Best PCI graphics card

The 6 Best PCI graphics card

Table of Contents:

Our Top PCI graphics card Pick

Computer, Notebooks & Tablets: PCI graphics card Video Guide

Without a graphics card, the most powerful computer would not be usable, because this component ensures that data that the processor has calculated and processed can be output in graphical form and thus become accessible to the user. The graphics card converts the numerical data so that it can be displayed and recognized on the monitor as text or image. In older computers, the graphics cards can be recognized as separate plug-in cards. In newer models, the GPUs are already part of the motherboard. If the graphics card is available as a plug-in card, the graphics card is connected to the computer system via a PCI, PCI-e or AGP interface. These interfaces are internationally standardized in order to achieve the broadest possible compatibility. Nevertheless, there are occasional problems with interaction. The most important components of a graphics card are the graphics memory, the graphics processor (GPU), and the cooling elements. The digital images generated by the graphics processor are buffered in the graphics memory. The color depth and resolution with which the images can be output depends on the size of the graphics memory. Modern graphics cards have significantly more memory than older models. There have been even greater changes over the years in the graphics processors, so that older and newer graphics cards differ considerably in their performance. The graphics processor is responsible for calculating the monitor output. The rapid development of games in recent years has had a decisive influence on the development speed of graphics cards. Since the trend towards 3D games began, the demands placed on the performance of graphics processors have increased enormously, providing a strong boost. High-quality graphics cards consume a great deal of energy, which is largely converted into heat. In order to dissipate this heat quickly, more and more complex cooling solutions are required as the output increases.

You don’t have to be an IT professional to change the graphics card on a PC. However, if you have no experience with electronic devices, it is advisable to ask a service provider or an experienced hobbyist for assistance. First make sure that the PC is switched off and disconnected from the power supply. Removing the housing is uncomplicated in most cases. Either the side parts can simply be pushed out or only a few screws have to be loosened to get to the inside of the computer. The graphics card to be replaced is attached to the back of the PC and can be carefully loosened and then pulled out. If the graphics card to be removed is connected to another component of the PC by a power cable, this cable must also be disconnected from the old graphics card. The new graphics card is then inserted into the same slot and the previously disconnected power connection to the new graphics card is re-established in the same way.

If you want to use an older computer today that does not have a PCI e or AGP slot, you will have to spend some time searching in the trade if you need a new graphics card as a replacement. Used PC components are not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are also brand-new graphics cards with PCI bus to buy. The models of the GeForce FX family from nVidia are recommended for such requirements. They are among the few plug-in cards still suitable for PCs with PCI slots. nVidia launched the GeForce FX family in 2003/ 2004. It is obvious that the user of a more than 10 years old model has to lower his demands on the performance of the graphics card a bit. If you want to display the latest 3D games quickly, smoothly and with all the details on your screen, you should look for a newer computer with different slots for the graphics card. However, when it comes to ‘normal’ PC applications in the office or children using the aging PC to play popular games such as SimS2 or Ponyhof, the nVidia Axle GeForce 5500 graphics card does the job to their complete satisfaction. Since the price is quite moderate compared to modern graphic cards, the exchange is worthwhile in any case and nVidia should be the rescue for some old computers. The Axle GeForce 5500 graphics card works reliably and quietly. The quality promised by the name nVidia can obviously also be relied upon for older models.

Read More Guides Related to Computer, Notebooks & Tablets:

• Best Notebook stand
• Best Wifi antenna
• Best Touchscreen monitor
• Best Server chassis
• Best Webcam
• Best Business card scanner
• Best PNY graphics card
• Best Sound2go
• Best Medium format scanner
• Best DDR2 RAM
• Best Socket AM3 Mainboard
• Best 17-inch monitor
• Best Notebook protection
• Best Disco lighting
• Best IMac
• Best Palit graphics card
• Best Lapdesk
• Best MIDI Keyboard Controller
• Best CD player with USB
• Best 19-inch monitor
• Best Multieffect machine
• Best 13 inch notebook case
• Best NAS server
• Best Desktop Housing
• Best Studio-Monitor
• Best Tint & Toner
• Best Digital Audio Recorder
• Best Tablet with keyboard
• Best Medion Battery
• Best Printers
• Best PC processor
• Best USB scanner
• Best Barebone
• Best Banana plug
• Best Cassette player
• Best Notebook Skin Stickers
• Best Graphics card
• Best Laser printer
• Best Macbook Sticker
• Best Gaming Laptop

More Topics in Electronics:

Links for further Information