GPUs & Video Graphics Cards for PCs

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Understanding Graphics Card Types for Optimal Display Output

Graphics cards, housing both the GPU and essential hardware, interpret CPU data into monitor-rendered images. Today’s graphics cards have evolved from older standards like VGA (Video Graphics Array) to modern display interfaces such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, offering higher resolutions and improved image quality. Mainstream desktop graphics cards excel in gaming workloads, while workstation cards cater to professional design and scientific applications. While today's mainstream cards handle creative applications adeptly, workstation cards aren't optimized for gaming graphics engines and may not be powerful enough, making them underperform in gaming scenarios.

GPU vs Video Graphics Card

AMD, NVIDIA, and recently, Intel are the primary chipmakers crafting GPUs. Numerous manufacturers like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and others produce desktop graphics cards for PCs. These manufacturers, known as board partners, assemble interfaces, cooling mechanisms, and components for GPUs, ensuring various customizations for cooling, overclocking, and other functionalities.

Key Features of NVIDIA and AMD Computer Graphics Cards for PCs

Historically, AMD and NVIDIA have dominated the GPU space, offering powerful graphics cards for PC users. Next-gen GPUs like NVIDIA RTX 40-series graphics cards (released Oct. 2022) offer some of the most powerful desktop graphics processing available. The AMD Radeon RX-7000 series cards occupy the mid-to-high range. Additionally, a newcomer to the GPU space, the Intel Arc A5 and A7 series graphics cards offer mid-range performance at competitive price points. Meanwhile, Intel Arc A3 series graphics cards offer an economicaly option for players interested in running contemporary games at standard settings. These Arc cards are available in gaming laptops from ASUS and MSI.

Ray-tracing for Lifelike Gameplay

Recent generations of NVIDIA RTX , such as the powerful RTX 4090 and AMD Radeon graphics cards introduced support for ray-traced graphics, an example of hardware-assisted graphics acceleration. This technology aims to enhance realism in gaming by simulating how light interacts with surfaces, resulting in more lifelike visuals. While ray tracing without dedicated hardware is possible, the latest advancements happen by way of dedicated cores built into your GPU. Tensor cores were added alongside the CUDA cores that traditionally handle the graphics load in gaming systems. Adding tensor cores into the mix allows graphics cards to handle more advanced workloads, most notably crunching number sets that are involved in machine learning.

How DLSS in GPUs Boosts Graphics Performance Using AI

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, boosts gaming performance by rendering visuals at a lower resolution and then intelligently scaling them up to higher quality, all without overburdening your GPU. For example, say you want to play games on a 1440 (2k) monitor -- DLSS 2.0 does some of the processing for you -- with the help of NVIDIA supercomputers pushing some of your pixels. Your system assumes a 1080 workload while you play on 1440 image.

Understanding Graphics Card Size and PC Case Form Factor

GPU clearance is an umbrella term for the physical dimensions of graphics cards. Graphics cards are measured in millimeters by length, width, and thickness. Your PC case cannot be shorter or narrower than your graphics card. You can find low profile graphics cards that have compact builds to fit inside smaller case form factors.

GPU Cooling Systems: Keeping Your Graphics Card at the Right Temperature

When it comes to maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your GPU, cooling systems play a crucial role. Modern GPUs generate significant heat, especially during intense gaming or computational tasks. Effective cooling solutions help prevent overheating, which can lead to reduced performance, damage, or even complete failure.

Types of GPU Cooling Systems:

Air Cooling: The most common method, using heat sinks and fans to dissipate heat.
Liquid Cooling: A more efficient method, using a liquid coolant to absorb heat and transfer it to a radiator for dissipation.
Hybrid Cooling: Combines air and liquid cooling for optimal performance.

Graphics Card Thickness and PC Case Rear Panel

Desktop graphics cards fit into the PCIe-x16 slot in a computer motherboard. The external interface of the graphics card contains the video inputs where you plug in display cables and slots into the rear panel of the PC case. Flagship graphics cards are thick and occupy between three and four slots on the rear panel. Less powerful graphics cards may fit into two slots. Even though a card typically only takes up two or three ports in the case, if it's got a fan shroud and a big heatsink, then it can end up partially blocking an extra adjacent slot.

