graphics card

[simonlap]

Yet another beginners question. What is a graphics card and do I need one for a certain software purchase of a CD of Northern England, mapped and it says it has a 3D fly through sequence? Don't think my onboard graphics are all that good. Bit dodgy on flight sim 98 like square clouds and jerky movement.

[Jacob]

A graphics card/adapter, is the component of hardware that allows you to see things on your screen. Certain software, in particular games may well require certain amounts of memory and specs for your video card. The details of what a piece of software requires are normally on the box.

[simonlap]

Thanks Jacob, i will look at the small print on the package. Is there an industry standard of what is acceptable for a basic graphic card and also what would I look for if I wanted much better graphics i.e. meg ram on card.Simon

[simonlap]

Back to the card, they come in PCI and AGP. Do I need a specific one for my computer or will they both fit in the slots provided?

[Jacob]

It depends on your motherboard - I would normally go for PCI...

[simonlap]

Many thanks again for the advise.

[WhiskyFudge]

AGP has a faster data trasfer rate, thus in theory you get a better quality of graphics. Obviously it depends on the card in question

Jas

[tddlard]

I installed a ATI radeon 9550 256Mb card in my Pc yesterday, halflife 2 looks very very nice now