What is a graphics card

The video game industry is one of the fastest growing in terms of revenue and popularity. To play video games, we need a device capable of running them. The computer component responsible for this is the graphics card . Essentially, it's a set of components designed for rendering 2D and 3D images.

What is a graphics card

A set of components installed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The most important component is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) , which handles computing tasks for rendering 2D and 3D images.

The PCB of graphics cards contains other vital components. These include VRAM , where the GPU stores information or calculations it will need later. Graphics cards also have VRM power phases to ensure the graphics chip functions correctly. They also integrate a BIOS, power connectors, a motherboard connection port, and a video output (generally speaking).

Graphics cards are generally quite large these days . Gaming models are typically characterized by large heatsinks with RGB lighting . Many of these models even include a backplate to help dissipate heat and prevent the card from bending under its own weight.

Many graphics cards on the market require additional power via specific connectors. Some graphics cards do not have this connector , as they are powered directly through the PCI Express interface . This interface can supply the graphics card with up to 75W of power.

The dedicated gaming graphics card market is currently dominated by NVIDIA and AMD . Intel may launch its own graphics cards for the gaming segment by the end of 2021.

What is a graphics card for

Business models for video games focus on performing 3D and 2D rendering for games . These components are responsible for loading a complete scene onto the screen, including both fixed and moving elements. Furthermore, they must load the scene as the player moves.

In addition to video games, graphics cards can be used for photo and video editing, heavy computing (architecture, meteorology, etc.) and even specific solutions for Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning.

Returning to gaming graphics cards , we can categorize them into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end . Each product range will offer different performance, depending on the game being played and the resolution and graphics settings at which it is run.

But in general terms, a graphics card's function is to display images on the screen . These can be static or dynamic.

Main manufacturers

As graphics card manufacturers, we have NVIDIA and AMD , both of which have products on the market. Intel hasn't yet released any dedicated solutions ; they only offer integrated graphics in their processors. We won't get into a debate about who offers the best products; we'll just give a brief overview.

NVIDIA

It is currently the leading manufacturer of dedicated graphics cards on the market . It offers solutions for all types of segments, whether gaming, professional, or Artificial Intelligence.

The most advanced products they sell are the RTX 3000 Series, based on the Ampere architecture. These graphics cards are characterized by their high power and support for technologies like Ray Tracing . They also feature technologies that improve various aspects of performance, such as Resizable BAR, DLSS, RTX IO, and others.

👉 What is NVIDIA RTX IO used for ? 👈

AMD

The second largest graphics card manufacturer , offering solutions for all types of market segments, like NVIDIA. It is perhaps best known for its solutions for the gaming segment.

The newest solution is the Radeon RX 6000 series, graphics cards based on the RDNA2 architecture . These cards are characterized by offering a significant performance leap compared to the previous generation . One of the most relevant recently added technologies is Ray Tracing . But the company also offers other technologies such as Adaptive Contrast, FreeSync, and more.

👉 How ray tracing technology works 👈

Intel

It doesn't currently have any dedicated graphics cards on the market, although they could be released soon. According to various sources, it could launch its first dedicated Xe DG2 graphics cards by the end of 2021. Little is known about the performance and technologies these graphics cards will support.

Currently, the closest thing is the integrated graphics (iGPU) in their processors. These graphics have never been known for their power , although this could change. Tiger Lake processors for laptops integrate discrete Intel Xe graphics , which should be quite powerful.