards.
Probably the most difficult thing about graphics cards is know your system, and buying a card that is well balanced with your CPU speed. If you have an older Pentium II chip, purchasing the latest graphics card will be a waste, it can not be used to it's fullest potential. You're better off purchasing a lower priced model, and trying to get the maximum out of both your chip and graphics cards.
Another factor to look out for when purchasing a graphics card is that not all cards work with all systems. Be sure to check your PC and input devices and make sure they match the card that you're buying. Also, check to make sure that your current graphics card is not soldered directly in to the motherboard. If it is you're most likely not going to be able to upgrade(at least not with out professional technical help).
Most users do not realize that graphics cards have their own processing unit or GPU, with it's own speed and memory. The faster the GPU and the more memory, the better your graphic intense applications will perform. The be all and end all for computer gamers is the frames rate, how fast your card is able to process all of the frames and make your game render movie quality graphics. Two of the biggest manufacturers of graphic chip sets are ATI with it's Radeon 8500 and nVidia with it's GeForce4 family of chips.
Below are links to the latest graphic cards on the market as well as links to help you learn a little bit more about upgrading your card.
- HardOcp - includes reviews and information on the latest graphics cards on the market today. Try this link at hardocp to learn more about the latest GPU chip from nVidia
- nVidia - Makers of the GeForce family of GPUs.
- ATI Technologies - Manufacturer of PC and MAC graphic cards, which include the All-In-Wonder Radeon 8500DV
For other great links to graphics cards and other computer hardware be sure to take a look at the links under Computer Gaming Hardware/Peripherals
