Graphics Card OR Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Graphics Card OR Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

1. HOW DOES IT WORK?

   • RAMDAC reads video memory, converts digital to analogue RGB signal and sends --> display via video cable. One Digital-to-Analogue Converter (DAC) = Three RGB (primary) colours.
     • Spectrum of colours produced via CRT (cathode ray tube). Mix of RGB forms the colour of a single pixel. The rate at which the RAMDAC can convert the information of GPU affects support of refresh rates and no. of colours available in a given resolution, depending on its internal architecture.
       • The graphics processor then writes the frame data --> frame buffer ✅ less data to transfer; less congestion on the system bus, decreasing the workload of the PC’s CPU

2. DISCRETE GPUs

   • An add-in graphics card installed on to the motherboard as an extra component. Ideal for those wanting to modify their system by upgrading the graphics cards.
     • ✅ Better performance; Ideal for gaming/video editing - speeds up the image processing time ❌ Expensive ❌ free expansion slot needed

3. WHAT IS IT?

   • Operations i.e. bitmap transfers/painting, window resizing/ repositioning, line drawing, font scaling and polygon drawing ✅ faster speed > CPU
   • Hardware that converts data using digital-to-analogue technology to produce a smooth image on the monitor/display; consists of graphics processor, video memory, random access memory digital-to-analogue converter (RAMDAC), and the driver software.

4. OUTPUT

   • Types of connection systems: VGA (Video Graphics Array), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ✅ speed/versatility
   • External Interface of GPU; used to connect your monitor/LCD Screen to your Graphics Card via cable.

5. INTEGRATED GPUs

   • Built into motherboard of PCs (no add-in card); operations e.g. surfing the internet, creating documents or watching movies
     • ✅Cost-effective ✅More compatible ❌weaker capabilities

6. MEMORY

   • Video memory/frame buffer is implemented on the graphics board (2GB-32GB). Types of memory depends on the GPU used in the graphics card.
     • GPU fetches the textures from the memory, processes them, send it back to RAM and then it sends it to the RAMDAC and then to your LCD Screen or monitor
       • Types of memory: GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate) e.g. GDDR3 and GDDR5 RAM. ✅Graphics Card RAM/ Memory is faster than the Memory used in your Desktop or Laptop

7. INTERNAL INTERFACE

   • Where Graphics Card connects to your motherboard
     • Older AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) interface vs. New PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface ✅ Faster/more efficient ; requires PCI Express x16 slot

8. HEAT SINK/FAN

   • ✅Mid/high range Graphics cards are equipped with heatsink and fan combination for proper/efficient cooling.
     • Heatsink made of copper/ aluminum; removes heat from the GPU, releases --> surroundings. Fan blows air onto the heatsink, cools down faster, allows heat to be drawn away more rapidly from the components.

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