Check Your Graphics Card Power Connectors for PSU Compatibility

Most gaming graphics cards power requirement exceeds the 75-watt maximum standard provided by PCIe slots. Graphics cards receive supplemental power from a PC power supply (PSU). Power connectors for graphics cards that usually come in 8-pin and 6-pin varieties. More powerful graphics cards like NVIDIA 30-series and later and AMD Radeon RX 6000 series and later may require up to four 8-pin connectors. In terms of wattages, graphics cards list a Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating in Watts in the product specifications. The TDP rating listed is for the graphics card only. You will also want to calculate your system power with the Power Supply Calculator if you are considering whether your existing power supply can handle a graphics card upgrade.

GPU Power Consumption: Understanding Your Graphics Card's Energy Needs

GPUs require significant power to operate, especially high-end models. Understanding your GPU's power consumption is essential to ensure compatibility with your power supply unit (PSU) and prevent overheating. Factors Affecting GPU Power Consumption:

Factors Affecting GPU Power Consumption:

GPU Architecture: Different architectures have varying power requirements.
Clock Speed: Higher clock speeds increase power consumption.
Memory and Bandwidth: Increased memory and bandwidth require more power.
Cooling Systems: Inefficient cooling can lead to increased power consumption.

Calculating Your GPU's Power Consumption:

Thermal Design Power (TDP): Check your GPU's TDP rating, usually listed in watts.
Power Supply Calculator: Use online tools to calculate your system's total power requirements.

Match the Graphics Card to Virtual Reality Usage

If you intend to use PC VR platforms, video graphics cards are an important element. Then you'll need to use, at the very least, mid-range workstation graphics cards that have optimal performance levels. In fact, you just might want to concentrate on the high-end models of video cards that are intended for gaming. These are well-optimized to support virtual reality gaming. There are some lower cost options you can use. However, most seasoned gamers will advise you to go for the top-tier desktop graphics cards if you're looking for seamless virtual reality gaming.

The Future of Modern Graphics & Video Cards

Modern graphics cards enhance performance and also improve energy efficiency. Technologies like AMD's ZeroCore and NVIDIA's power management ensure that your gaming or professional tasks are handled efficiently, reducing electricity costs and extending the lifespan of your components.

Shop High-Performance Graphics Cards at Newegg

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Bestselling GPUs / Video Graphics Cards Reviews:

Nate

5/30/2024 9:14:41 AM

Super effective and I NEVER hear it run

“ I am very pleased with the performance of this card with everything I do. ”

SAPPHIRE NITRO+ Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 x16 ATX Video Card 11330-01-20G

Blake R.

2/20/2024 7:17:34 AM

Superb Design

“ I've only owned high end GPUs for the last 10 years and I do feel like this is the best overall card I've owned. ”

SAPPHIRE NITRO Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 x16 ATX Video Card 11322-01-40G

Anonymous

2/10/2024 10:20:28 AM

Excellent product, easy to setup, quiet and cool

“ Worth the price (it already shows significant benefits over the other GPUs that I've used in the past). ”

MSI Suprim GeForce RTX 4090 24GB GDDR6X PCI Express 4.0 Video Card RTX 4090 SUPRIM LIQUID X 24G

Anonymous

2/7/2024 5:45:24 PM

Amazing at 1440p

“ Honestly this card blew my expectations. ”

SAPPHIRE NITRO+ Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 x16 ATX Video Card 11330-01-20G

Jordan K.

12/23/2023 9:01:03 AM

Fantastic budget GPU, with a catch.

“ If you enjoy tinkering, this is one of the best gpus on the market for the price. ”

Intel Arc A750 Limited Edition 8GB PCI Express 4.0 Graphics Card 21P02J00BA

Derek D.

10/3/2023 7:44:26 AM

Great GPU

“ Quiet and powerful. I get 120+ FPS on ultra in 1440p for any game I am playing. ”

SAPPHIRE PULSE Radeon RX 7900 XT 20GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 x16 ATX Video Card 11323-02-20G

Jack

9/28/2023 7:59:30 AM

Super cool.. Literally

“ Great product, outstanding performance in games like Starfield, Tiny Tinas, Forza Horizon 5, and Cyberpunk (even with Raytracing). ”

SAPPHIRE NITRO Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24GB GDDR6 PCI Express 4.0 x16 ATX Video Card 11322-01-40G

8/18/2023 12:12:10 PM

Beast of a Graphics Card and Impressive Performance

“ I'm extremely happy with the RX 6800XT, this card has handled any games I've thrown at it and with great performance! ”

ASRock Radeon RX 6800 XT Phantom Gaming Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6, AMD RDNA 2 (RX6800XT PGD 16GO)

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