Video-Cards
Occasionally, customers want to update their video card, for better video resolution. So I've included the following information, that may be helpful.
There is a lot more to know than just this, so I've included some links for in-depth study, if you are so inclined!
Updating Video is one of the most complex technical operations that most coputer professionals have to tackle! After looking this over, I think you'll see why!
Video Cards
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AGP 4X/8X |
PCI Express X1 |
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AGp 8X |
PCI Slots |
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AGP 4X/8X slot |
PCI Express 16 |
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PCI Video Card |
PCI Express slots |
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PCI Slots |
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| PCI Express slots (from top to bottom: ×4, ×16, ×1 and ×16), compared to a traditional 32-bit PCI slot (bottom) |
In the above diagrams, I show the different type of video cards available. If you are looking to upgrade your video, or replace your current video card you are using, then you need to determine which slot you have available, if any!
Many motherboards have a slot available, even if they currently use an on-board video. For example, as a computer technician, I sometimes have to replace a failed video problem. In most cases, it is an onboard video card, as found in most low-cost desktops. I would determine if there is an available slot to install another video card.
>Above you will see the different types of card slots, and the type of connections they have. You must buy the right kind of card to go into your PC!
Now we have to determine what you want to connect to!
Video Output Connectors
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| DB-15 (VGA) older style |
DVI connector
hi quality PC video |
HDMI connector and cable
used for HDTV |
Most basic PC's do not have dual monitor support, but there are video cards that can do dual monitor support, and in many cases, you could install 2 video cards, if needed. However, I have found that I can use the "built-in" video card on the motherboard for one monitor, and then add an inexpensive video card for the second monitor.
You do have to be careful, to ensure that you buy the correct video card to fit your existing motherboard. See the above section to help you find out what type of video card, your motherboard can take. Also, if you are going to do "gaming" on your computer, you need to determine if a GPU(graphics processing unit) is needed, and how much memory is needed.
I'm using dual monitor support because I was taking "tutorials" that are video clips, that show me how to do something on my computer. I use one monitor to see the tutorial, and the other monitor to actually "do" what they are telling me! But, since I now have dual monitors, I use them for everything!
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