In the modern world, many have heard of such a concept as a video card. Not very experienced users could wonder what it is and why this is needed. Someone may not give a graphical processor of much importance, and in vain. On the importance of the video card and the functions that it performs in certain processes, you will learn in this article.
Why do you need a video card
The video cards are a link between the user and PC. They transfer information processed by the computer to the monitor, thereby contributing to the interaction between man and computer. In addition to the standard image output, this device performs processing and computing operations, in some cases, unloading the processor. Let's consider the effect of the video card in different conditions.
The main role of the video card
You see the image on your monitor due to the fact that the video card has processed graphic data, translated them into video signals and displayed on the screen. Modern video cards (GPUs) are autonomous devices, so unload the RAM and processor (CPU) from additional operations. It should not be noted that now graphics adapters allow you to connect a monitor using different interfaces, so the devices perform a signal conversion for active type of connection.
Connection via VGA gradually obsolete, and if this connector is still encountered on video cards, then on some models of monitors it is missing. DVI shows a little better image, however, it is unable to receive sound signals, which is why the connection is inferior through HDMI, which is improved with each generation. The progressive is considered the DisplayPort interface, it looks like HDMI, but has a broader information transfer channel. On our site you can familiarize yourself with the comparison of the monitor connection interfaces to the video card and select suitable for yourself.
Read more:
Comparison DVI and HDMI
Comparison HDMI and DisplayPort
In addition, it is worth paying attention to integrated graphics accelerators. Since they are part of the processor, the monitor connection is carried out only through the connectors on the motherboard. And if you have a discrete card, connect the screens only through it, so you will not use the built-in kernel and get great performance.
See also: What is a discrete video card
The role of the video card in games
Many users acquire powerful video cards solely to launch modern games. The graphics processor assumes the execution of basic operations. For example, to build a visible player, the frame takes place for visible objects, lighting and post-processing with the addition of effects and filters. All this falls on the power GPU, and the CPU performs only a small part of the entire image creation process.
See also: What makes the processor in games
From this it turns out that the more powerful the video card, the faster the necessary visual information is handling. High resolution, detail and other graphics settings require a large amount of resources and time for processing. Therefore, one of the most important parameters during the selection is the amount of GPU memory. You can read more about choosing a game card in our article.
Read more: Select a suitable video card for a computer
The role of the video card in programs
There are rumors that for 3D modeling in certain programs requires a special video card, for example, the Quadro series from NVIDIA. Partly this is true, the manufacturer specifically sharpens the GPU series for special tasks, for example, the GTX series perfectly shows itself in games, and TESLA graphic processors are based on scientific and technical studies.
However, in fact it turns out that the video card is practically not activated in the processing of 3D scenes, models and video. Its power is used mainly to generate an image in the Projection window of the editor - Viaport. If you are engaged in installing or modeling, we recommend first of all to pay attention to the power of the processor and the amount of RAM.
See also:
Select a processor for a computer
How to select RAM for Computer
In this article, we examined in detail the role of the video card in the computer, talked about its purpose in games and special programs. This component performs important actions, thanks to the GPU, we get a beautiful picture in games and the correct display of the entire visual component of the system.