A graphics card is a computer component that delivers sufficient computing power to play video games or produce video editing and 3D animations. Some models are even compatible with VR headsets. Nvidia and AMD are the only GPU designers. Other brands like Asus, Gigabyte or MSI play the role of assembler. Their job is to customize the map as much as possible without going overboard. They are also developing a system that will be able to cool the graphics processor. Being the leader in its segment, Nvidia Titan RTX graphics card is a capable GPU. Its frequency reaches 1770 MHz in boost mode. With its 8GB graphics memory, Msi R580GXP8 PCI-Express RX 570 graphics cardssupports VR headsets.
Buying Guide – How to Choose a Good Graphics Card?
Which graphics card to choose to run the games of the moment in ultra. This question often comes up on discussion forums and social networks. To answer this, we will briefly explain to you how a GPU works and the elements that make it up.
The graphics processor
Like those that equip our computers, the graphics processor develops a frequency that is measured in MHz or GHz. This value will inform you about the speed with which the card will perform the calculations. Having a graphics card with a high frequency will give you a comparative advantage during your gaming sessions.
Also note that the number of calculation units is a factor that should not be overlooked. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, find out about the sites carrying out benchmarks. It will also allow you to see where to buy the best graphics card.
At Nvidia, the chips built into these cards are known as GTX and RTX. On the AMD side, it is the Radeon RX. Numbers like 2080 or 580 indicate the power range of the GPU. The higher it is, the better the card performs.
Living memory
RAM capacity will vary depending on the model you choose. Generally, it is between 1 and 32 GB. To play in ultra and in a very fluid way, you will need at least a GPU with a capacity of 8 GB. In this case, the card will be able to support several screens and even a helmet of virtual reality.
Regarding the types of memories, you will have the choice between GDDR5, GDDR6 and HBM. Entry and mid-range cards most of the time have GDDR5 memory, while GDDR6 is reserved for high-end models. HBM or High Bandwidth Memory equips Premium GPUs produced by AMD.
Without the memory bus, the connection between the card and the graphics memory could not operate. Its width is evaluated at 128, 256, 384, 448 or 512 bits. The amount of data exchanged will be based on this bandwidth. It is for this reason that it is important to compare them.
The ventilation system
Overclocking, tweaking graphics settings to ultra, and using a VR headset are the main contributors to overheating. That said, with a good ventilation system, the temperature of the card will stabilize. If you are not satisfied with the performance offered by the original fan(s), it is quite possible to replace them.
You can opt for large propellers or why not a watercooling system. Going through a price comparison or buying guide for the best graphics cards will save you time. Remember that the cooling system consists of one or more fans connected directly to a radiator. So-called fanless graphics cards have no propeller. This is called passive cooling.
Programs like Speecy or the utility developed by the designer of the card will allow you to follow its operation in real time. The average lifespan of a GPU is 4-5 years. By activating the boost mode from time to time, your card will gain in reliability.
Also be aware that dust and dirt are the number one enemies of computer components. To avoid clogging the cooling system, remember to regularly clean the inside of your case using a blower and a vacuum cleaner. By applying these tips, the ventilation will not be heard.
The 5 Best Graphics Cards (Reviews & Tests) of 2022
When you don’t know where to buy a new graphics card, the best thing is to find out on the net. Various articles and blogs will direct you to safe sites and trusted dealers. You just have to click on the card that interests you.
1. Nvidia Titan RTX graphics card
Specialized in the manufacture of graphics cards, Nvidia is a world-renowned manufacturer. Powered by the NVIDIA Turing architecture, the Titan RTX is equipped with 576 Tensor cores and 24GB GDDR6 memory running at a speed of 14Gb/s.
Powerful, it has a bandwidth of 672 GB/s. By design, it is often used as an AI accelerator. Also note that this Nvidia graphics card incorporates 4608 CUDA cores.
In boost mode, its maximum frequency will reach 1770 MHz. Considering its performance, the Titan RTX remains the best graphics card around.
Accelerating ray tracing, this board features 72 RT cores. Space-saving, the Titan RX measures 32.9 x 9.3 x 17.5 cm. Its case as well as the packaging remain very elegant.
In terms of connectors, the Titan offers 3 DisplayPort, an HDMI port and USB Type-C. In all, this card is equipped with two fans. To power it, Nvidia recommends a block with a power of 650 W.
This card is much more powerful than the 2080 ti. As proof, you can load more than 60 million polygonal models without any worries.
The number of tensor cores is large enough to perform high performance calculations, especially in the field of artificial intelligence.
With a frequency of 1770 MHz, its installation will increase the performance of your computer.
Compatible with Ray tracing technology, the Titan will embellish the graphics of your video games.
Reaching 85°C, its use will require an excellent ventilation system and a well-ventilated case.
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2. Msi R580GXP8 PCI-Express RX 570 graphics cards
How to buy a graphics card with better value for money, this is a question that most gamers are currently asking. Equipped with an 8 GB graphics memory in GDDR5, this card will run the games of the moment in full HD, and this, with the settings in ultra.
On some licenses, the RX 570 Armor even allows you to play in 4K. In terms of performance, its processor has a frequency of 1268 MHz. If necessary, this model can be overclocked. Due to its efficiency, the RX 570 is the most efficient in its segment.
