PC Building Tips: Understanding and Upgrading Your Video Card

Micah_Sulit

While the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often called the command center of a computer, the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), also known as a video card, is the powerhouse behind your PC’s visuals. For users who demand the best visuals from their PC, understanding and managing your video card is key. 

What Is a Video Card? 

A video card, also called a graphics card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), is an essential PC component that handles rendering images, videos, and animations. It processes complex graphics calculations and translates data into signals that your monitor can display. Because your video card determines the quality and fluidity of the graphics on your screen, it can make or break the overall visual experience and performance that you’ll get from your PC. 

Video cards consist of several parts, including the GPU, Video RAM (VRAM), cooling system, power connectors, and various output interfaces like HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI. The GPU handles the processing of graphics and visual data, while VRAM stores the images and textures that the GPU processes. 

There are two main types of video cards. Integrated graphics cards are built into the CPU or motherboard, sharing the system’s RAM and relying on the overall cooling of the computer. They are cost-effective and consume less power, but they only offer a basic level of performance. Casual users who primarily browse the web, work with productivity software (like word processors), check email, and watch videos can likely get by with an integrated video card.   

Video games, complex design software, high-definition video playback, and other more visually intensive tasks require significantly more graphics processing muscle. This is where dedicated graphics cards come in. Equipped with their own powerful processors and VRAM, these standalone hardware components are designed to handle heavier graphical workloads much more efficiently than integrated ones. They connect to the motherboard via PCIe slots and often require additional power from the power supply. They also have cooling systems to manage the heat generated by their higher performance levels. Aside from consuming more power, dedicated video cards tend to come with heftier price tags. 

Specs to Check When Choosing a Video Card 

Investing in a dedicated graphics card unlocks a world of possibilities, especially for gamers and creative professionals. But how do you choose the right one for your PC build? 

Aside from common considerations like budget, there are technical aspects to look into when selecting a graphics card for the PC you’re building. Among the primary factors to consider is the video card’s performance level, often indicated by its GPU architecture and the number of cores. A higher core count generally means better performance in rendering and computing tasks. High-end GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX series or AMD’s RX series offer features like real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics, which provide superior visual fidelity and performance. For less demanding applications, mid-range or entry-level GPUs can provide sufficient power without the high cost. 

The video card’s memory, or VRAM, is another specification to consider. VRAM determines how much graphical data the card can handle simultaneously. For gaming at higher resolutions (like 4K) or for professional applications that process large textures and complex models, a video card with 8GB VRAM or more is recommended. A solid option is the Acer Predator BiFrost Intel® Arc™ A770 OC Graphics Card, which gives you 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM. For standard HD gaming or general multimedia tasks, 4GB to 6GB of VRAM is typically adequate. The type of VRAM (such as GDDR6 or HBM2) also affects performance and power efficiency, with newer types offering better speed and energy consumption profiles.  

You can also look at the video card’s support for the latest technologies and features, such as DirectX 12, Vulkan API, and multi-monitor setups. If you plan to use multiple monitors or VR headsets, ensure the video card has the necessary outputs (like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C) and supports these configurations. 

Finally, compatibility with your existing hardware is also crucial. Ensure that your motherboard has the appropriate PCIe slot (usually PCIe x16) for the video card and that your power supply can deliver enough power for the card (often specified in watts). Additionally, the physical size of the video card should match the space available in your computer case. High-performance video cards are often larger and may require more room and additional cooling solutions. 

How to Update Video Card Drivers 

Just like any other piece of hardware, your video card needs regular software updates called drivers. These updates ensure optimal performance by fixing bugs and introducing compatibility improvements for newer games and applications. 

To update your video card drivers, start by identifying the make and model of your video card. This information can typically be found in the Device Manager on Windows or through the System Information on macOS. Once you have this information, visit the manufacturer’s website (such as NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and navigate to their support or driver download section. Search for the latest driver version for your specific video card model, then download and install it. Many manufacturers also offer software that can automatically detect and install driver updates so you won’t have to do it manually. 

Regularly checking for updates through your operating system’s update utility can also ensure that your drivers stay current. For example, Windows Update often includes driver updates for various hardware components, including video cards. 

For more guides and tips on PC building, as well as the latest news on topics like PC Tech, Gaming, and AI, sign up for the Acer Corner Email Digest here. 

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About Micah Sulit: Micah is a writer and editor with a focus on lifestyle topics like tech, wellness, and travel. She loves writing while sipping an iced mocha in a cafe, preferably one in a foreign city. She's based in Manila, Philippines.