How To Choose the Best Graphic card for your PC (Explained)

Here is How to choose the best Graphic card for your PC in an easy step.  The graphics card is the central part responsible for handling graphics tasks and visual information.

And if you enjoy vivid, smooth images when playing games or watching movies, that results from a laptop equipped with a graphics card.

Images are displayed clearly, sharp thanks primarily to VGA. But only when VGA is compatible with the computer will the best picture quality.

In the world of gamers, it is possible to upgrade the graphics card frequently. They will need to spend a lot of money to purchase the best computer graphics cards with such upgrades.

As a result, I’d like to share our purchasing experiences with you in this article so you can decide which graphics cards to purchase, which ones to avoid, and which cards are essential for your computer.

What is VGA? What does it mean for Computers?

VGA (Video Graphic Adapter) is known as a graphics card. This is an important part and holds the role of processing data related to graphics.

Image quality, such as colors and lines displayed on the screen, largely depends on the processing capabilities of VGA. Thus, the video card is one of the essential hardware parts.

Not only that, but VGA also contributes to supporting the operation and operation of the computer to become faster; the ability to handle tasks is also much quicker.

Depending on your work needs, you will choose a different VGA. Choosing a graphics card also needs to have a few points to keep in mind that you need to know.

But in general, it must be compatible with the CPU for the computer to work most effectively.

Types Of Popular VGA today

Onboard VGA

The onboard VGA is a video card attached to the mainboard (motherboard) of the computer; the manufacturer has integrated it into the CPU (central processing unit of the computer or laptop).

Therefore, the CPU and the video card have a particular connection, and the VGA performance will depend mainly on the CPU as well as the memory of the machine (RAM).

Because it is built into the computer, you will not have to spend extra money to buy a separate video card.

Technology development has also led to the development of electronic components, including a new generation CPU and a significantly upgraded Onboard card.

Although it cannot be processed like a discrete VGA, the image quality is also guaranteed.

Discrete VGA

Discrete VGA means that the graphics card is designed to be completely independent, not integrated with the CPU on your computer.

About the function of the discrete graphics card is the same as the onboard VGA. They also take care of image processing tasks. However, their performance and operability are rated higher than the onboard VGA.

A discrete VGA will be equipped with its heat sink and a separate processing GPU so the processing ability will be faster and more powerful.

Especially for heavy graphics files that require high processing capacity, a new discrete VGA can respond and handle smoothly. This is why discrete VGAs will cost much more than Onboard Cards.

Integrated graphics cards classified by CPU

As mentioned above, in the new Intel CPU lines, the integrated graphics card is put inside the Intel HD Graphics XXXX, where XXXX is the graphics card line code that represents the strength and weakness of the processing ability.

In Graphics management, I also have some more powerful lines like Iris Graphics or Iris Pro Graphics.

According to each CPU generation, Intel will integrate different generations of graphics cards.

You can refer to the table below. For example, in Intel’s 2nd generation CPU, Sandy Bridge will have three types of HD Graphics, HD Graphics 2000 and HD Graphics 3000, depending on the product segment of the CPU, which is low or high-end but uses a more robust graphics card.

Instructions for buying the best video and graphics card suitable for your computer.

The most significant feature of a graphics card is: the version number (card name)

• Any graphics card’s performance indicators are displayed directly on the model number, which is the number that follows the card name and describes the processor, speed, and memory bandwidth that the graphics card is equipped. The brand name and number that the manufacturer designates for the graphics card will typically be included in the model number, for example, GeForce GTX 1070 GAMING Z 8G or GeForce GTX 1080 GAMING Z 8G.

  

• The main issue is that users will feel more at ease using a product with a more powerful processor, but you should also take into account next-generation models.
• Therefore, if you enjoy playing high-definition video games, you should get a graphics card that is compatible with your computer. This is for a reason.
• Even if you have deep pockets, you don’t need to spend more than $325 to purchase one of the best graphics cards; instead, look for one that works with all the computer’s hardware while maintaining configuration -specific performance.

• Additionally, look for a connection between performance and graphics card to find a graphics card that can operate smoothly on a computer. Additionally, because there are frequently significant differences between this generation of graphics cards from different manufacturers, avoid comparing them.

Memory bandwidth is more crucial than memory size.

