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. 3. MEMORY (VRAM)

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

3. 5. BANDWIDTH

   • Measure of the data transfer speed across the bus connected to the GPU and the system. The connection could be PCIe or Thunderbolt; measured in Bits per second (Bps).

4. 4. PRICING

   • GPUs in stock (inflated prices) --> low availability, global chip shortage; less 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; Based on performance, design, size, cooling & noise.

5. 2. CLOCKSPEED

   • How fast the cores of the GPU run; speeds up image rendering/processing for functional use in 3D renders or gaming purposes. Speed 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

6. 6. 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, improves performance. Bus width’s unit: bits; 1, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 bits.

7. 1. POWER

   • Measure power draw in between the power supply (PSU) and the card ✅ accurate ❌requires a lot more work.