The Computer Revolution/Hardware/Video Cards

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Video Cards are specific pieces of hardware a computer system uses to display all images on the monitor. A video card is the apparatus that the monitor plugs into the mother board.

They do not require:

  • their own power plug from the power source.
  • require a separate card.

Video card range from:

  • different qualities
  • different memory size.
  • The more megapixels the video card can display onto the monitor, the better the resolution; meaning it has a better image quality.

Video cards most often have built in memory; which determines how fast and smooth a video card can change and display images. Years ago,video cards were usually 8MBs; today, the most common video cards in PCs are approximately 256MBs. This has enabled higher quality images in games and DVDs. Without video cards the monitor cannot be attached to the computer and will not display images. As well, another fundamental trait of the video card is that it requires it's own driver in order to function to its fullest potential.

Why are they important?[edit]

Video cards are important to everyday users, as well as businesses and large firms. Video cards enable the computer monitor to display more colors, clearer images, and better quality images. A video card converts the processor's output info into a signal that can be sent to the monitor. The uses of a video or graphics card are numerous, programs like CAD and other design software needs to be detailed and very precise. Another use is for dual monitors. Employees today are expected and/or required to work on multiple programs at the same time and complex spreadsheets and reports. Having dual monitors makes working on those tasks move along much more efficiently and therefore improves employee productivity. In order to do this, you need to have either multiple video cards or a video card that supports dual monitors. As well, a video gamer may want better resolution and better quality picture for the game they are playing. Video cards have evolved along with computers, from displaying black and white, to the multitude of colors available now.