• A graphics card’s large memory is equivalent to choosing an airbag. And when purchasing a new graphics card, the majority of gamers prioritize this factor.
•   Unless you’re using high resolutions (three video walls or one 4K monitor), you shouldn’t be concerned about the amount of RAM.
• If you’re using 1920×1080 or higher, you should look for a high-end graphics card because it will have a lot of default memory.
• It would be helpful if you focused on the memory bandwidth section. The price and functionality of a graphics card will affect bandwidth, so always bear the following in mind: In terms of speed, GDDR5 memory provides twice the bandwidth of DDR3 memory.
• The most crucial aspect of graphics cards is that 1 GB GDDR5 is preferable to 4 GB DDR3 in terms of memory capacity.

Pay attention to the platform.

• A gaming computer’s graphics card should be its most crucial component, but the rest of the system is also necessary for handling tasks. You need to be aware of your platform’s limitations.
• Are you using a dual-core CPU like an Athlon X2, Celeron, Pentium, or Sempron? It can’t keep up with modern graphics hardware if that’s the case. As a result, avoid wasting your money in this manner.
• If you want the best gaming performance, decide to upgrade your processor with the current configuration or purchase a midrange graphics card to save more money.
• Your display is also an essential factor. A 1280×1024 or higher monitor won’t require the most expensive graphics hardware.
• Alternatively, if you want to use three 1920×1080 video walls, a mid-range graphics card won’t give you the total frame rate in modern 3D games.
•  Determine the kinds of games you intend to play, compare them to the machine’s platform capabilities, and then decide whether an upgrade is required.

Two is not necessarily better than one.

• Both AMD and Nvidia provide a feature that connects several graphics cards collectively to boost performance. On Radeon graphics cards, this feature is known as CrossFire, and on GeForce cards it is known as SLI.

• Although scaling operations with multiple GPUs sounds excellent, the system cannot operate smoothly. A second graphics card, on the other hand, only boosts performance by 25–50% rather than 100%.
• And with three or four video cards, this other number falls even further. Furthermore, when using multiple graphics cards, they might perform inconsistently, contrastively, and with some processing lags. Additionally, using multiple graphics cards makes your computer very noisy.

• Multiple graphics cards are necessary for triple or single 4k video wall models, but it is largely unnecessary for 1920 x 1080 screens. A single top-tier graphics card can eliminate all of the dangers above.

Compatibility

• This may be regarded as the essential factor to take into account when choosing a graphics card. Check and comprehend the physical size of the space available for the graphics card on your computer before deciding to spend money on a new graphics card.
• The power source you employ is also crucial. Think about how many sockets and what pins on the power supply you typically use have.
• Additionally, verify that the power supply voltage is appropriate for the computer to prevent under- or over-supplying the system with power.

• Along with the graphics card you want to purchase, you must also take note of the information above. You should search for a different graphics card with less power or consider upgrading the power supply if your computer can’t handle it.

• Choosing a reliable brand when purchasing a better power supply (such as Corsair, Antec, and Seasonic) is far more essential than the maximum wattage listed on the packaging. This is because less-reputable computer power producers are frequently renowned for their output rating lists with high scores but are not resilient in prolonged use.

•  Generally, if a well-branded power supply and PCIe connection are compatible with the graphics card you buy, it should be fine. If you want headroom for future upgrades, look for a power supply with twice as many PCIe power cables as your current graphics card needs.

Selection of cooling system

• High-performance graphics cards use a lot of power and generate heat that heats the GPU if a cooling system is unavailable. There are currently two cooling methods: internal cooling of the graphics card and exhaust fans.
• On inexpensive graphics cards, ventilation fan cooling systems are frequently present. V ventilation fans will be mounted on the back to dissipate heat and keep the graphics card from overheating. This cooling system, however, makes a lot of noise.
• For the additional cost, you can purchase graphics cards with more advanced internal cooling. Depending on the manufacturer, I will use various graphics card cooling technologies, such as EVGA’s ACX, Gigabyte’s Windforce, HIS’ IceQ, MSI’s Twin Frozr, and Sapphire’s Dual-X, and XFX’s Double-D.
• The GPU is kept more relaxed by the internal cooling system more effectively than by using a fan, which is typically quiet. This cooling system’s drawback is that it strains its performance to maintain low graphics card temperatures  and is challenging to recycle.

