2.2.12 Video Cards - Notes
A video or graphics card generates the display signal for monitors and projectors. It usually fits into a PCIe slot, though some older systems may use PCI.
Two Types of Graphics
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated / onboard | Built into the motherboard chipset or CPU | Basic tasks, office use |
| Discrete graphics card | Separate card installed in a PCIe x16 slot | 3D gaming, CAD, digital artwork |
Major GPU chipset makers are AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel.
Key Video Card Components
- GPU: A microprocessor optimized for rendering 2D and 3D graphics. Performance is often measured by frame rate and support for texture and lighting effects.
- Graphics memory (GDDR): Memory optimized for high bandwidth. It is similar in concept to DDR system RAM but is designed for GPU workloads.
- Video ports: Modern graphics cards typically provide DisplayPort, HDMI, and sometimes USB-C with DisplayPort or Thunderbolt support.
Graphics Memory Tiers
| Tier | GDDR Memory |
|---|---|
| High-end | Up to 24 GB |
| Mid-range | 8 to 12 GB |
| Low-end | Uses shared system RAM |
Key Things to Remember
- Most modern GPUs use a PCIe x16 slot.
- Some systems can use multiple GPUs across multiple PCIe slots.
- GDDR stands for Graphics Double Data Rate and is different from normal system DDR memory.
- Low-end cards that rely on shared system RAM reduce overall system performance.