How to choose a graphics card for a computer?

Integrated and discrete

All modern graphics accelerators can be divided into two large groups: integrated and discrete. The first ones are built into the central processor (all modern Intel and AMD platforms) or the motherboard chipset (for example, the old Intel G41 and AMD 760G). The second are separate expansion cards with a PCI-E interface. For office and multimedia tasks (FullHD hardware playback and even 4K video), an integrated graphics accelerator is more than enough. Moreover, even an entry-level gaming PC can be built on integrated graphics (see the article "Initial gaming computer for $ 300 (spring 2016)".

But for those who are seriously interested in computer games (they play a lot, often and at different times), as well as professionally engaged in photo processing, video editing and three-dimensional modeling, a discrete graphics card is mandatory. Based on the price, discrete graphics cards can be divided into five categories.

Ultra-low-cost graphics cards (less than $100)

The cheapest video cards are jokingly called "plugs", and their only task is to output images from those PCs that do not have integrated graphics. In terms of performance, they are no better than modern integrated solutions. For example, the discrete GeForce GT 730 and Radeon R7 240 are one-to-one Intel HD 530. Therefore, it makes sense to buy ultra-budgets now only to replace the broken graphics card of an old PC, but certainly not as part of a new computer.

Low-cost graphics cards (up to $150)

GeForce GTX 750 and Radeon R7 360 are relatively inexpensive graphics cards that allow run modern games at least on low graphics settings

Video cards that allow you to run all modern games at FullHD resolution with at least low graphics settings start at $110 (GeForce GTX 750 and Radeon R7 360). Another thing is that such video cards have practically no performance reserve and, probably, in a year they will have to be changed to something more powerful. If you immediately pay a few tens of dollars (GeForce GTX 750 Ti and 950, Radeon R7 370 and RX 460), you won't have to think about upgrading the graphics card for a couple of years. But only on condition that you agree to play on low graphics settings in the future.

Lower middle segment of video cards (up to $200)

Video cards for two hundred dollars (GeForce GTX 960, 1050 and 1050 Ti, Radeon R9 380) allow you to take a swing at medium-high graphics settings at FullHD resolution. Such solutions have a performance margin of three to four years, but over time, of course, you will have to reduce the graphics settings.

Upper middle segment of video cards (up to $400)

You don't need more for FullHD resolution (GeForce GTX 1060, Radeon RX 470, RX 480) — ultra–graphics settings are provided to you, and the performance reserve will last for five years. You will have to change such a graphics card only if you upgrade to a 2K or 4K monitor.

Flagship video cards (over $400)

For ultra-settings at 2K resolution, you will need a GeForce GTX 980 Ti graphics card

Video cards designed for resolutions up to 4K, as well as high-frequency FullHD monitors (120-144 Hz) and virtual reality helmets, cost from $ 400 and almost to infinity. GeForce GTX 980 Ti and 1070 are mandatory for ultra-settings on 2K resolution, and GTX 1080 on 4K. Unfortunately, AMD has no equally powerful analogues at the time of writing this article (only Vega graphics cards have been announced).

Video memory

The amount of video memory for different video cards on the same graphics chip may differ two or even four times. In the case of ultra–low-cost solutions, the amount of memory over 1 GB is a useless overpayment. For low-cost video cards, 1 GB of memory is already not enough, 2 GB will be just right, but 4 GB is already doubtful. At least 4 GB, and preferably 6-8 GB is recommended for mid-price solutions. For flagship graphics accelerators, a minimum of 8 GB is required and in the near future the volume should increase to 12-16 GB. In turn, you should not worry about the type of memory (DDR3, GDDR5, GDDR5X and HBM) and the bit depth of the memory bus (64, 128, 256 or 384 bits) – now each graphics card is equipped with exactly what suits it best. For example, the 128-bit GeForce GTX 960 is more powerful than the 256-bit Radeon R7 370.

Cooling system

Fully passive cooling is the lot of ultra–low-cost graphics cards exclusively. Most modern solutions are equipped with hybrid cooling: in idle mode, the fans do not rotate and run only in games. Energy-efficient low-cost graphics cards (up to 75 watts), which do not require an additional power supply, may well be cooled by a simple cooler consisting of a small bar of aluminium and one fan. For models up to 150 watts, it is advisable to get a second fan. To remove up to 200 watts of heat, a more complex radiator is required, consisting of separate aluminium fins and copper heat pipes. And with 250-Watt video cards, without going beyond moderate noise, only a three-fan or water cooling system can cope.

When assembling a PC with two video cards or with other expansion cards (sound, network, video recording), it is important to pay attention to the thickness of the graphics card cooler – one, two or three slots. Otherwise, everything you need may simply not fit into the computer. We should also mention low-profile video cards made with the expectation of thin computer cases (see the article "How to choose a computer case?").

Power subsystem

In addition to the cooler, the power subsystem is responsible for the stability and durability of the graphics card. The more power phases and the better the electronic components (mosfets, chokes and capacitors) of a particular graphics card model compared to the reference (standard) NVIDIA or AMD solution, the higher loads (factory or manual overclocking) it is able to withstand. The graphics card can be powered either directly through the PCI-E connector, or through special 6 or 8-pin cables of the computer power supply (see the article "How to choose a power supply for a computer?").

Connection interfaces

Modern discrete graphics cards are connected to the mother PC board via PCI-E x16 connector

Almost all modern discrete graphics cards are connected to the motherboard of a desktop PC via a PCI-E x16 connector (the interface generation – 2.0 or 3.0 – does not matter). The only exceptions are external USB video cards, but they are designed to connect additional monitors to the laptop, and not at all for games.

Monitors are connected to the graphics card via digital interfaces HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort, as well as analogue VGA (D-Sub). The HDMI and DisplayPort ports can be represented as full-size or mini-versions (an adapter is required to connect the monitor). The DVI interface exists in two versions: digital DVI-D only and paired with an analogue DVI-I signal (it can be converted to VGA via a passive adapter).

Many modern flagship video cards are completely devoid of a VGA interface (there is no digital-to-analogue converter at all), but you can still connect a VGA monitor to them through an active adapter with its own DAC.

Not only games, but also work

Video cards are used not only for games, but also for professional tasks: photo processing, video editing, three-dimensional modeling, etc. Supercomputers are even being built on the basis of video cards – the most powerful computing systems on the planet engaged in scientific computing. Even a low-cost graphics card can speed up professional applications, it is not necessary to fork out for a flagship model. Depending on the specific application, both AMD and NVIDIA solutions may be more effective. For example, in the Adobe Premiere video editor, video cards of both brands can hardware accelerate the conversion of video from one format to another. But only NVIDIA graphics cards speed up the work of plug-ins that impose various visual and sound effects on the video. And some highly specialized software is generally compatible only with professional video cards – NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro.

We also recommend reading our other articles on video cards: "Comparison of AMD Radeon RX 460, 470 and 480 video cards" and "Comparison of GeForce GTX 950, 960, 970, 980 and 980 Ti graphics cards".