The product ranges available from various makers all use a graphics chip from either ATI or NVida. To make deciding easier you can normally separate the various options into one of three categories:
Top End / Heavy Graphics / Game Usage -
High specification cards with plenty of memory and fast processors providing plenty of power for the latest games or video work. HDMI, DVI outputs typically standard, versions often include several outputs for multiple displays and may include TV/Video In/Out or tuners. Prices in this section would be over £70+
Mainstream / Occasional Gamer - General applications and light gaming. If your system is fairly recent you may not need to change your card. However some of the newer games do require more powerful specifications. For guidance you should view the minimum specifications on the back of the game.
Most cards include multiple VGA or DVI outputs to allow two displays, some model may include S-Video/TV Out connectors. Prices for this group would be around £45-£70.
Value/Onboard Cards - Ideal if your main use is general Office and Internet applications. Some cheaper machines come with onboard graphics and use some of the system memory (RAM) to run this can be increased in the BIOS usually 32Mb or 64MB can be used.
Running intensive games or high display sizes are unlikely to run at a usable speed but would be fine for general use and dual displays or extending desktops. Prices £Free-£45.
High specification cards with plenty of memory and fast processors providing plenty of power for the latest games or video work. HDMI, DVI outputs typically standard, versions often include several outputs for multiple displays and may include TV/Video In/Out or tuners. Prices in this section would be over £70+
Mainstream / Occasional Gamer - General applications and light gaming. If your system is fairly recent you may not need to change your card. However some of the newer games do require more powerful specifications. For guidance you should view the minimum specifications on the back of the game.Most cards include multiple VGA or DVI outputs to allow two displays, some model may include S-Video/TV Out connectors. Prices for this group would be around £45-£70.
Value/Onboard Cards - Ideal if your main use is general Office and Internet applications. Some cheaper machines come with onboard graphics and use some of the system memory (RAM) to run this can be increased in the BIOS usually 32Mb or 64MB can be used. Running intensive games or high display sizes are unlikely to run at a usable speed but would be fine for general use and dual displays or extending desktops. Prices £Free-£45.
