Graphics Cards

Graphics cards are add-in boards that allow computers to produce complex visual effects for video, gaming, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Unlike integrated graphics that come built into the CPU or motherboard, dedicated graphics cards contain their own processor called a graphics processing unit (GPU) along with dedicated video memory.

The GPU handles tasks related to rendering 2D and 3D graphics, freeing up system resources on the CPU. Higher-end graphics cards have more powerful GPUs and greater amounts of faster video memory, allowing them to handle more complex workloads like gaming at higher resolutions and quality settings. Key specifications for graphics cards include stream processors or CUDA cores that do the computational work, memory speed and interface, output ports like HDMI for connecting displays, and supplemental power requirements from the PSU.

Graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD regularly release new generations of cards optimized for tasks ranging from 720p video to 4K gaming. Enthusiast-grade cards can cost hundreds of dollars but provide performance needed for immersive VR and smooth gameplay on multiple monitors. With their dedicated processing power, graphics cards remain an essential component for PCs doing serious graphics work.