Graphics Card OR GPU (factors to consider)

Graphics Card OR GPU (factors to consider)

1. GRAPHICS CARD

   • Hardware that converts data using digital-to-analogue technology to produce a smooth image on the monitor/display
     • DISCRETE GPUs: An add-in graphics card installed on to the motherboard as an extra component. ✅ Better performance; Ideal for gaming/video editing - speeds up the image processing time ❌ Expensive ❌ free expansion slot needed

2. 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.

3. 2. MEMORY (VRAM)

   • Video RAM (VRAM) - provides optimised/effective service; performs frame buffering and texture mapping
     • ✅ customisable for specific tasks ❌not easily upgraded

4. 4. INTERNAL INTERFACE

   • Where Graphics Card connects to your motherboard
     • PCI Express 2.0 x16 interface ✅ Faster/more efficient ; requires PCI Express x16 slot

5. 3. PRICING

   • GPUs in stock (inflated prices) --> low availability, global chip shortage; slows down production of GPUs. Limited imports/exports, pandemic --> worldwide shortage. Improved materials & designs for GPU --> higher manufacturing costs/production time. Costs and selling price increases, as high demand GPU outweigh the speed of supply chain --> low availability
     • Current price: $100 to $1,500; depends on performance, design, size, cooling & noise. NVIDIA - GPU manufacturing company; their model - RTX 2080 Ti with retail price of $999, provides high resolution of 4K HDR @ 60 fps on Ultra settings. A cheaper option --> Msi Radeon RX 5700 XT, priced at $550, only provide 1440p.

6. 1. CLOCKSPEED

   • How fast the cores of the GPU run; speeds up image rendering/processing for functional use in 3D renders or gaming purposes. Speed of the GPU is measured in Megahertz (MHz); how fast/how many times the GPU can complete a process cycle per sec
     • Overclocking: increasing speed of cores > factory set speed, to increase GPU performance. ❌ higher risk of damaging the GPU and shortening life span ❌ May increase required power needed to work the GPU which requires better power supply

7. 5. BUS WIDTH

   • Controls no. of memory chips used on a GPU. The larger the bus the more memory can be fitted onto the graphics card, improving the performance rate. Bus width’s unit is in bits; the most common being 1, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 bits.