How to choose a good graphics card

A graphics card is one of the most expensive and important parts of a computer. The price of this component in gaming systems may even be equal to the cost of all other components. Also, the choice of a high-quality video card is often required for a number of other tasks. For example, a graphics adapter can significantly reduce video rendering times.

If the user is interested in cryptocurrency, then it is important for him to know which video card is better to buy for mining. In each case, the hardware requirements are different. This article will analyze in detail the question of how to choose the right video card for a computer for the tasks being performed, taking into account all the parameters of modern cards.

Types of video cards

In the electronics market, the assortment of graphic adapters is quite large, below we will take a look at the three most popular types of cards today and consider the area of ​​their use.

Built-in

Integrated video cards are commonly found in laptops. They are a chip soldered on the motherboard. Desktop PCs are equipped with such solutions less often and are usually used only in budget assemblies. Separately, you can also highlight the graphics built into the processor, but such solutions belong to a different class. However, the video cards built into the motherboard use the power of the central processor and RAM resources in a similar way.

Discrete

Discrete graphics cards are completely self-contained. Such devices have their own memory and computing units. In cheap models of video cards, the amount of video memory is relatively small, and the number of stream processors, texture units and rendering units is several times less than in premium devices. Discrete solutions are great for gaming PCs, cryptocurrency mining, as well as working with graphics, images and various resource-intensive applications.

Hybrid

Hybrid devices, as the name implies, are a combination of a discrete and an integrated video adapter. Most often, manufacturers use such video cards for laptops. The advantages of hybrid video cards include their versatility: the use of a high-performance chip for games and "heavy" programs, and the built-in one for simple office applications.

Criteria for choosing a video card

To decide which video card is better to choose, you initially need to decide on the tasks that this component will perform. Many modern PC users only need a graphics adapter for office applications and video viewing. However, to do this, you do not need to purchase a separate video adapter, because modern integrated graphics, like the Intel HD 630, which is present in all processors from Pentium 4,600 and above, perfectly copes even with playing online videos in 4K resolution.

For modern games, in turn, a corresponding card is required.For example, at the most popular 1080p resolution today and with maximum graphics settings, the adapter GTX 1060 from the popular graphics card manufacturer NVIDIA will allow you to enjoy stable 30 fps. In most cases, this figure will exceed 50 frames per second. If you want to get a similar result at a higher resolution, you will have to part with a larger purchase price GTX 1070/1080.

For 4K resolution, maximum graphics settings and high frame rates, you will definitely need a top-end GTX 1080 Ti... However, the selected video card model is quite expensive, so as an alternative in this case, you can use two 1070s, purchasing them one by one. In this configuration, a gaming PC will be able to deliver even higher frame rates, but the total costs will also turn out to be higher. However, for other adapters, this approach is not relevant, because in the 10th series of NVIDIA SLI support is announced only for three senior models.

If you do not consider yourself to be an avid gamer, then the best solution would be to buy a video card for working with office programs, watching movies and simple games. In this case, even GTX 1050/1050 Ti or RX 460/470... With a very modest budget, NVIDIA GT 1030 can be considered as a purchase. This adapter will perfectly cope with simple entertainment like "Overwatch" or "DOTA 2", producing stable 60 fps at high graphics settings.

Adapters for mining can be attributed to a separate category. In terms of price-quality ratio, video cards of this class are superior to standard models. But this is relevant exclusively for the process of mining cryptocurrency, because devices for mining are deprived of a number of gaming opportunities. This move allows manufacturers to reduce the cost of graphics cards by providing users with the full range of features they need. But it should be borne in mind that due to the specifics of the work, the warranty period for such models is significantly reduced and is only 90 days.

Who to choose NVIDIA or AMD

If there are a huge number of manufacturers of video cards on the market, then there are only two developers of graphics processors, accelerators and system logic sets in the industry:

• NVIDIA
• AMD

These companies are also known as "green" and "red" among fans. Of course, experienced users will be able to mark a few more brands. However, most of them are only present in the mobile or portable console market. Intel, whose solutions are also present on PCs, is developing exclusively integrated graphics for its own CPUs.

As for the choice between NVIDIA and AMD, there is no clear leader here. Each company has its own fans and opponents. However, we must admit that the "green" still enjoy a little more popularity than the "red". But the situation on the market may well change, because AMD has practically risen to the same level with NVIDIA, and the appearance of the Vega family cards in wide availability can completely tip the bowl in its direction.

Already, the "reds" are offering more attractive prices for all their graphics adapters. Also, AMD often wins in terms of heat dissipation and power consumption. Important advantages of NVIDIA are, in turn, perfect compatibility, which is not always characteristic of "red", excellent driver optimization and more interesting proprietary gaming technologies.

It takes a very long time to describe the advantages, disadvantages and differences of each of the manufacturers. However, on the basis of such reasoning, it is still impossible to give the only correct advice for all buyers. When choosing a video card for a computer, you need to study the features of all the models that interest you, as well as build on your own preferences and available budget. This way you can buy exactly the adapter whose parameters suit you best.

