A graphics card is one of the most important components in a high specification computer and you can easily get caught out when choosing the right graphics card for your system.
Not only do you need to look our for a graphics card with a decent amount of memory, you also need to look for a graphics card with a powerful GPU (graphics processing unit). You can also choose to have two graphics cards in your computer - this enables gaming enthusiasts to have up to double the power when matching two identical graphics cards which means
an ultimate gaming experience!
When searching for the right graphics card for your needs, consider the GPU performance, dedicated memory and also whether two graphics cards of a lower specification will out-perform a higher model for a cheaper price!
To discover which graphics card is best for you (and your budget) consider visiting the manufacturer website where further details and specifications are available:
www.ati.com
www.nvidia.com
HDMI
HDMI stands for High-Definition-Multimedia-Interface and has been designed to carry umcompressed digital audio and video signals from the transmitter (i.e. graphics card) to the receiver (i.e. monitor). For any modern High Definition computer, a HDMI interface is a must-have as it will provide an unrivalled quality digital signal to your TV/monitor and because it can also carry the audio signal, it also reduces the need for extra wires.
DVI
DVI (Digital video Interface) is a digital connector for a digital monitor. A graphics card with DVI enables users to choose whether they want to connect a standard VGA monitor (via an adapter), or a digital monitor through the DVI connector.
TV-OUT
Now deprecated, The TV Out feature provided an alternative display device
besides your normal CRT/TFT monitor.
SLI Technology
PC enthusiasts and professionals are constantly searching for ways to increase the performance of their PCs, and now they can with NVIDIA breakthrough 3D platform technology. NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology is a revolutionary approach to scalability and increased performance. NVIDIA SLI takes advantage of the increased bandwidth of the PCI Express™ bus architecture. Together the NVIDIA SLI technologies work seamlessly to deliver heart-pounding PC performance. And depending on the application, NVIDIA SLI can deliver as much as 2x the performance of a single GPU configuration for unparalleled gaming experiences.
In order for SLI Technology to function, you need to choose two identical and SLI capable graphics cards for your system, i.e. you cannot put two different graphics cards into your computer in any circumstances. SLI Technology is only available on selected systems where you have the choice of two graphics cards and does not function on any ATI graphics cards.
The advantages of SLI technology are:
- Up to double the power during games - the ultimate gaming experience!
- Support up to 4 monitors - brilliant for financial services/stock exchange etc.
Crossfire Technology
ATI's CrossFire propels your gaming PC to a new pinnacle of performance with the ultimate multi-GPU consumer graphics solution.
Enjoy the highest image quality modes and resolutions that you have always wanted, even with the most demanding 3D titles. Get out-of-the-box compatibility and afterburner acceleration for all your games without special game software or patches.
Unite and Dominate - with multiple ATI GPUs
CrossFire's unique parallel processing technology has development roots going back to ATI's multi-GPU Rage Fury MAXX™. Based on the same technology used with ATI-based commercial flight simulators, CrossFire soars into a new dimension of graphics capability with multiple Radeon® graphics processing units (GPUs) working together in your PC.
Divide and Conquer - with ATI's Supertiling
ATI's CrossFire speeds your gaming momentum with supertiling, high-performance GPU sharing that evenly divides the processing and graphics rendering workload.
How Supertiling Works:
Think of your screen image divided into subsections like a checkerboard, with alternating black and white "tiles". CrossFire's Supertiling intelligently alternates rendering duties of these tiles to each Radeon GPU for consistent, efficient load balancing with hassle-free compatibility. CrossFire's options include a multiple load-sharing "scissor" mode and an alternate frame-rate mode, combining optimal performance with game-conquering compatibility.
Render and Rule
ATI's CrossFire boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating the need to crank down screen resolutions to get the high image quality you want.
CrossFire ignites with the higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings you desire. Adjust your display configurations, experiment with your advanced 3D settings, and check the effect with a real-time 3D-rendered preview within ATI's Catalyst™ Control Centre to rule your CrossFire system.
CrossFire - Now and Future
Keep ahead of fast-moving gaming effects and technology changes with CrossFire's advanced features.
Upgradeable components allow you to gradually improve your system performance with the reliability and support that only ATI delivers.
Supporting a wide range of ATI-based graphics cards and motherboards, the CrossFire platform offers flexibility and compatibility with all of today's Radeon® Series graphics cards and the latest powerhouse processors to make your next gaming experience the zenith of PC perfection.
The advantages of Crossfire technology are:
- Up to double the power during games - the ultimate gaming experience!
- Support up to 4 monitors - brilliant for financial services/stock exchange etc.
See also:
Shared Memory Architecture (SMA) |
) on the right hand side of the configurator.
