Introduction
Today’s video cards are high-performance computers within a computer. They have their own memory and their own processors, and they increasingly reduce the workload on your computer’s processor. So what does that mean to you? In a nutshell, upgrading to a powerful new video card can dramatically speed up your older computer, and at a fraction of the cost of a new system! Today’s highest-performance video cards can come with plenty of built-in memory and stunning 3D graphics capabilities, and some even have TV tuners built in.
Whether you are a gamer, a graphics designer, or just want more video speed, a video card upgrade is a worthy alternative to a whole new system.
Buying a Video Card
Video cards typically come in two versions: PCI and AGP, which refer to the type of slot on your motherboard that the card installs into. Make sure you know what kind of slot you have before buying a card. PCI slots are white and come in multiples, whereas an AGP slot is typically chocolate brown and there is only one. AGP is the newest video card bus technology and has been around since late 1997. Contact Computer Help USA if you need more information.
You don’t necessarily need the latest, greatest card unless you are into gaming or some sort of graphics manipulation like digital photography or video. There are many great cards on the market that cost around $100.00.
Installing a Video Card
Installing a video card does not need to be a difficult process. Any card you buy will come with manufacturer-specific instructions on how to install your new card. With a bit of patience and careful reading, the whole process can take less than 30 minutes.
A Word of Warning!
A video card is a sensitive electrical component. Just the slightest electric shock to the card can destroy it. Please refer to our article on Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and How to Prevent It. You have been warned!