When buying a video card, consider what kind of motherboard you are using and whether the power supply is enough for the selected adapter!

Video card connection type

All modern video cards are connected to a computer via a PCI-E x16 interface connector. Depending on the specification, the bus bandwidth on one line can vary from 5 Gbps (version 2.0) to 8 Gbps (version 3.0).

There are also PCI-E x1 and AGP interface slots. However, the former is used today mainly for installing other boards, such as Wi-Fi adapters, and the AGP system bus was replaced by PCI-E over 10 years ago, so it can only be found on very old PCs.

Video processor frequency

Although the frequency of the GPU plays an important role, it is not a fundamental characteristic. In modern adapters from NVIDIA and AMD, the difference in frequency between senior and junior models is extremely insignificant. So in the entry-class cards this figure is 1300-1500 MHz, which is the minimum required for games. In the middle segment, the frequency of the video processor is only slightly higher - from 1500 to 1700.

It would be logical to assume that in the high class of video cards the frequency varies within 1700-1900 MHz, and in the top-end - 1900-2100. But in reality, it is the same as in the middle segment of graphics adapters. This is due to the fact that the frequency of 1700 MHz is sufficient for modern games, and the performance is affected by the number of shader units included in the video processor. For a different class of devices, their number is distributed as follows:

• weak video cards: ~ 400-500
• entry level: ~ 600-800
• middle class: ~ 1200-1500
• top segment: ~ 1600-1900
• top devices: ~ 2500-3500

Memory type and frequency

Most modern video adapters are equipped with GDDR5 memory. Today, it is even installed in such budget graphics cards as the GT 1030 from NVIDIA and the RX550 from AMD. Very old and weak cards are equipped with GDDR3 memory. Such adapters will perfectly cope with undemanding tasks, but it is better not to purchase them for games. The most modern type of memory is now GDDR5X, but it is only present in the powerful premium graphics cards NVIDIA GTX 1080 and GTX 1080 Ti.

But if GDDR5 memory is used in many modern chips, including the 7 and 9 series from "green", then with each new generation of adapters its frequency is gradually increasing. For a comfortable game, this parameter should be at least 5000 MHz. However, already in the inexpensive GT 1030, the memory frequency is equal to 6008 MHz, and the middle-class models are capable of boasting an indicator of 7000-8000. In the top 10 series solutions from NVIDIA, the memory operates at 11000 MHz.

Video memory size

Most modern games do not use more than 3-4 GB of video memory. However, it is recommended to take a card strictly with such a volume only if you plan to update your hardware in the near future. For long-term purchases, consider the 6GB GTX 1060, 8GB RX 480 or more advanced graphics cards.

Considering the pace of development of the gaming industry, such a volume will become the minimum necessary in 1.5-2 years, and therefore it is better to immediately take an adapter with a small margin. As for the maximum possible amount of graphics memory, it is equal to 11 GB and so far only found in the GTX 1080 Ti.

The more video memory in your chosen adapter, the more spacious part of the game world the game can simultaneously keep in quick access. If there is insufficient memory, the application can additionally use RAM. If the game does not know how to correctly work with system resources, then the game world may not be fully loaded. It is also possible that some objects will begin to be generated near the player, and not in the distance, as soon as a certain area of ​​the map appears in the user's field of vision.

Bus width

When choosing a powerful graphics card for gaming, it's also important to look at the bus width. In gaming solutions, this figure varies from 128 to 384 bits. Keep in mind that even entry-level models must have a bus width of at least 128 bits, so budget devices like the GT 1030 and its analogues will not be able to provide a comfortable gaming experience.The minimum required for modern projects will be GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti or their AMD counterparts. Mid-range video adapters (GTX 1060) are equipped with a 192-bit bus, while for high-end cards this figure is 256 bits or more.

Technical process

The performance of the adapter does not depend on this parameter. However, it affects the heat dissipation and economy of the video card. In other words, the more modern the technical process, the less the graphics adapter will heat up and consume electricity. This, in turn, will provide a lower noise level, because during office work, watching videos and even undemanding games, sufficient cooling will provide the radiator, which will allow the fans to stand idle. Modern video cards are manufactured according to the technological process from 14 to 28 nm. Moreover, unlike other parameters, the lower the number, the better.

Energy consumption

It depends not only on the technical process, but also on the power of the adapter. The most productive cards consume about 250 watts when fully loaded, while the entry-class models need 75. The most optimal in terms of performance / power consumption are considered video cards in the middle price segment, which require 120-150 watts to power.

Cooling system

According to the cooling characteristics, the video cards presented for sale are divided into active, passive and dropsy. The first, as the name implies, involves the use of fans. Depending on the type of card, their number can vary from 1 to 3 and even, in some cases, 4 pieces. Fans are used to remove heat from the heatsink supplied to the GPU. The advantage of this solution lies in its high cooling efficiency and balanced cost. However, such video cards make a lot of noise during loads.

