A graphics card, also known as a video card or graphics accelerator card, is a piece of computer hardware that is responsible for creating the images you see on the monitor. It is usually used to refer to the type of card that is an expansion to the computer’s motherboard, and not the one integrated into the computer already. They have been used in many other types of electronic devices, particularly game consoles.
Graphics Processing Unit
The GPU is responsible for what you see on the screen. It is a separate microprocessor that frees up the CPU. Unlike the CPU, the GPU makes use of much more complicated mathematical and geometrical equations to complete the graphics rendering. Most models make use of Filtering and Anti aliasing to make images crisper, and smooth out the edges of objects. Current models are often optimized for 3D functions, due to the common usage for games. The GPU makes use of “pipelines,” which translate a 3D image to a 2D image for the computer to read.
Video Memory and Bios
Video RAM or VRAM is the number of Megabytes you will see on the box of a graphics card. Graphics cards have their own memory space to help the computer process images. This part of the card makes use of the z-buffer. This is particularly helpful in 3D graphics, as it coordinates depth in an image. It is this memory that makes a 3D environment possible. The Bios is just the basic programming for interaction between the card and the computer. It contains the memory for all of the cycles the card must go through. It is an extremely important area on the card, and if damaged, will cause the card to stop working.
Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter
The RAMDAC is slowly disappearing as the CRT monitor disappears and more people use digital equipment. It’s function, however, is to convert any digital data (eg. from a CD) and convert it to something the computer will display (eg. a movie). Because of the conversion, there is a certain amount of quality that is lost.
Outputs
These are the links from the video card to other instruments and peripherals. Common outputs are SVGA outputs to the CRT monitors, DVI outputs to digital outputs such as LCD monitors and projectors, and S-video outputs to TVs, Game consoles, and video recorders.
Cooling devices
As Graphics cards become more and more powerful, they generate more and more heat. Cooling devices remove heat in some way or another. Fans are common and simply circulate the warm air away. Because the fan consists of moving parts, it can break. Liquid heat sinks use a cool liquid to circulate the heat away. It’s much less common, but is favorable because of its efficiency. It is much more expensive.
These parts describe a general graphics card. The most important information on how the graphics card works is in the GPU subsection and the VRAM subsection.
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