Building a gaming device from scratch is an American tradition and can be quite daunting for newcomers. One of the most important components that will affect the performance of your machine is the Graphics Card. Many gamers have a hard time deciding which graphics card is the best fit for their needs. In this article, I’ll discuss what you need to consider when deciding what graphics card you should buy for your gaming PC.
Graphics Card Sample Rate
The sample rate of the graphics card offers the best indication of its performance. A higher sample rate indicates that there will be more left over ‘space’ in a single frame, which gives added details and better visuals in the game. Generally, you’ll want a sample rate of at least 120 FPS for gaming. Bottom line, the higher the sample rate, the better the visuals in your game.
Choose The Right Graphics Card Brand & Technology
When shopping for graphics cards, you should keep an eye out for brands that offer support for the latest technology. This includes things like VR (Virtual Reality) and Ray Tracing, both of which can drastically improve the gaming experience. For these technologies, you should look for the latest NVIDIA RTX GPUs or the latest AMD Radeon cards. Both offer strong performance and will help you get the most out of the latest games.
Graphics Card Memory
The amount of memory your graphics card has will determine how well it processes data. The minimum you’ll probably need is 1GB of video memory, but games that are more graphically intense (like VR games) will require more. If you’re looking for a GPU that can handle anything, you should prioritize graphics cards that come with at least 4GB of memory.
Graphics Card Power Consumption & Cooling
Graphics cards need a lot of power, so you’ll need to check that your power supply is up to the task. Generally, you should look for a PSU (Power Supply Unit) that delivers at least 500 Watts. Additionally, modern GPUs can generate a lot of heat, so you should make sure your graphics card has quality cooling to prevent it from becoming too hot.
Finding The Best Graphics Card For You
Finding the best graphics card for your needs can be a challenge, but with a little research you should be able to find one that fits in your budget. Make sure to look at the sample rate, memory, technology, power consumption and cooling of any GPU you’re considering. Doing so will ensure that it has enough power and features to handle even the most demanding games.
Graphics Card Driver Support
Before you buy a graphics card, you should also make sure the company offers solid driver support. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding driver updates for major brands like AMD and NVIDIA, but smaller and lesser-known brands may not have the same level of support. This is important, as the latest driver updates can result in better performance and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Graphics Card Price & Value
Price should also be a major consideration when you’re shopping for a graphics card. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options out there that won’t break the bank. Make sure to compare prices from multiple retailers, as there are often sales and discounts that can save you money. Also, remember to factor in any rebates or other offers from the manufacturer. This can help lower the overall cost of your graphics card and make it more affordable.
Graphics Card Resolution & Connectivity
The resolution of your graphics card will affect the sharpness and clarity of your game. Modern cards should support at least Full HD (1920×1080) as this will give you a much better experience. Additionally, look for a graphics card that has various connection options to fit your gaming setup. This includes HDMI, DisplayPort, and others, as this will make it easy to connect to your monitor or TV.
Graphics Card Connectors, Cables & Accessories
In addition to the graphics card itself, you’ll also need to purchase any other connectors, cables, or accessories that may be required. If you’re using a dedicated graphics card, then you’ll need a PCIe power cable. Additionally, if you’re using a multi-monitor setup, you may need to invest in additional video cables. Make sure to budget for these, as they can add up in cost quickly.
GPU Performance & Compatibility
Before you buy, you should always benchmark the graphics card to make sure it offers enough performance for the games you want to play. Additionally, make sure to check that it is compatible with your motherboard and other components. This is important, as it will help ensure that the graphics card will work properly with your current hardware.
