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The frequency of the graphics processor of the graphics card. As a general rule, the higher the frequency of the GPU, the higher the performance of the graphics card, but this parameter is not the only one — a lot also depends on the design features of the graphics card, in particular, the type and amount of video memory (see the relevant glossary items). As a result, it is not unusual for a model with a lower processor frequency to be more performant of two video cards. In addition, it should be noted that high-frequency processors also have high heat dissipation, which requires the use of powerful cooling systems.

The number of HDMI outputs provided by the graphics card.

HDMI is by far the most popular interface for high-definition video and multi-channel audio (it can be used for video and audio at the same time). This connector is almost standard for modern monitors, in addition, it is widely used in other types of screens — TVs, plasma panels, projectors, etc.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several screens to the graphics card at the same time — for example, a pair of monitors for organizing an extended workspace. However, there are never more than 2 HDMI ports in video cards — for a number of reasons, for several screens at once, in this case it is easier to use other connectors, primarily DisplayPort.

HDMI interface version supported by the graphics card. For details about HDMI itself, see above, and its versions can be as follows:

— v.1.4. The earliest HDMI standard found in video cards; was introduced in 2009. Despite its “venerable age”, it has good capabilities: it supports 4K video (4096x2160) at a frame rate of 24 fps, Full HD (1920x1080) at a frame rate of up to 120 fps, and is also suitable for transmitting 3D video.

— v.1.4b. The second improvement of the above v.1.4. The first update, v.1.4a, introduced support for two additional 3D video formats; and in HDMI v.1.4b, mostly minor improvements and additions to v 1.4a specifications were implemented, almost imperceptible to the average user.

— v.2.0. Standard introduced in 2013 to replace HDMI v.1.4. Thanks to its full 4K support (up to 60 fps), it is also known as HDMI UHD. In addition, there is enough bandwidth for simultaneous transmission of up to 32 audio tracks and up to 4 separate audio streams, and the list of supported frame formats has been replenished with ultra-wide 21:9.

— v.2.0b. The second update of the HDMI 2.0 standard described above, which differs primarily in HDR support. However, HDR compatibility itself appeared in the first update, v.2.0a; and version 2.0b added the ability to work with HDR10 and HLG standards.

— v.2.1. The newest common HDMI standard released in 2017. Capable of providing a frame rate of 120 fps in ultra-high resolu...tion video signal — from 4K to 8K inclusive; some improvements related to the use of HDR were also provided. Note that all the features of HDMI v.2.1 are available only when using cables marked Ultra High Speed, although basic functions work through ordinary cables.

— Active(cooler). Active in this case is called forced air cooling — that is, cooling due to the outside air supplied by the cooler. The role of a cooler can be performed both by a classic fan with a radiator, and by a closed case into which air is pumped by a special impeller (“blower”). The variant with the body is typical for high-end models; it is quite complicated and expensive, but very effective, besides, hot air is usually removed not just from the graphics card case, but outside the system unit, and does not affect the rest of the system components. In general, active cooling (of all types) provides a good balance of characteristics: it turns out to be much cheaper and easier to install than water systems, and at the same time much more efficient than passive radiators. Therefore, most modern video cards are equipped with coolers or blowers.

— Passive(radiator). Passive cooling systems are called in which heat is dissipated in a natural way, without additional blowing or forced circulation of the liquid. Radiators used in such systems have the form of ribbed metal plates — this form increases the efficiency of heat removal. To further improve efficiency, radiators can be supplemented with heat pipes — closed tubes through which the coolant naturally moves. The main advantage of passive systems is the complete absence of noise; in addition, they do not consume energy and are extremely...reliable (there is practically nothing to break in the radiators). On the other hand, such systems are less efficient than coolers and, moreover, water blocks, and therefore they are mainly used in relatively low-power video cards. There are exceptions, but in them the radiator has to be made quite bulky, which can make installation difficult.

