How to choose between Graphics cards?
Are you having problem selecting which graphics card to buy? Don't be concerned, you aren't alone! With a good range of graphics cards out there, each with different blueprint and function ; it is certainly a troublesome choice to make. To pick the right graphics card, you must consider the following points : AGP or PCIe? AGP is the slot where the graphics card is inserted in the motherboard. It has been the standard for graphics card connection for a considerable time. With the arrival of PCIe slot, the times of using AGP slot will shortly come to a close.
PCIe slot boosts a speed four times quicker than AGP slot and supports multiple video cards integration ( SLi or Crossfire technology ). This is something that's not possible to gain using the AGP slot if you're looking to build a gaming computer from nothing, it is a good idea to get a PCIe graphics card as it'll shortly take over AGP as the standard for graphics card connection. if what you need is only to upgrade a new video card, there remain a lot of great AGP graphics card around for your selection.
GDDR2 or GDDR3? GDDR refers back to the bandwidth of the graphics card memory module bandwidth. It isn't the same as the DDR2 PC memory RAM you install on the motherboard. GDDR2 has been employed by graphics card makers for a period. The main downside for GDDR2 is its serious overheating issue. This has pushed ATI to develop the GDDR3. GDDR3 has a lower energy consumption rate and a higher bandwidth, which can enable the graphic card to last longer and run quicker. GDDR3 is now frequently utilized in most NVIDIA- or ATI-based video cards. Though price is dearer, it is unquestionably a better buy than a DDR2 graphics card. Memory size there's a pronouncing "memory isn't enough, always upgrade to the maximum". That may be accurate for PC memory, but when it comes to graphics card memory, I disagree.
In my viewpoint, a 512MB graphics card is more than enough to handle the majority of the graphics thorough application.
In reality, if you get a 256MB GDDR3 graphics card with a good GPU, the performance might even be better than a 512MB DDR2 graphics card. I own a 5 years old 128MB graphics card and till now, it's still serving me well and has no problem handling almost all of the graphics comprehensive game that I played. Unless you have spare money to spend, my recommendation is to get a 512MB graphics card. It should be in a position to last you for 1 or 2 years. Do you need twin graphics card? SLI or Crossfire technology helps you to connect multiple video cards together. By employing 2 or more GPUs connected together, the performance of the system increased by 2 to 3 folds. This is a particularly strong invention that significantly improves a system's graphics handling capacities. In the present market, there aren't a lot of games and applications that can totally exploit this fast processing capability. with the rate the graphics technology is advancing, it's only a matter of time that SLI or Crossfire technology becomes the standard for graphics card. For game players who need to achieve a quicker and better graphics performance, you may want to think about taking a SLI or Crossfire prepared graphics card.
Hopefully this article has helped you in selecting the best graphic card for your gaming PC.