Water cooling, by the way, is rarely used by manufacturers in pure form and it is usually combined with active cooling. But even such a hybrid solution can significantly reduce the heating of the card and the noise level of the system. You can completely get rid of the hum of the fans only with the help of passively cooled video cards. The price of such adapters is also affordable. However, solely using a heatsink does not effectively cool gaming cards under high load. Therefore, passive cooling is used only in simple video cards like the GT 1030.

Overall dimensions

Pay attention to the size of the video adapter if your case is smaller than the average Midi-Tower. Too long graphic cards in this case may simply not fit inside or interfere with the installation of other components (for example, SDD or HDD). Top adapters are usually very long (an average of 280-290 mm). Entry-level video cards, in turn, do not need large dimensions, so their length is usually in the range of 170-190.

Mid-range devices, respectively, are located in the middle between the indicated values. However, manufacturers often also release these graphics cards in a shortened version, allowing users to build high-performance gaming computers in Mini-Tower cases.

As for the thickness of the video adapter, it is not measured in millimeters, but in the slots that the device occupies in the case. The cheapest and simplest cards can be single-slot. The rest of the video adapters usually occupy two slots, almost always covering one of the connectors on the motherboard.

External connectors

To connect monitors, video cards are equipped with external connectors. After installing the adapter in the PC, all interfaces are located on the back of the computer. However, a modern gaming video card may also have a pair of HDMI outputs directed inside the case. They, in turn, are intended to be displayed on the front panel of the system unit, which is necessary for VR headsets.In addition to the HDMI interface, through which not only images, but also sound can be transmitted, the video card can also have 3 other types of connectors:

1. VGA... Component interface, which until recently was used as the main output. It is rarely found in new video cards due to uselessness. Today it is possible to connect via VGA only to CRTs, as well as to inexpensive and old LCD monitors, therefore this type of output is present only on budget adapters.
2. DVI... A digital interface that allows you to directly transmit a signal to a monitor, TV, plasma panel or projector. Due to this principle of operation, the image quality is better compared to VGA. This output is present on almost all modern graphics cards.
3. DisplayPort... Modern interface, presented on most models of video cards. However, many monitors are not equipped with such an input, so it will not always be possible to use it as an alternative to HDMI.

Additional points to pay attention to

Having considered all the most important criteria for choosing a video card for a PC, we could not miss additional options that, although they do not affect the performance of a graphics adapter, are quite necessary in some situations.

SLI and CrossFire support

In the days of the prevalence of AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), there was often a question about the compatibility of the motherboard and video card. However, now such devices, as noted above, are connected via PCI-E x16, which is available on all motherboards. Therefore, if you plan (immediately or in the future) to install more than one NVIDIA or AMD card, before buying a graphics adapter, you need to consider only the motherboard's support for SLI or CrossFire, respectively. Cheap boards do not support any of these technologies. Premium models can support both at once, but such a solution is implemented only in some motherboards.

Shader version and frequency

Particular attention should be paid to the frequency and version of shader units. Modern models use version 5.0, while older cards use older solutions. The higher the frequency and version of the shaders, the more effects the graphics adapter can reproduce. This parameter, for example, affects the quality of motion blur, all kinds of particle effects, the quality of processing and the likelihood of hair display, as well as the ability to demonstrate volumetric fog and realistic water.

Additional food

When buying a good video card of the middle, high and top class, it is important to pay attention not only to the power supply unit, but also to the presence of additional power outputs. Gaming graphics adapters can have one or two connectors where 6-pin or 8-pin pins are connected.

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Which graphics card company to choose?

The commercially available graphics cards are not directly manufactured by NVIDIA or AMD. The latter produce exclusively reference adapters that are not intended for general sale. However, if you want to buy a video card directly from a graphics accelerator developer, then this is possible. For example, NVIDIA offers its own products on the official website. However, this feature is not yet available for all countries and regions. The rest of the graphic cards that are presented in online stores are created by partners of "green" and "red". The five most popular brands among buyers are headed by:

1. Sapphire
2. Gigabyte
3. MSI
4. ASUS
5. Inno3D

According to reviews on video cards on the forums, it is these manufacturers that offer the highest quality products with thoughtful cooling and excellent performance.

Conclusion

To choose a good graphics card for a modern computer, the first step is to decide on your requirements and budget. Users looking to save money should look at AMD solutions.At a lower cost, these cards demonstrate excellent results, sometimes even significantly outperforming competitors. If you want to buy an inexpensive but good graphics card from NVIDIA and other options are unacceptable for you, then you should look at mid-range solutions that are not equipped with additional features such as backlighting and other functions. Such options will not at all improve the performance of the video adapter, but will increase its cost by 2-5 thousand rubles.