A graphics card is one of the most critical components of your PC for streamers, gamers, and content creators. If you're planning on building or purchasing a powerful gaming system, the graphics card is an important consideration. But buying a new graphics card in 2021 isn't for the faint-hearted. But it doesn't have to be that difficult. You're one step closer to choosing the appropriate graphics card for your needs if you know your budget, PC specifications, and performance expectations. Let's go over our recommendations for purchasing a new graphics card.
Compatibility
Nothing is more aggravating
than eagerly opening your case to install your new graphics card only to
discover that it is an inch too short. Before you make a purchase, conduct your
research and determine how much physical space your case can provide. How many
six- and eight-pin PCIe connectors does it have, and how many watts is it rated
for? On the 12v rails, how many amps can it deliver? If your computer can't
take it, you'll need to find a graphics card that uses less power or replace
your power supply. If you acquire a card with different ports than your
monitor, you may need to pay extra for an adaptor.
Prebuilt PCs
System builders appear to have
a more consistent supply of graphics cards, and while some foresee delays, you
can expect a PC with a GPU installed at some point. It's worth contemplating,
at least if you're thinking about a comprehensive overhaul in the future. It's
not for everyone, but buying a prebuilt gaming PC is the best way to ensure you
get a graphics card this year and a modern one at a price near to MSRP.
Memory and Bandwidth
Many people believe that the
more RAM on a graphics card, the greater the performance. However, this isn't
necessarily the case. The bandwidth is something to which you should pay more
attention. The amount of RAM won't make much of a difference unless you're utilizing
it with ultra-high resolutions like 4K or numerous monitors. Data that is ready
to be processed by the GPU is normally saved in GDDR3, GDDR5, or (more
recently) GDDR6 dedicated memory on the card. It's worth noting that GDDR5
memory has double the bandwidth of GDDR3 memory clocked at the same frequency.
Platform
Your system determines the type
of graphics card you buy. The resolution of your display is vital to consider,
with 1440p (2560 x 1440) being a common choice for a gaming monitor. A
mid-range card will not deliver you good framerates in recent 3D games if you
plan to run three 1080p monitors in surround. Knowing your system's limitations
might help you save time and money. If you have an older dual-core CPU, such as
a Pentium or Celeron, it won't be able to keep up with high-end graphics cards.
In such circumstances, opt for mid-range cards to save money.
