Types of Computer Video Cards
When looking to upgrade your computer video card, you will find many options available in the marketplace. The difficulty in upgrading comes not from the physical process itself, but from having to choose among the many products available. Before you start selecting a video card, you will first have to decide what kind you need. The type of video cards needed are determined by the available open slots on your motherboard. You can verify which slots are open with the help of your computer manual.
How Video Cards Work
Video cards are connected to the computer when inserted into slots in the motherboard of the computer. By means of this connection, the card exchanges information and receives its power from your computer. The power needs of video cards will vary. If the video card has a very high power requirement, it may even need its own power connection drawn directly from the power supply of the computer.
Three Formats of Computer Video Cards
The cards available are the PCIe (express) cards, the AGP cards, the PCI cards, and the integrated cards.
PCIe video cards are the most advanced cards currently available on the market. These provide great clarity, with a very rich graphical experience and fast processing ability. They will be installed in the PCIe slot located on the motherboard of your computer.
AGP cards are very common but are not as advanced as the PCIe cards. With this card you must determine the maximum speed that your computer’s motherboard will withstand. It is important to know that speed, because exceeding the speed will prevent the card from working with your computer system. The AGP video card should be inserted in the AGP slot of the motherboard.
PCI cards are found in older motherboards or systems. Again, you must verify that the motherboard has a slot for this kind of card, and unless it does, you cannot insert such a card in the slot. No other type of card will fit in this slot.
Replacing Your Video Card
Integrated cards are the original video cards provided in all standard computers when first shipped. If, at the time of purchasing the computer, you upgraded the video card, you will no longer have an integrated video card in place. You may further upgrade quite easily by simply determining the kind of video card that should be inserted in the slot on the motherboard, and purchase accordingly.
When planning to upgrade your video card, be certain to do proper research into the kind of video card slots that are available on your computer motherboard before attempting to select among the large variety of cards available in the marketplace. If you know the kind of card you will need and the maximum speed limitations, you will make the selection process proceed very fast and easily.