— Liquid(water block). Cooling performed by the circulation of water (or other liquid coolant) through the tubes in contact with the components of the graphics card. Such systems are extremely efficient because water has a higher heat capacity than air; in addition, the noise level during operation of the water blocks is extremely low. Their main disadvantage is the difficulty in installation: for the operation of such a graphics card, a water cooling system is required, which in itself is quite expensive and is usually not included in the package. As a result, pure liquid cooling is the prerogative of individual high-end graphics cards aimed at enthusiasts or professional users.

— Hybrid(water block + cooler). A cooling system that includes two modules at once — air (cooler) and water (water block). The specifics of both are described in detail above; here it is worth noting that in this case, the package usually includes not just a water block on the board itself, but a full-fledged liquid cooling system (LCS) — with an external radiator, pump and other components. Thus, the graphics card comes with a fully functional, ready-to-use cooling system.

Usually, hybrid systems are designed in this way: the GPU and a number of other "hottest" elements of the board are covered by a water block, the air cooler is responsible for the rest. The main point of this division is to shift from the water block to the cooler a non-critical load that does not require maximum performance; this has a positive effect on the uniformity and efficiency of liquid cooling. On the other hand, hybrid systems are quite expensive, which is why they are used much less frequently than traditional water blocks for connecting to LSS, and only in top-level solutions.

The graphics card has a backlight system. This feature gives the board an original appearance, which is especially appreciated by gamers and fans of external PC modding. The backlight may have a different colour, in some models this colour may even change. At the same time, note that this feature does not affect the functionality of the graphics card, but it significantly affects the cost. So it's worth specifically looking for a graphics card with backlighting only in cases where an unusual design is no less important to you than performance. It should also be borne in mind that such adapters must be installed in the appropriate cases — open or with a viewing window, otherwise the backlight will simply not be visible.

Backlight synchronization technology provided in a graphics card with an associated design.

By itself, synchronization allows you to "match" the backlight of the graphics card with the backlight of other system components — the motherboard, case, keyboard, mouse, etc. Thanks to this matching, all components can change colour synchronously, turn on / off at the same time, etc. Specific features the operation of such backlighting depends on the synchronization technology used, and, usually, each manufacturer has its own (Mystic Light Sync for MSI, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.). The compatibility of the components also depends on this: they must all support the same technology. So the easiest way to achieve backlight compatibility is to collect components from the same manufacturer.

Maximum power consumed by the graphics card during operation. This parameter is important for calculating the total power consumed by the entire system and selecting a power supply that provides the appropriate power.

The smallest power supply recommended for a computer with this graphics card.

This parameter, usually, is much higher than the power consumption of the graphics card itself. This is natural — after all, the PSU must provide electricity to the entire system, not just the video adapter. At the same time, the higher the power of the graphics card, the inevitably higher the power consumption of the PC as a whole. Moreover, this is due not only to the “voracity” of the graphics adapter itself, but also to the consumption of other PC components: a high-end graphics card, usually, is combined with an equally powerful (and energy-intensive) system.

With this in mind, manufacturers indicate the minimum recommended power supply. Of course, such recommendations are not mandatory; however, when using a PSU with a power lower than the recommended one, the probability of malfunctions increases significantly — to the point that even a very limited system may simply “not start”.

The number of slots occupied by the graphics card on the back of the system unit.

This indicator allows you to estimate the amount of space required to install a video adapter. It is relevant in the light of the fact that modern video cards can have a fairly extensive set of connectors, and for this set there has long been little standard lanyard for 1 slot. This is especially true for powerful performant models. Thus, many solutions, especially mid-range and top-end ones, occupy two or even three slots at once.

Separately, it is worth touching on models for which the characteristics indicate a fractional number of slots — usually 2.5 or 2.7. This detail is provided by the manufacturer for promotional purposes — as confirmation that the graphics card is smaller than a full-fledged 3-slot solution. However, in fact there is no difference between these options: adapters for 2.5 or 2.7 slots still block the third slot (albeit partially), making it unusable.