What is up XPG, It's been awhile since I have posted anything relevant and I got some free time at work so I figured I would post a topic regarding "General Understanding of Graphics Cards" and what that means is simple, by the end of this topic you should be able to figure out compatibility, what the specs on each graphics card means to you as a consumer, and most importantly how to choose your graphic card. For you have built a computer or are planning on building a computer? You will know that a graphics card should easily be 1/3 of your costs for your new PC without a doubt, your graphics card is one of the most significant pieces of hardware in a PC. So let's first answer the question: "What is a graphics card?" According to Google it is defined as "A printed circuit board that controls the output to a display" and what this means in normal terms is: it is a piece of hardware that is used to produce the image on your screen, whether that be a game or a simple web browser. So let's begin by first going to a site by the name of https://pcpartpicker.com/, this site allows you to build a PC and making sure all the parts will be compatible and work efficiently, I highly suggest using this site to build a PC if you're new as it will ensure you won't have any issues when it all is setup and running. Secondly, let's look at this graphics card and we will take the time to explain what each specs mean to you: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7R...-windforce-oc-6g-video-card-gv-n1060wf2oc-6gd Interface: PCI Express x16 (This is the part of the graphics card that plugs into your motherboard, if you're using PCPartPicker to assemble your PC, you won't need to worry as the site itself will tell you if the motherboard you chose is compatible or not. Memory Size: 6GB (As most of you know, the more RAM you have on your PC, the faster it usually is, this is the same with a graphics card, the more you have, the smoother it will run games more efficient as well as the better graphical outcome.) Memory Type: GDDR5 (All this means to you is that this is DDR3 RAM optimized for purely graphical operations, GDDR5 is the fastest known memory type as of today, 10/15/2016.) Core Clock: 1.58 GHz (This is the speed at which the processing core inside of the graphics card is operating at, this is a huge difference maker in how much power you will need to supply to it, hence why you usually have to upgrade your power supply when buying a new graphics card.) SLI Support: No (You won't need to know much about this, in essence if you're messing with this or Crossfire you probably have a good idea what you're doing already.) Crossfire Support: No (You won't need to know much about this, in essence if you're messing with this or Crossfire you probably have a good idea what you're doing already.) Length: 8.78" (This is extremely important, with PCPartPicker you won't have to worry so much about this as it will pick the case to best fit your Graphics Card, but this is important to look at when building your own PC on your own, you don't want to get a graphics card that is bigger than your case, if you do? Well... time to go return the card or buy a bigger case.) Now, onto what graphics card you may need? It's really simple to find this out... let's take a look at GTA V for instance: http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/requirements/grand-theft-auto-v/12455 You will always see minimum and recommended requirements for PC games, I would say go for the recommended as that will keep the game lag free and allow you to play with ease, while a minimum setup may lag and cause you to end up hating the game. Questions? Reply below! - Iamcoolz
