What Is A Graphics Card

What is a graphics card?
A graphics card is a piece of computer hardware that is responsible for producing images on a
monitor. It acts as an interface between a computer and a monitor and is also known as a
graphics adapter
People who often need high-quality graphics cards are video editors and gaming specialists.
A powerful graphics card can render clearer and higher quality images, faster. To transfer the
information and render the image, a graphics card is connected to a motherboard and
monitor.
So how does a graphics card function? Let’s say you need to create a three-dimensional (3D)
image of a flower. You will need to follow certain steps that enable the graphics card to
create the flower.
Functions of a graphics card
The components of a graphics card allow us to see images on our computer screen, but the
transformation of information into images is a complex process with many steps.
Types of graphics cards
It is important to consider how a graphics card will be used. Two types of graphic cards are
available depending on the functions needed: integrated or onboard graphics cards and
discrete or standalone graphics cards
Iintegrated or onboard graphics cards
 Built into the motherboard
 Not useful for performing high-speed rendering or image processing
 Difficult to upgrade as these are integrated into the motherboard
 Cost-effective
PCIe
 Usually installed on the motherboard
 Used for performing high-speed image processing, such as gaming and video editing
 Upgraded by replacing it with faster processors
 Expensive
Before removing the old graphics card, do a little homework and check to see if your
computer has the power and system requirements to support the new graphics card. Most
computers come with high-speed peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) slots that
allow you to easily add GPUs.
There are seven key steps to remove a graphics card.
1. Remove the driver on the computer. Several errors and problems can arise from the
incompatibilities between a new graphics card and an old driver. You can find the list
of drivers from the device manager settings and follow the wizard.
2. Switch off your computer and unplug from power. Protect yourself against
electrostatic discharge (ESD) by wearing an antistatic wrist strap.
3. Open the motherboard with a precision screwdriver and spot the graphics card. You
can usually find it inserted into the PCIe slot.
4. Unplug the graphics card power cable. Do not worry if you can’t find one. Not all
graphics cards need separate power.
5. Unscrew the one or two screws holding the card in place. The number of screws
depends on the type of graphics card. Set the screws aside for the new graphics card.
6. The graphics card will be seated well into the PCIe slot. You must push the clip or tab
to release the card. Do not exert pressure. The card should easily release.
7. Pull the card out and place it into an antistatic bag.

Steps to install a graphics card
You can install your new graphics card in six basic steps.
1. Remove your new graphics card from the antistatic bag and align the PCIe component
of your graphics card to an empty slot on the motherboard. Push down on the tab to
ensure that it stays in place. Note: Avoid using excess pressure if the card does not
feel that it is slotting. Ensure that the card is properly aligned.
2. After the card is in place in the motherboard, secure the GPU with screws. The
number of screws needed will vary. Use all that are required.
3. If your graphics card requires separate power, install the power cable into your
graphics card. If the pins on the cable are different from the motherboard pin slots,
consider using a power adapter.
4. Verify all connections and ensure you haven’t left a loose cable inside the
motherboard. Close the motherboard and fasten it with its corresponding screws.
5. Power on your computer. The operating system (OS) will detect a new device and
prompt for a driver. Otherwise, you can install the right version of the driver directly
from the respective graphics card company’s website. Alternatively, you can install
the driver using the information storage device included with the graphics card.
6. Download the driver and follow the wizard in the installer. After the driver has been
successfully installed, restart your computer to experience the new and powerful
graphics.
Troubleshooting a graphics card

Troubleshooting is a trial-and-error method in which the potential causes of a problem are
eliminated one by one. Fortunately, fixing a graphics card can be a relatively simple process
and is often solved by troubleshooting the issue.
Hand plugging a video card into a PC
To troubleshoot a graphics card, you can:
 Check the driver

 Check the power supply
 Disable the sound card
 Slow down the accelerated graphics port (AGP)
 Allow an overheated graphics card to cool
The AGP is the high-speed port to which a graphics card is attached in a computer
Checking the power supply
Issues with the power supply can directly impact or damage the graphics card.
Low Power Supply
A continuous low power supply can cause the graphics card to work harder and will
eventually lead to overheating. An overheated graphics card, if left unattended, can
become damaged.
Overclocking
Overclocking refers to the practice of significantly increasing the speed of the

processor clock at a rate higher than its designated speed. Overclocking can happen to
a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU). A graphics
card is damaged when it is overclocked at lower or higher voltages than normal.
Power surge
Power surges and blackouts can also cause extensive damage to the graphics card
because of an abnormal power supply.
You can solve all of these issues by checking that the power voltage is correct for
the graphics card. In addition, you can invest in an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) system to regulate the power input to your system.
Disabling the sound card
The sound hardware can run into complex bugs and faults, especially when you are playing a
graphics-heavy game or video

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What is a graphics card?

Types of graphics cards

Iintegrated or onboard graphics cards

 Built into the motherboard

 Not useful for performing high-speed rendering or image processing

 Difficult to upgrade as these are integrated into the motherboard

 Usually installed on the motherboard

 Upgraded by replacing it with faster processors

There are seven key steps to remove a graphics card.

7. Pull the card out and place it into an antistatic bag.

Troubleshooting a graphics card

Hand plugging a video card into a PC

To troubleshoot a graphics card, you can:

 Check the driver

Checking the power supply

Low Power Supply

Overclocking refers to the practice of significantly increasing the speed of the

Disabling the sound card

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