Video cards send a constant stream of video data to the monitor to be displayed. Some video cards also process 3d rendering data so that the CPU doesn't have to do as much work, thus enhancing 3d games and applications.

If you are unsatisfied with your current video card's performance or would like to add another monitor to your computer (Windows 98 users only), a new video card is worth considering. Newer video cards can deliver smoother Windows performance at higher resolutions and color depths. They can also tremendously increase the speed and image quality of many 3d games and applications.

Most video cards use either PCI or AGP-type expansion slots. The fastest video cards currently use the AGP interface. Older video cards use the ISA interface, but have poorer performance due to the low bandwidth of ISA slots.

Over the past few years, the video card industry has changed rapidly; the shelf-life of most video cards is never more than a couple of months. As each "revolutionary" new card makes its debut, an even faster one is being developed. A few years ago, video cards were designed strictly for 2d environments (such as the Windows graphical user interface). Now most cards have at least some 3d capabilities to speed up applications and games that use 3d rendering.
As far as 2d performance goes, you probably can't go wrong with any of the new cards on the market. Also, most people have monitors in the 14" to 21" range, so while some cards claim that they can support super-high resolutions, their full potential cannot be realized without using truly massive displays.
If you are into computer games, your decision can be a bit more difficult. The fancy new card you buy today can be left in the dust in a few weeks. In a year or so, you might not even be able to run some of the latest 3d games; they will be designed to use the cutting edge technology of future video cards. This is simply a sacrifice "diehard" gamers must make.
When buying a video card, just be sure to do some research because performance can vary greatly. It is very easy to set yourself up for disappointment.

A Phillips screwdriver and about 15 minutes of time are required to install a video card.

Click here for a list of links to video card manufacturers.
 

the installation

1. If you are replacing another video card, click on the Start button, move the cursor to Settings, and click on Control Panel. Double click on the System icon. Click on the Device Manager tab, then expand the Display adapters category. Click on the entry for your current video card, then click on the Remove button.

2. Make sure the computer is turned off.

3. Carefully disconnect all of the cables from the back of your computer, place the computer on a stable working platform, and remove the outer case. Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching the computer's power supply.

4. If you are replacing another video card, remove all cables from the card and remove the screw holding the card in place. Carefully pull the card directly out of its slot with as little lateral movement as possible. Put the screw in a place where it will not get lost.

5. Locate a free expansion slot that matches your new video card's interface (PCI or AGP). If the slot you have selected was previously unused, you will need to remove the expansion slot cover (a metal strip blocking the opening next to the expansion slot) by removing the screw holding it in place. Remove your new video card from its anti-static bag. Line up the edge of the card containing the metal contacts with the slot and push the card in firmly with its metal plate facing the back of the computer. If you find it too difficult to push the card in directly, insert one corner of the card into the expansion slot, and then push the rest of the card into place. Secure the card with the previously removed screw.

   

6. Replace the outer case and move the computer back to its original location. Reconnect all of the cables.

7. Start up the computer. If nothing is displayed on the monitor, turn off the computer and check all of the connections. If you still can't get video output, contact the manufacturer. Windows should recognize the new video card and attempt to install the drivers for it. It may prompt you to insert the Windows 9x CD or the CD or floppy disk that came with the video card.

8. Click on the Start button, move the cursor to Settings, and click on Control Panel. Double click on the System icon. Click on the Device Manager tab, then expand the Display adapters category. There should now be an entry for your newly installed video card. If there is no entry, or if the entry has a yellow circle with an exclamation mark next to it, your video card is not configured properly or there is a hardware conflict of some sort. Consult the manual that came with your video card and/or use the Windows Troubleshooting Guide to resolve the problem. To access the Troubleshooting Guide, click on the Start button, then click on Help. Troubleshooting should be listed in the table of contents.

9. Install any software that came bundled with the video card.