A video card is an expansion card that allows a computer to send graphic information to a video display device such as a monitor, television, or projector.
A surprising number of companies manufacture video cards, but almost every one includes... Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) From NVIDIA Corporation or AMD.
Note: Some other names for a video card include graphics card, graphics adapter, display adapter, video adapter, video controller, and add-in boards (AIBs).
Video card description
A video card is a rectangular piece of computer hardware with several contacts on the bottom of the card and one or more ports on the side for connecting to video displays and other devices.
The video card is installed in an expansion slot on the motherboard. While most video cards are PCIe, they also come in other formats, including PCI and AGP. These additional formats are older standards and do not communicate with the CPU and other components at PCIe speeds.
In a desktop, because the motherboard, case, and expansion cards are designed with compatibility in mind, the side of the video card fits perfectly against the back of the case when installed, making its ports (for example, HDMI or DVI or VGA) available for use.
Some video cards have only one port for connecting to a standard monitor or projector, while more advanced cards may have ports for connecting to multiple output sources, including additional monitors and TVs. However, other cards may have inputs for video editing and other advanced tasks.
All laptops, tablets, and even smartphones have video cards, albeit smaller and often non-replaceable.
Important facts about video cards
Each motherboard supports only a limited range of video card formats, so always be sure to check with your motherboard manufacturer before purchasing.
Many modern computers don't have video expansion cards, but instead have integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) directly onto the motherboard. This allows for a less expensive computer, but also a less powerful graphics system. This is a wise choice for average business and home users who aren't interested in advanced graphics capabilities or the latest games.
Most motherboards with integrated video allow the BIOS to disable the chip to take advantage of the video card installed in the expansion slot. Using a dedicated video card may improve overall system performance because it includes RAM Its own, power regulators, and cooling so that the system's RAM can be used andCPU For other things.
What video card do I have?
The easiest way to find out which video card you have in Windows is to use Device Manager. You can find it listed under the Display Adapters section.
Another way is through a free system information tool like Speccy, which identifies the manufacturer, model, BIOS version, device ID, bus interface, temperature, amount of memory, and other video card details.
Opening your computer case is another option, allowing you to see the video card yourself. This is, of course, necessary if you plan to replace the card, but it's best to find out information about it using the software mentioned above.
How to install or update video card drivers
Like all devices, video cards require operating program For the device to communicate with the operating system and other software. The same process you use to update other devices applies to Update video card driver.
If you know which driver you need, go directly to the manufacturer's website and download it manually. This is always the best method because you can be confident that it's stable and free of malware.
If you don't know the specific driver you need, or if you'd rather not download and install it manually, use a free program to automatically detect the driver you need and even download it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why does a black screen appear immediately after installing a new video card?
The answer: You may experience a black screen if you insert your video card while the power is completely off. Also, the card may not be properly seated in the PCI-e slot.
Q2: How can I overclock my video card?
The answer: To increase the speed of your video card, find out the make and model of your video graphics card, and enter it into Overclock.net . Determine its maximum core clocks, memory clocks, temperature, and voltage. Then, update the card drivers and download an overclocking program (for example, MSI Afterburner و Unigine Heaven). Finally, determine your card's performance baseline and see how far you can overclock it.
Q3: How do I clean the video card?
The answer: Make sure your computer is unplugged and removed from any power sources. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust and debris, blow out the sides of the cards, and remove dirt from the shrouds and fans. Use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to clean up any caked-on debris.
Q4: What video card should I get?
The answer: There are several things you should consider before purchasing a graphics card. First, make sure the GPU is compatible with your motherboard, monitor, and power supply. You also need to determine your budget, as mid-range GPUs can cost around $250, while high-end graphics cards can cost several hundred dollars.
Q5: What is a video capture card?
The answer: A video capture card converts a video signal into a digital format. Capture cards are commonly used to stream video games on sites like Twitch And YouTube. Because it allows you to record gameplay footage from a console.
