Different Types of Video Card Users
Determining what type of video card you should use or upgrade to depends largely on what type of computer user you are. While the card you use may be dictated in part by your computer system (newer systems feature the PCI express slot for video cards, while older systems may require an AGP card), further considerations about things like power and memory will be dictated by what you will be using the video card for.
Basic User
Your average computer user doesn’t need any high-end graphics capabilities. Word processing, e-mail and basic web graphics require only the most rudimentary video cards, and you won’t notice any decline in performance using these cards for these tasks, even if you like to watch movies or TV shows on your computer. The integrated graphics hardware that comes with your system should be just fine if you are this kind of user, although if you want to watch hi-def video on your computer, you’ll need a computer that’s integrated with video designed for HD.
Designer
If you use your computer for graphic design, your video card needs are greater. Specifically, you’ll want a video card with a high resolution capability, since you’ll want clearer images for your fine design work. Resolution support of 1900×1200 or better is ideal. You may also want to make sure your graphics card can support multiple monitors, so you will have more space to work on and analyze your designs. Designers that use Photoshop or do video editing will also want a more advanced video card, and a high memory card may also be a consideration for these users.
Casual Gamer
If all you play are Flash games or solitaire, you don’t have to worry about graphics at all, since even the most basic graphic computer capabilities can handle these types of games. However, if you enjoy some of the more advanced, 3D modeling games that are on the market today, you’ll want to make sure to get a card that supports at least DirectX 10 and have a minimum of 512MB of video. Unless you are a completely hardcore gamer, this type of card will give you a very satisfactory gaming experience.
Hardcore Gamer
This kind of gamer needs the state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line video card. He or she has the highest resolution monitor and the most realistic games, and needs a video card to match. If you’re this type of gamer, you want to look for high frame rates, at least 1 gigabyte of memory and Direct X 11 support.
Of course, as long as your computer’s video card slot is compatible, you can buy any card you want. The highest performance cards will still work for you if all you do is word processing and e-mail, but you will be incurring a reasonably high expense without benefiting from the full value the card provides.
