How to buy ... a Graphics Board

If the large graphics files you work with take time to display or the 3D games you play resemble a slideshow more than a game, adding a new graphics board might be the boost you need. A faster board can speed up your system’s ability to process 2D images and render the 3D graphics used in games. Some models even allow you to connect more than one display or add the kind of video input and output connectivity that lets you hook up your camcorder or cable TV to the PC.

Graphics chip and board makers frequently update their hardware to enable PC game development. But games aren’t the only reason to get a new graphics board. Such features as support for two or three displays, a DVI or HDMI port (for digital flat panel displays), a TV and/or FM radio tuner, S-Video connections, and FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports are other compelling reasons to upgrade.

Key features
Graphics processor: Today’s graphics chips can efficiently handle sophisticated full-motion 3D video, thanks to advanced graphics processors, or GPUs. PC games look best when they run at 60 frames per second or faster; 60 fps is considered flicker-free, because the human eye can’t detect flickering or other problems at this rate. Budget graphics cards do a fine job with older games. However, boards that can produce faster frame rates at a midrange resolution will typically sustain playable frame rates at higher resolutions, and they can usually handle more-complicated games. To play DirectX 9 games, you’ll want a chip that supports DirectX 9 hardware acceleration.

Memory: When you use your PC for graphics-intensive activities, such as playing games or editing video, the information necessary to display images is buffered in graphics RAM. You’ll need a lot of dedicated graphics RAM to handle today’s complex, texture-rich games. The more complicated the game or image you’re viewing, the more memory you’ll need. Most budget graphics cards come with 64MB to 128MB of DDR SDRAM, while more expensive models offer 256MB to 512MB, the current maximum on consumer-level boards. For older games, 64MB is sufficient, though it’s not likely to deliver good image quality and high frame rates with new games or at resolutions above 1600 by 1200 pixels. For higher resolutions and newer, more complex games, it’s best to acquire a card with at least 128MB of video memory. Many games today don’t require more than that, but you may want to opt for more memory rather than face upgrading again when new memory-intensive games arrive.

Some graphics chips integrated on a PC’s motherboard (or in a laptop) use main system memory in lieu of dedicated graphics RAM (reducing the memory available to the operating system).

Less-expensive computers with lower-powered CPUs, such as Intel’s Celeron, often have integrated graphics subsystems. Although PCs that use integrated chips do an acceptable job with typical business applications, they lack the extra memory necessary for sophisticated gaming, so they aren’t usually suitable for playing any but the simplest games.

Extra options
Some cards include extra features, as well as bundled hardware and software. Here are the common options offered on graphics cards:

DVI or HDMI -out: A card’s digital visual interface is a port used primarily for connecting digital monitors. With a DVI connector and a DVI-out port, a graphics card can work with either a digital or an analogue monitor.

S-Video-out/-in: The S-Video-out port allows you to send video signals to a TV, projector, VCR, or other entertainment device. The S-Video-in port lets you bring video into your PC from a camcorder, a VCR, or the like.

Composite-out/-in: Composite ports fulfil the same function as S-Video ports, but deliver video that is noticeably lower quality than S-Video. However, composite ports are particularly handy for use with older devices, which may lack S-Video ports. Many graphics boards that provide S-Video ports also include an S-Video-to-composite adapter cable.

Dual display or dual head: To connect your PC to a second monitor or to a TV, you’ll need a card with extra ports and additional RAMDACs (chips that convert digital images to analogue signals) to drive two — or even three — separate displays.

Overclocking: Running a graphics processor faster than the manufacturer’s specified speed is popular among PC tweakers and dedicated gamers. While this can squeeze a little more performance out of a card, it carries risks such as overheating. Some vendors — Gainward is one — sell cards that have already been overclocked; others bundle overclocking software with cards; and some manufacturers, like ATI, don’t officially support it. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions before overclocking.

Anti-aliasing: Many cards offer anti-aliasing to smoothe and softens the jagged edges of 3D images, which is helpful at lower resolutions. Enabling it can lower frame rates, though, so gamers have to choose smoother images or faster performance.

A note for the hard-core gamer: Look for developments in nVidia's recently announced Quad-SLI technology, which gives you the ability to use four high-end graphics boards simultaneously.

Graphics board shopping tips
When shopping for graphics boards, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the mountain of stats and features each board touts on its packaging. But if you stick to your guns and follow these tips, you should be able to get the board you need at a price you’ll be able to smile about.

Go for midrange boards. Unless you need the ultimate gaming board (and have a brand-new, high-end PC that can use it to maximum advantage), aim a little below the top end. You can usually save at least $150, and you won’t sacrifice much in terms of performance.

Gamers need more power. The most recent spur to upgrade is Microsoft’s DirectX 9 application programming interface, which is now appearing in games. If you’re planning to play these new games, you’ll need a powerful board that supports the DirectX 9 API and has at least 128MB, or preferably 256MB, of DDR SDRAM.

Make sure your board has DDR memory. Most modern graphics boards come with DDR memory, but a few don’t. This faster graphics memory makes a sizeable difference in performance without adding much to the cost.

Review the reviews. Many major technology publications — including PC World — run regular reviews of graphics boards and benchmark them against the competition. It’s a good way to familiarise yourself with the different boards and see how they perform against one another.

Check the connection. While most PCs made in the past few years have an AGP or PCI-Express port, some don’t — especially cheaper models with integrated graphics. Be sure yours has an AGP or PCI-Express connection before shelling out for a board that may not fit.

Shop online. Many chain computer stores only carry a few models of graphics boards. By shopping online, you’ll find more variety and, frequently, better prices.

Consider your needs. Don’t throw away money on features you don’t need. Unless you’re planning to capture and edit digital video, for example, get a board with only the basic connections — you can save money, or get a board with more advanced 3D processing capabilities for the same price.

Check the list of included software. Many graphics boards include a bundle of utilities, games or video-editing software, so check what comes with your purchase — a seemingly pricey board can turn into a good deal.