The Video Card
The video card, or GPU, is often the most important part for
anybody the plays games on their computer. If
you
will be watching any movies or playing any 3D games, you should
consider getting a GPU to make the most out of your system.
If you just use your computer for anything other than playing
3D games, you should be fine using the graphics card that is built into
a motherboard. You can also try this option and if you decide
to start playing games or would just like better quality video you can
easily add this component later on.
Choosing a Video Card
Choosing the best graphics card for what you can afford is really
simple for me.
This is usually the last piece I buy, the reason is simple, I spend as
much of what's left on my budget here to get the most out of the games
I play.
The first thing I look for is brand name, I choose Nvidia made by BFG.
I have had the best success with these cards so I see no
reason
to change. Visit the
How To Build A Computer
page and check out the section on benchmarks and reviews to get the
best video card you can for whatever the amount of money you are
spending.
If you are a gamer and would like additional information about your
cards, check out
this
interview, there is even more information about graphic cards
you will find beneficial.
Installation
- Step 1
- Take
the tab out of the back of the case, where the connections to your
monitor will go.
- Step 2
- Line up the card with the slotand
push firmly to seat the card on the motherboard. Notice the
blue
tab on the far right of the picture. If you ever remove your
graphics card, you will need to move that tab away from the card as you
pull the card up.
- Step 3
- Put the
single screw in to fasten it to the case, or move the lock for quick
cases.
- Step 4
- Be sure to check
if your graphics card requires additional power from the power supply.
If it does connect power to it as well. The power
connectors have different connections to prevent you from putting the
wrong one on.
TIP! If
your graphics card
requires additional power but you don't have a connector that is the
same shape from your power supply, you can usually buy an adapter
from your nearest electronics store.
Click
here to go from Video Cards to Computer Parts.
Click
here to go to the Home Page.