[ technology ] Pinoy Idiot’s Guide to PC Video Cards

January 8, 2008 · Filed Under Infotech, Musings, Gaming, Gadgets

Video Graphics cards are integral to gaming. It’s the “soul” of your system. Sadly, I often hear horror stories of noobs being “scammed” by heartless PC vendor employees (Gilmore can sometimes be like Baghdad!). This is mainly because they don’t know jack about what the hell they are buying. Either they are sold something too expensive for their requirements or they’re gutted and given a useless piece of shiat for a lot of hard-earned cash.

Here’s a short post for all those who don’t know what a PCIx is from an AGP. At the end of this piece, I also want you to know what PC video card is best for you.

Let’s all begin with the simple question: What are you going to do with your PC?

I just want to do word processing, surf the net, listen to music and watch an occasional DVD or two - note that there’s no gaming requirement. This means, that you really won’t need the most expensive brand or card with the most memory. In fact, if you’re a member of the frugal-bitches-club, you can even make do WITHOUT a card. Most motherboards have “built-in” video systems. This means they get their memory from your RAM so I advise you to get more memory - stay with the minimum 1 gig if you can afford it.

More after one more click, chief.

I want to game. But I only play games such as old games or arcade type games (or even flash games). Here’s a rule of thumb, if the game that you want to play is more than 2 years old (released in 2005 below), then you can make do with entry or mid-level video cards. These are typically in the 128MB range. Avoid the old 64MB. They’re pretty much useless now. Prices range from P2,000 to P5,000 for such a card.
I want to experience gaming in all its glory - If your cup-o-tea are games such as Crysis, then be ready to bleed cash. Top of the line video cards come in 5 figures (pesos, of course). These are typically the 8800 series from Nvidia or the 38XX HD series from ATI. They start from P7,000 up. Always check the requirements of the game (at the back of the box, boy) to see if your PC or card can handle it.

Here are some more facts and tips

A slow CPU pulls back the power of a fast video card and vice versa. Sayang lang pera.
Always update your video drivers. Just go to the website of the card maker and download the latest drivers.
Check your motherboard. The brown slot is an AGP. Most modern boards now have a PCIx (PCI Express) slot. If your board is old. Either bring it with you to the shop or memorize the model number OR take a photo using your mobile camera.
If you can afford it, it’s better to invest for the future. The games of tomorrow will gut your PC like a fish!
Framerate is, in some ways, the ultimate test of a video card’s speed, so a lot of sites compare cards on this basis. The fastest cards in this regard are usually the most expensive as well. 3D Benchmark is a software you can use. Meanwhile, you can check your card’s framerate (comparative) here. Just note your chipset.
You can only enjoy higher resolutions IF your PC and your monitor can handle it. 128o or above. New LCD Monitors can take the pain!
Always have a pro install your card. But if ~~you’re lazy~~ you can’t find one, here’s how to do it yourself. Just be careful, k?

I guess that’s it for this guide. Do me a favor and share this with a friend who may need it, ok?

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Comments

12 Responses to “[ technology ] Pinoy Idiot’s Guide to PC Video Cards”

fatman on January 8th, 2008 12:43 pm

I just use Google or Yahoo and enter video card reviews. Although is the first place I look. Nag patalastas pa tuloy.
fatman on January 8th, 2008 12:52 pm

Tom’s Hardware Guide
rowmel on January 8th, 2008 4:54 pm

Tom’s Hardware is a good website. I often do consulting with people with a lot of things concerning electronics and home theater systems, video cards, ram, and cell phones are what i get the most questions about. and on video cards, i get the same questions you posted, gmt, and i always try to do them right.

when i was working at an electronics store (Fry’s), everyone in the computer area was BSing a crapload about video cards, i just wanted to slap them.
Blackwolf on January 8th, 2008 9:53 pm

Thank you, GM T. The tips were very handy.
sylv3rblade on January 9th, 2008 5:53 am

Tom’s Hardware is also where I get my info.
Dish on January 9th, 2008 12:10 pm

You also have to consider the brand. If your going for a high end card, do not go for INNO3d or PALIT

XFX, ASUS, LEADTEK and MSI are the better ones but you have to shell out more
justine on January 9th, 2008 3:03 pm

@ dish, why not INNO3d? what’s there downside? they also use nvidia chipsets right?
lei on January 10th, 2008 2:48 am

64MB Video cards are passey. If you are into gaming choose higher video card. if you are just after word processing you dont need high specs video card.
Dish on January 10th, 2008 5:39 pm

@justine
Before, I have to replace the FAN of my inno3d GF4 Ti4200 because of overheating issues. Then I read different forums and was surprise to hear that others also complained about inno3d cards.

If your going to invest in the high end cards, go for the better ones. Don’t be afraid to shell out more, you won’t regret it
GM T on January 11th, 2008 1:18 am

Like I said, invest for the future. Glad this article was of help.
sylv3rblade on January 11th, 2008 2:26 pm

I’d go for iChill personally and yeah, investing on your gfx card is much better than your processor, unless you’re only into sid meier games.
Faster Connection or Faster Video Card? | gmtristan.com on May 12th, 2008 9:08 am

[…] Wait! There’s More! Check out my Video Card Buyer’s Guide while you’re at it. […]