Remember that this component embeds version 12.0 of DirectX, 4.5 of OpenGL. Based on the PCI Express x16 3.0 interface, it includes an HDMI output, a DVI-D port and 3 DisplayPorts.
In terms of cooling, this card is equipped with 2 active fans. As for its design, it has a black and white finish with the MSI inscription marked in the middle of the propellers.
The MSI RX 570 will run your games with stable fps and high definition or 4K resolution. It will also allow you to enable anti-aliasing.
Given the number of connectors it has, you can build a setup with two or even three screens.
Visually speaking, this card remains very pleasing to the eye. Installed in a transparent box, it will embellish your setup.
Despite its performance, the RX 570 is a very quiet card.
At idle, this card goes up to 50°C.
Without a block of 450 Watts, the RX 570 will be restrained.
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3. Asus GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card
Based in Taiwan, Asus is a world-renowned company. From motherboards to RAM sticks, graphics cards and peripherals of various categories, it occupies a very important place in the computer industry. Designed according to the Nvidia Turing architecture, the GTX 1660 from Asus is equipped with 1408 CUDA cores.
Overclocked to 6 GB, this Asus graphics card incorporates GDDR6 graphics memory. To cool it, the manufacturer opted for axial fans. Also note that it adapts perfectly to Asus brand motherboards.
Compatible with the Asus GPU Twead II utility, you can monitor fan speeds and power consumption in real time. For this initiative alone, Asus retains its title of the best graphics card brand.
Assuming that this model is equipped with an HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4 and DVI-D port, you can completely connect three screens.
Even putting all the graphics settings in ultra, its temperature will not exceed 84 ° C, which is relatively correct.
On some licenses, the number of images it delivers per second is equal to 144. Also remember that this is a VR ready and OC edition.
Unlike other manufacturers, Asus has played the card of sobriety. As a result, its card will adapt to all boxes regardless of its style.
Due to the fact that it is not recognized by Asus Aura Sync, modifying the color of the RGB strips becomes an almost impossible mission.
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4. Gigabyte GV-N1030OC-2GI Graphics Card
How to choose the best graphics cards of 2022? It’s all about budget, but it also depends on what games you play regularly. Exploiting the AORUS graphics engine, Gigabyte has ensured that its user can overclock it and it’s a successful bet.
In case you don’t know, GT 1030 embeds a 64-bit GDDR5 graphics memory with a capacity of 2 GB. Thus, it will support videos in 4K 60 fps.
With a maximum digital resolution of 4096 x 2160, reading and browsing HTML5-based sites will be smooth.
Regarding its architecture, this card comes in an ATX format. Compatible with Direct X12, the images it delivers are realistic. In terms of performance, its frequency is measured at 6008 MHz. For a model that is considered the cheapest on the market, it offers advantages that remain significant.
By adjusting the graphics settings to medium or high, games like GTA5, Battlefield 1 and Prey will run at 1080p 60 fps.
Enabling the boost feature will increase GPU memory from 210 to 800 cores, which is equivalent to a 12% fps gain.
Recognized by Windows 10, this card is easy to install. In addition, it is powered directly by the PCIE port.
By putting the settings in Ultra, the resolution as well as the number of images per second will be revised downwards.
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5. StarTech.com USB 2.0 Video Converter Adapter
Everyone does not necessarily have the means to buy a graphics card supporting several screens at the same time. Sold in Canada, this adapter will allow you to connect one or even two additional monitors to your computer.
This is made possible thanks to the presence of a VGA connector. For the link to work, all you have to do is plug in the USB 2.0 cable. We would also like to inform you that this device is compatible with desktop computers, but also laptops.
If your device has several USB ports, it is quite possible to use several adapters at the same time. Described as an external graphics card or video converter, this box supports a maximum resolution of 1920×1200.
Discreet and compact, it measures 8.8 x 5.3 x 1.8 cm and weighs 95.3 g. Apart from this version, this adapter is also available with a USB 3.0 socket. As for the case, there is a slim version.
Installing the software and drivers is quite easy. Once done, the adapter can be used immediately.
This device will allow you to display all the information you need. Its use will also save you time, especially during your streams.
With only two adapters, building a triple screen setup became possible.
Depending on the configuration of your computer, one of the two screens may experience a slowdown.
If you use Windows XP, take another adapter.
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frequently asked Questions
Q1: How to install a graphics card?
If you have decided to change graphics card, consider uninstalling the old GPU. To perform this operation, go to the control panel then system, hardware, device manager and finally graphics cards.
Select the name of the GPU, then right click and press the uninstall button. This operation will allow you to delete all the drivers connected to the old card. Apart from the uninstallation utility developed by Windows, you can also use drivercleaner. This will prevent you from corrupting the Windows registry and then reinstalling it.
Before installing the new card, shut down your computer and unplug the power supply and all connectors that connect it to your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speaker. To access the motherboard, you will need to remove the side panel of the case. Remove the 6/8 pin PCI-E connectors from the old card.
Once done, remove the fixing screws connecting the gamer graphics card and the case. Unclip the notches fitted to the PCI-Express connector and gently remove the GPU. Now that the connector is free, insert the new card. Using the 6/8 pin PCI-E cables, connect the GPU and the PSU.
Replace the fixing screws then close the case. At startup, Windows will automatically detect the new component and ask you to install the drivers necessary for it to work properly. If your card comes with a CD, insert it, if not, go to the manufacturer’s official website. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and everything should be back to normal.
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