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The Computer Builder #028 - How To Choose A Video Card
March 30, 2006
Issue 28, 28 March 2006

What's Hot

A quick guide to creating a bootable CD-ROM.

Learn about 5 things you can do with an old PC.

How to choose a computer printer that meets your needs.

Here's a great place to buy computer memory.

Upgrade your computer skills with this video tutorial.
 

 

Resources

This computer training package is all you need to upgrade, repair or speed up your computer.

TigerDirect.com is offers a huge variety of computer parts and deals suitable for all budgets.

Here is an excellent tutorial for learning how to build  a computer and troubleshoot PC problems.

Crucial.com offers memory products with  your money back if the upgrades are not compatible.

Verizon Online DSL is offering one month FREE broadband access if you subscribe now.

How To Choose A Video Card

© 2006 Build-Your-Own-Computers.com


Want to know what piece of technology is changing most rapidly in the world of computer? That's right - video cards. The rate at which video cards come out is simply mind boggling. We're looking at a whole plethora of video cards based on graphics processors from ATI and Nvidia.

Which card should you choose? Will it be good enough to run your most complex business applications and the latest 3D games?

Well, this article will help you make some sense of this fast changing technology and enable you to choose the best video card for your computing needs.

The best way to see what video card to buy is to consider how you're using your computer now. There are several categories:

There are several categories:

  • Server
  • Simple Applications
  • Complex Applications
  • General Gaming
  • Hard-Core Gaming

Ok, let's look at these in turn.
 

1. Server

If you're using your computer as a mail server, FTP server, print server, or even a game server, you definitely do not need a high-end video card. What you need is a simple, no-frills low-end video card.
 

2. Simple Applications

Say you're using the PC for simple applications only, for example, word processing, email or web surfing. Again, you do not need the best video card out there. A cheap and decent one will do the trick.
 

3. Complex Applications

If you need to perform more complex tasks like 3D computer aided design or video editing, it will make more sense to go for a heavy duty card. Screen resolution and image quality tend to be important factors for this type of work. Look for a video card whose processor which supports a high screen resolution, with ample graphics memory.
 

4. General Games

If you'll only play simple games like Minesweeper, Reversi or Backgammon, then my advice is to save your money and just get a simple video card. No need for the latest 3D graphics gizmo.
 

5. Hard-Core Gaming

On the other hand, if you live on intense, real-time 3D games like Unreal Tournament and Battlefield 2, you'll want to get the latest 3D graphics card. These games require extremely powerful cards which support a variety of graphics effects like anti-aliasing, Z-buffering, vertex shaders, etc.
 

Conclusion

In summary, you should always consider your needs first before going out to buy that video card. Video cards, especially the latest models, tend to be prohibitively expensive. If you only need to do general computer stuff, then don't shell out cash for the high-end cards. Go for some of the cheaper video cards instead. Do your homework, read up the manufacturer's online manuals before making your purchase decision.
 

Articles Of Interest


How to build a gaming PC for just $1000
Learn how to build a gaming PC with only $1000. Great for the budget gamer.

Learn how to install desktop memory
This guide will show you how to install desktop memory correctly into your computer.

Learn how to install a CD or DVD drive
This article shows you proper steps to install a CD or DVD drive in your PC.


What to do if your computer monitor goes blank after the boot process
This article explains what you need to do if your computer monitor goes blank after boot process.

5 essential things to know about buying a computer power supply
This article describes 5 facts you need to know before buying a computer power supply.

 

For more articles, be sure to visit Build-Your-Own-Computers.com.
 

Recommended PC Hardware Tools & Services


Upgrade Your Computer Skills With This Video

If you want to learn how to build computers or troubleshoot PC problems, you may want to check out this computer training video. Besides showing you instructions for installing hardware components, this video also includes great tips like how to create boot disks, configure your BIOs or format a hard drive.
 

Where to Buy Computer Parts Online
TigerDirect.com is always my first stop for purchasing computer parts online. This store offers a huge variety of computer parts and deals suitable for all budgets.
 

Switch To Broadband Internet Now
Acronis True Image allows you to create an image of your hard disk drive, including the operating system, applications, user settings and user data. You can then use this image to restore your PC to a previous working state without any reinstallation.



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