What is a graphics card and what does it do?

A graphics card (GPU) is a dedicated hardware component responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations for display. It handles complex visual calculations, crucial for gaming, professional content creation, and artificial intelligence tasks.

What are the main types of graphics cards available?

The two main types are integrated GPUs (built into the CPU) and dedicated/discrete GPUs (separate expansion cards). Key manufacturers for dedicated cards include NVIDIA (GeForce), AMD (Radeon), and Intel (Arc).

How do I choose the right graphics card for my PC?

Consider your primary use (gaming, professional work), budget, and monitor resolution. Research performance benchmarks, VRAM capacity, power consumption, and ensure compatibility with your existing CPU and power supply.

What is VRAM and why is it important?

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) is dedicated high-speed memory on the graphics card. It stores textures, frames, and other visual data, crucial for higher resolutions, complex graphics, and demanding applications like 4K gaming or 3D rendering.

What is ray tracing and why is it significant?

Ray tracing is an advanced rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light to produce incredibly realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in real-time. It significantly enhances visual fidelity in supported games and applications.