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Video cards, the most important component of the visual aspect of a computer. Choosing the right video card for you is vital if you want to play DVD’s on your computer. Playing computer games also has a lot to do with your video card. Certain games may have higher system requirements, so make sure your video card can meet them.

           There are many parts to a card, but we’ll start with memory. Memory is a vital part of your video card and computer in general. Memory may range from 4 megabytes to 64 megabytes. 4 is very low, and 64 is quite high. You card should have at least 8, if not it will not have enough memory to run some games. Between 16 and 32 is sufficient for most applications. Running movies will have an effect on the memory, generally speaking: the higher the memory, the smoother movies and such will run.

      The output of the card is important, is the maximum display for the cards is 340x120, don’t buy it, its way too low. The maximum display should be in the range of 1152x864 to 1600 – 1200. The most common display is 640x480. The colors the video card can put out is also important, if it say up to 16 colors, the card might as well be producing black and white images. 256 colors is also low, 16bit, is 16,000,000 colors, this is normal, ideally you would want either 24bit or 32bit color.

    The age-old decision of ISA or PCI slot comes into play, although now there are more contenders. APX slots are generally what slots video cards fall into. Make sure your motherboard has the necessary slot.

      Do you want to see your computer on your television? If so then you will want a card with a video connector that allows your computer to be hooked up to the TV. S-video, or RCA plugs. The RCA plug will usually be yellow, the industry standard on video and such. (There are also red and white, but they are sound related.)

    Installation is standard, place gently in the slot, whether it be PCI, ISA or APG, and push until it clicks into place. (Note: There may not be an audible click.). When the card is secure screw the card into the case, there is always a pre drilled screw hole if the card is to be attached to the case.

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