• Additionally, even though it makes noise when it operates, you should pick a graphics card with an exhaust fan if your CPU temperature during gaming exceeds 55 degrees Celsius. If your CPU temperature stays below 55 degrees Celsius, a quiet cooling system will better suit your design and lengthen the lifespan of your graphics card.
• There are still additional cooling options for the graphics card if the heat level is too high, such as liquid cooling, though they frequently cost more and require more installation work.
•  Our article has outlined the points you need to pay attention to when buying a graphics card. However, you must remain calm and think carefully before buying a graphics card to avoid buying the wrong product that does not suit your needs.

  

Popular discrete graphics cards

Currently, the laptop market is dominated by the two largest graphics card manufacturers: AMD and NVIDIA. These two companies own powerful graphics chips integrated into most laptops.

While AMD ATI calls the processor chip on the graphics card the VPU (Video Process Unit), NVIDIA calls it the GPU (Graphic Process Unit), both manufacturers do not directly distribute their products to users. Usually through a 3rd party like MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, Powercolor…

How to choose the proper VGA for the CPU?

Test with browser

It can be understood that in the working process, the CPU will be the head unit for processing raw images and image frames.

After that, VGA will continue the task of displaying images, such as adjusting effects and colors. Therefore, matching these two components will make the working process; of graphics processing will take place out smoother.

To find a suitable VGA set for your CPU, you first need to know the configuration of the laptop you own. Through the system of CPUbenchmark.net, you will score the CPU and find compatible VGA. Specifically through the following eight simple steps.

Step 1: Press Windows + R key combination, type dxdiag, and press Enter

Step 2: Find your device’s RAM and Processor parameters

Step 3: Search cpubenchmark.net

Step 4: Select Benchmark – Benchmark CPU

Step 5: Enter CPU parameters in the Processor – Enter section; the system will calculate your CPU score.

Step 6: Select Benchmark – Benchmark for Card Video

Step 7: Depending on whether the score of the CPU is high or low, choose the Range of the Card as High – Middle – Low

Step 8: Make a comparison and make the right decision

Manual testing through product test videos

With digital technology, you can easily find information about products and their advantages and disadvantages through review channels. Therefore, you can also test it manually through product test videos.

With the parameters, quality, and performance of the VGA mentioned in the videos, you will also easily filter and choose a suitable graphics card for your computer.

Support from in-store consultants

If you want to build a workstation but do not have enough knowledge in this field, you can go to stores selling components and electronic equipment for support and advice.

The staff will advise you to make the most informed choices with a total amount of knowledge, many years of experience in the profession, and an understanding of customers’ needs.

The need to build graphics workstations is increasing to run after high-resolution content and more complex software. Therefore, you will need a lot of people who are experts in this field.

How to name discrete graphics card

Looking at the name of the discrete graphics card, you can quickly know the old or new generation of cards, the line of cards specialized for games or graphics, used for laptops or computers, and its power.

Nvidia has a naming convention according to the current standard as follows. For example, “NVIDIA GeForce GTX 940MX” then:

– Nvidia is a chip manufacturer.

– Geforce is this chip line dedicated to gaming purposes.

In addition, you also have Quadro – specialized for 3D design or Tegra – low power consumption for mobile devices.

– GTX is a product line with solid performance for gaming and graphics processing laptops.

You also have GT, GTS – a lower-end product line, and GTX Ti – more advanced than GTX, with the same design but additional cores and increased clocks.

– The next 3 or 4 digits include:

• The first number indicates the generation of this graphics card; the larger the number, the newer and more modern the technology. You have 8XX, 9XX, and now 10XX (2016).
• The following two digits indicate the graphics card’s performance compared to cards in the same generation. For example, You have 950 that will be stronger than 940.
• The last two letters indicate which device this product will be used.

– M is a line of chips for laptops and mobile devices thanks to less power consumption, smaller area, and less heat, but it still has high performance compared to integrated graphics cards.

– MX is also a chip for laptops and mobile devices but has higher performance than the M series; of course, machines using this card also need better heat dissipation if you want to use it.

Instructions for cleaning VGA (Removable video card) correctly.

During use, you should clean your computer to operate in the best state after a certain period because the computer during operation will be affected by environmental factors and external agents such as dirt, animals (mosquitoes, cockroaches, ..), or small foreign bodies.

That directly affects the life of the computer, and today you will guide you to clean one of the critical components of the computer kit, which is a VGA – Discrete video card.

You need to read carefully and follow the detailed instructions below to be able to clean VGA yourself at home without losing a dime.

 Note: Before you plan to remove the VGA (removable video card or graphics card) for cleaning, you need to know if your VGA is still under warranty or has expired the manufacturer’s warranty export.

