Are you looking for a graphics card for your custom build PC? Well, worry no more! Because we are here to solve your problem. This article will breakdown all the important points you need to remember while making the crucial purchase.
If you are going to build your own custom PC, it’s crucial to pick the correct components. As you should know that graphic card is a very essential component of any PC, even more than the CPU. The display, the size of your PC, and the games you want to play are all important factors to consider when purchasing a graphics card. Additionally, the types of processes you’ll be running on your PC should be considered too.
There is a large range of alternatives from different manufacturers you can buy a graphic card. Owing to the high-end importance, a graphic card holds, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of how they work and the distinctions between different GPU types so that you can make a better choice.
Alright, let’s dive into the key factors you should keep in mind while you are in the market to shop for graphics card for laptop or PC.
Integrated versus discrete graphics card
Integrated graphic cards are more commonly used in systems having smaller form factor. However, they still can be used in systems that do not need very extensive amount of power or visual software
While integrated graphics lack independent RAM, they also consume less power, heat, and battery life than discrete ones. Although being more affordable, integrated graphics are not chosen for graphically intensive gaming. If you generally do simple visual jobs like streaming TV shows and movies, you should go for integrated graphics card.
Discrete graphic cards are preferred for graphically demanding applications like video or photo editing, 3D rendering, or high-resolution gaming.
Discrete cards have their own RAM and need their good CPU; also, a cooling system to prevent overheating of your computer. Unlike integrated ones, discrete graphic cards consume more power and electricity. Consequently, they do have a shorter battery backup.
Memory Required
Your GPU executes a staggering number of calculations per second when processing graphics. Even a small mouse movement can cause the image on your computer to alter, which is what happens. These outputs are generated by the GPU, which requires video RAM.
Remember that by the amount of memory does not affects the GPU’s processing power but the amount of detail it can process and display. A 1 GB graphic card is more than suitable for general use, but gamers and creative professionals should strive for a GPU with at least 4GB of RAM.
Finally, the resolution at which you wish to run games also determine how much memory you need on a graphics card.
Refresh Rate
After resolution, the refresh rate of your monitor should also be considered if you’re looking for a new graphics card.
High refresh rate displays can produce a smoother gaming experience simultaneously making your graphics card work harder.
Therefore, if you want to create a high-end computer for competitive gaming and you require a high refresh rate display to beat your opponents, you should get a more expensive GPU with a greater refresh rate.
Simpler tasks can be achieved by a simple 1 GB graphics card or 2.
Thermal Design Parameter (TDP)
TDP, or the thermal design parameter is known as the measure of heat dissipation. It gives you a rough estimate of how many watts your graphics card will require to operate at its default settings.
Therefore, while selecting a GPU, you must consider whether the power supply is compatible with it or if an upgrade to the power supply is necessary.
PC or Laptop?
The specifications while buying a graphic card for laptop differs from that of a PC. Below given are the key specifications for purchasing a graphic card for PC.
- Performance: The specifications for PC are better than those of laptop GPUs for you. This provides greater texture modelling, better pixel rate, and greater memory throughput.
- Form factor: One advantage of using a PC tower is the capacity to install larger and more potent components. It also offers the cooling needed to handle the heat and power demand of powerful GPUs.
- Price: Due to the less compact technology and lower manufacturing costs associated with it, graphic card for desktop is available for cheaper price.
Raytracing
Last but not the least, while looking for a graphic card for laptop or PC, you should decide if you want to experience raytracing or not.
Ray-tracing is one of the innovative new technologies that can be found in more modern graphics cards.
It is a modeling method that is frequently used in video games and creates lighting effects that are incredibly realistic. It uses an algorithm to follow the route of the light and replicate how the light would interact with the items in the real world.
Conclusion
Selecting the graphics card is one of the most challenging aspects of purchasing a new PC or custom building a new one. If you’re unfamiliar with GPUs, there is a lot of terms to learn as well. While your budget keeps the veto power on the buying decision, you should consider the performance, memory, and above stated factors as well. Nonetheless, we hope that if you have come to this end of the blog, you must be clear on what to consider while buying a new graphic card.
You can always rely on Geonix while buying a GPU or any computer component. We deal in high quality computer components that are made to perform, as our tagline suggests.
So, why wait more? Come, check us out at Geonix and buy perfect GPU for your PC.