Computers use graphics cards to render the visuals you see on your display. For playing video games, you need a video card that can handle the demands placed on it by the application. However, finding the right graphics cards can be tricky. In today's market, there are hundreds of offerings from which to choose. They come in a wide range of prices as well. Despite the sheer amount of choice, you can find the card for your needs through several simple decisions.
Instructions
1. Determine your budget. The amount that you are able and willing to spend on a graphics card plays a large part in your ultimate choice. Graphics cards capable of playing games at an acceptable framerate can be had in the $100 to $200 price range at the time of this publication. If you have a large budget, the latest offerings from graphics card manufacturers can be had for less than $1,000.
2. Consider your gaming needs and wants. This step plays into determining your budget as well. Do you want to play the latest PC game releases at their maximum video quality? Maybe you just need something that can run a few specific, older games that you play regularly at a high quality and better framerate.
3. Take your budget and gaming desires into account to come up with an ideal video card type. Type refers to what video card range you should seek. If you want something to replace an older card to play older games at a higher quality and newer games at an acceptable one, you'll want a mid-range card. These tend to vary in price from $150 to $250 at the time of this publication. If you want the best money can buy, you want a high end card, normally marketed with words like "Enthusiast" or "Gamer." These cards normally run $300 and up.
4. Choose a card that can handle graphics-intense games, no matter your budget or desires. There are several primary specifications to look for when finding a graphics card. Pay attention to memory size. The more video RAM the card has, the better the card performance. Card VRAM can be anywhere from 512 Mb to 2 Gb on modern graphics cards. Find the core clock speed as well. This value is measured in megahertz. The higher this value is, the better the performance of the card. There are many other variables, but a card with ample RAM and a high core clock is a must for gaming.
5. Look at the competition once you've found a card model you like. Different manufacturers may offer different benefits for the same card. Some may have custom heat-sinks and fans, allowing for quieter, cooler operation. Others may offer software bundles with the card. Still others might offer a card with overclocked values from the factory. This step is primarily up to your own taste. Find a package that has bonuses that you want and purchase it.
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