With the VGA still under contract, you can’t clean it to the “corner” because it also has the distributor’s stamp. You will provide specific instructions for each type.

TOOLS YOU NEED FOR PREPARATION

 First, you must prepare some tools to clean the discrete video card: An alcohol bottle, a brush (medium paintbrush), a toothbrush, a screwdriver, and a dry towel.

CLEANING VGA OUT OF WARRANTY

 Step 1,

clean the board of VGA. Use a toothbrush and brush in one direction only.

When brushing, you pay attention; brush gently, carefully, and meticulously so that the dirt stains on the surface of the VGA board are cleaned. Do not brush too hard to avoid affecting the components on the VGA surface.

After the first brush, spray a little alcohol on the meeting the next time, then brush again on the surface of the VGA board to clean.

Step 2,

clean the radiator fins and cover. This is where a lot of dirt is concentrated; you will use a brush (medium paint brush) to clean the slits, as shown below thoroughly.

Continue to use the brush to scan each VGA fan and heatsink surface; pay attention to doing it carefully and never rushing. You won’t be able to remove all the stains from the propeller because you’re in a rush.

Step 3,

you will use a dry cloth to wipe the surface of the connector. Note that you only tap on the outside surface, not deep inside the connector slot.

Step 4,

clean the VGA contact pins with the mainboard. You use an alcohol spray bottle and spray a little alcohol on a dry towel.

Then wipe the surface of the VGA contacts. Attention, wipe gently and carefully because this is a rather sensitive part of VGA.

Thus, after performing the steps as I have instructed above, you have completed the cleaning of a VGA card that is still under warranty.

 In fact, for VGA cards that are still under warranty, I cannot disassemble the heatsink. Because the distributor stamps on the screws, the logo will be torn when I remove it.

Therefore, the VGA is still under warranty, but if you try to remove the heatsink, the VGA will be “warranted” when a failure occurs.

So, what’s the difference between cleaning VGA and out of warranty? It’s very different, guys. For the out-of-warranty VGA, you can clean it “more intensively” and clean it anywhere on the VGA.

• To clean the VGA out of warranty, first, you need to do all four steps as you did to clean the warranty VGA above. Then it would help if you did the following additional actions.
• To unscrew the heatsink, use a screwdriver to remove the screws fastened to the back of the VGA (see picture below).
• Note, after removing the screws, remember to unplug the fan’s power cord jack. Then remove the plastic cover and fan. Next, remove the VGA heatsink. When you release the heatsink, you will find it clinging a bit, but you need to shake it lightly to be able to pull the fins out.
• After removing the heatsink, use a dry cloth to wipe off the old thermal paste clinging to its surface (picture below). At the same time, use a brush (with alcohol spray) to clean the surface of the VGA board.
• Use a brush (paint brush) to clean the VGA heatsink. This part contains a lot of dirt because it has openings to let heat out. Therefore, you need to clean up the ground in the slots of this heatsink to help the GPU of the VGA to release maximum heat during operation.
• After cleaning and cleaning is complete, apply thermal paste (a sufficient amount, thermal paste for CPU) on the surface of the VGA chip. Then reinstall the fins and fan again when removed. Note: After installing the screws, remember to plug in the power cord jack for the fan. Thus, you have finished cleaning a VGA in a very professional way.

Some graphic cards (GPU) I can recommend for you.

Image	Name	Price Link
	PNY GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti 8GB XLR8 Gaming Revel Epic-X RGB™ Dual Fan Graphics Card LHR	On Amazon, you can see the price right here.
	ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC LHR 8GB GDDR6 256-bit 14 Gbps Advanced Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop ZT-A30610H-10MLHR	On Amazon, you can see the price right here.
	ZOTAC GAMING GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR6 128-bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact, ZT-T16520F-10L	On Amazon, you can see the price right here

Final thought 

When buying a gaming laptop, you expect it to fight the game well. But sometimes, you want to replace the CPU or GPU so that it can perform better, but it will not be as you wish.

You should note that all parts on a gaming laptop, such as CPU or GPU, cannot be easily replaced as on a PC.

Because manufacturers have carefully calculated them, parts or components must be compatible to work effectively. So, if you want better gaming performance, you should choose higher-priced laptops. 

Hopefully, through my sharing, you have more information on choosing a compatible VGA suitable for your CPU and can make wise choices when buying the product with the best price according to your needs and demand.

Related article: 

Crucial Things to look for when building PC For Gaming (Explained)

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