What is a graphics card?

Have you ever heard the term “graphics card,” or “video card” being thrown around while buying a new laptop desktop? Well, here’s just what they are, and why they’re important. 

Before we go ahead, it is important to note that the terms – graphics cards and video cards basically mean the same, and can be used interchangeably.

Why graphics cards are important

A graphics card, plain and simply, helps improve the quality of the images displayed on a monitor. Fastened to the motherboard, it computes and controls just how an image appears on the screen, whether in terms of colour, texture, or general smoothness.  

That’s not all though. A video or a graphics card also helps boost a computer’s video memory. That is to say, it also increases the system’s computing power and enables it to perform more complex tasks.

Types of graphics cards

Now, graphics cards are of two types. Dedicated, and integrated. Dedicated video cards generally have higher power consumption, but also have a very high processing capacity. Integrated video or graphics cards on the other hand, while they do have lower power consumption, also have a lower amount of computing power.

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Dedicated graphics cards are crucial for graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming. Integrated graphics cards on the other hand, are apt for those who use their laptops or desktops for more basic tasks such as surfing the web, emailing, a PowerPoint presentation or spreadsheets every once in a while.