Computer Graphics Cards

Graphics cards are also known as graphic adapters, video cards and graphic controllers. The function of a graphics card is to convert logical data into signals or images that can be displayed by computer monitors and projectors. The logical data is sent to the graphics card by the central processing unit or the CPU. On receiving the information, the graphics card begins processing it and the processed signals are displayed on the computer monitor. Apart from this, the graphics card performs some other functions too, like a TV tuner adapter, Fire Wire, video capturing, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoding, among others.

Since the early computers did not have sufficient RAM for processing images, the graphics card was used for that purpose. With time, however, graphics cards have undergone a sea change and now perform multiple functions. In the early days, graphics cards were available separately (like the Hercules card), but most modern motherboards boast of integrated graphic chips which provides the functions of the graphic card. However, the integrated chips have limited functionality. One can avail of dedicated, add-on, graphic cards that enhance the graphic processing capabilities of the computer.

Generally speaking, graphics card are often considered useful only for video games, but this is a wrong notion. In reality, graphics cards have a wide range of functionalities that are used for several video intensive applications. Hence, graphics cards are required by 3D animators and graphic designers who use them for providing the video processing requirements of their graphic intensive programs. There are two distinct types of graphic cards available in the market these days. These are the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) and the PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect).

Between these two, the AGP is the older one which has managed to retain its popularity even today. The PCI Express, on the other hand, is relatively new although it is being used in a number of new motherboards. This technology has become popular owing to its capacity to transfer large chunks data to and from the video card and the main memory. The AGP is used for linking a video card to the motherboard. This is done to help accelerate the 3D computer graphics. Alternately, the primary function of the PCI Express is to attach the hardware appliances in a computer.

These devices fit on a slot in the motherboard. When it comes to catering to the ever-increasing requirements of the graphics cards, experts believe AGP is a preferred choice over the PCI. This is because the AGP, when compared to the PCI, delivers superior service by providing a dedicated path between the processor and the slot. This leads to a swift communication between the slot and the processor. Furthermore, sideband addressing is used in AGP which implies that the entire data packet need not be read for deriving the addressing information.

There are different brands of graphic cards available in the market. Hence, it is important to zero in on the most efficient graphic card that suits your PC. Experts opine that before purchasing the graphic cards, the computer users should first find out the speed of their CPU. Compatibility between the CPU and the graphics card is of utmost importance hence, computer user should ensure that their CPU is capable of supporting the speed of the graphics card.