Glossary:Graphics card
Introduction
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is the processor that renders and outputs video from your computer to your screen. A single graphics card can contain one or two physical GPUs.
GPU Manufacturers
The three main consumer GPU makers are Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.
Nvidia and AMD produce GPUs for use on mainboards and graphics cards. Nvidia's consumer line is marketed under the GeForce brand, and AMD's under the Radeon brand.
Intels initial offerings in the consumer GPU space were under the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) brand which are found on mainboards and served only to provide basic video functionality to PCs. Very near the end-of-life for the GMA brand, Intels chipset integrated chips began to compete with older, very basic GPUs from Nvidia and AMD; they are able to play old games at reduced settings. Recently Intel began moving away from chipset integrated graphics, and with the Core i3/5/7 line of chips began offering GPUs built into the CPU die. The current best offering is their HD3000 graphics core, found in some Sandy Bridge chips; it is capable of competing with basic cards in the current generation.
Identifying your Graphics Card
Using DirectX Diagnostics
Windows Vista/Windows 7:
- Type
dxdiaginto the Start search and hit enter
Windows XP:
- Type
dxdiaginto Run - On the 'Display' tab it should list your Device.
Checking the physical card
Graphics cards will have information either printed on them or on a sticker which will help with identification.
Using GPU-Z
- Go to TechPowerUp's website
- Download the latest GPU-Z and install.
- Open GPU-Z
GPU-Z can give you a lot more information than dxdiag could give you. Also great for monitoring voltages and temperatures.
RAM Type
At the moment there are two types of GPU RAM: GDDR3 and GDDR5. GDDR5 offers almost twice the performance compared to GDDR3.
Multiple GPU
Some graphics cards can be used in tandem with up to 3 other graphics cards to boost the overall output of the cards. With Nvidia cards this technique is called SLI, with AMD/ATI cards it is called Crossfire. Nvidia's technology requires video cards that are the exact same type (eg. A GTX 560 and another GTX 560). AMD/ATIs technology requires cards from the same series (eg. A HD6970 can be combined with a HD 6950).
Overclocking
Overclocking is causing the GPU to run at speeds beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Overclocking can damage the GPU if performed improperly.
Please note that overclocking will probably void your warranty and that it increases the chance of a GPU malfunctioning. Overclocking is done at the risk of the user and is not recommended for novices.
Graphics Settings
Most games allow graphical settings to be adjusted.
Anisotropic filtering
Also known as AF. The main purpose of AF is to sharpen the appearance of textures that are farther away from the player. It can noticeably increase visual quality, but can also be resource intensive. More information on AF can be found here.
Anti-Aliasing
Also known as AA. The main purpose of AA is to reduce the "jaggies" in a game, the pixelated edges along an object. A slightly more in depth description can be found here.
High Dynamic Range
Also known as HDR. This increases the range of contrast making it much closer to how a human eye sees light.
Tessellation
A newer technique for DirectX 11. Tessellation uses the GPU to increase the complexity of the polygon mesh. This can infamously be seen in Crysis 2's concrete slabs.
Render Distance
Render Distance or View Distance is how far in the game world you can see. This can usually be increased to see farther in the game at the cost of performance. At lower settings, distant areas are covered by fog.
V-SYNC
V-SYNC limits a games frame rate to match that of the monitor in use. This reduces screen tearing effect. For example, a 60 Hz monitor will make V-sync limit the frame rate to 60 frames per second. a 70 Hz screen will be limited to 70 frames per second, etcetera. Sometimes V-Sync will cause mouse lag due to the frames staying in the buffer longer.