I have questions about video cards...?

Question

I know that video cards give computer better graphics but can they also make the internet run faster or do anything else? What is a really good, inexpensive video card? And what does the power supply need to be to put in a video card?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Computer graphics cards provide graphics acceleration mostly for gaming (though some other apps can also make use of it). I doubt you will notice any difference when browsing the web. Video playback capabilities may be improved depending on if the software you use supports the graphics card.



Most add-in graphics cards also have two outputs allowing for a dual monitor setup.



Ultimately the best graphics card depends on what games you want to run. Generally even a very low end add-in card (like an 8400GS) will be considerably better than most onboard graphics but if you want to play the latest games on high resolutions you will need more.



As for the PSU it depends heavilly on what components you have in the system (not just the graphics card), There are various reckoners out there (e.g. http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ ) but they only give a guideline. Ideally you would compare your PSUs power output on each rail with the power demands on each rail but this is a pretty duanting task given that modern PSUs usually have multiple seperate 12V rails and for many components it's hard to find a per-rail breakdown. In general I'd say take the results from a reckoner, add a 50% margin in case of mistakes and to give you some room for upgrades later (so if the reconer says 300W I'd get a 450W) and you will most likely be fine.



When buying PSUs you also need to watch out that they have the right connectors. Higher end graphics cards require seperate power connectors and there are two different types (6-pin and 8-pin). If you want to keep your options open for future graphics card updates try to get a PSU with either two hybrid 6/8 pin connectors or two each of the 6-pin and 8-pin types. You can get adaptors from "molex" connectors to these connectors but if you use them you need to keep a very close eye on how much load you are putting on each 12V rail.

Answer 2

Video Cards. Graphics Cards. Nvidia or ATI.

Whatever you have it will be designed for gaming.



If you have found they speed up you internet it is because the graphics card and produce a faster refresh rate causing the screen to show the image faster, not actually the speed of your connection.



I have a 1GB graphics card overclocked Nvidia 9500GT i love it, make things run smooth.

I recommend if your not gaming just buy a £30-£40 Nvidia or ATI 512MB graphics card

Answer 3

specific, that's going to artwork, pending which you have an available PCI slot and a minimum 3 hundred Watt ability furnish. in case you do, the video card will in good shape, will artwork appropriate, and should not adversely impression your computing gadget with the aid of any potential. Video memory and motherboard memory artwork independently and have no result on one yet another, so the version of memory on card and board should not be inflicting confusion or aggravating. the only standards that a video card demands on a working computing gadget are matching connection slots (AGP, PCI, or PCI-Expess) and a ability furnish that could, with a bit of luck, exceed the minimum ability standards set with the aid of the video card. on your case, the CircuitCity link says that your card desires an available PCI (version 2.a million) fit on your computing gadget, and eVGA, the producer of your card (link under), says that your computing gadget needs to have, a minimum of, a 300-Watt ability furnish. in case you comprehend you have those 2 aspects, then the cardboard will artwork appropriate. to rigidity, you prefer an open PCI slot (not AGP or PCI-exhibit slots) and a minimum 3 hundred-Watt ability furnish for the cardboard to artwork. in case you do not comprehend besides the fact that in case you have those, examine your computing gadget's documentation or open up the case to take a glance, simply by fact you're in all probability going to try this besides to place in the video card. once you not comprehend what PCI slots appear as if, seek for photographs of PCI slots on the information superhighway and learn your motherboard. they must be aligned side-with the aid of-side, in communities of four or 5, be placed close to a corner of your motherboard, pointing to the decrease back side of your computing gadget, and not look separated or uniquely placed as an AGP slot or some a PCI-exhibit slot is. As a guideline, in case you have a loose PCI-exhibit x16 slot you does not concepts using on a video card (examine your documentation for one), there are various, a lot greater ideal enjoying cards interior the GeForce 8000s family members which you will come across for around $30-$50. Cheers!