The GPU is responsible for doing the work of how video is handled, from the resolution to the frame rate and everything in between. The heart of every video card is its graphics processing unit (GPU). Video card manufacturers often try and distinguish themselves by adding unique features or funky cosmetics, but when it comes down to it, there are three features that are critical to your purchase decision: GPU, dual-card support, and VR support. If you want to play graphics-intensive games (or even massive multiplayer games like World of Warcraft ) at their highest settings on two monitors, you’ll need at least one high-end video card or possibly two (more on multi-card setups in a moment).
The bottom line: if you have multiple monitors and you play 2D games, almost any video card will do. However, it takes a lot of GPU effort to support multiple monitors when gaming, so it’s common to find video cards that perform at a faster frame rate or higher resolution when connected to a single monitor (cards like this can support multiple monitors but do so at lower frame rates or resolutions). How many monitors do you use at once?Īll video cards include multiple outputs, so it’s typically easy to add a second monitor to your gaming setup. If you play 2D games or games that don’t have a lot of motion, you’ll be fine with an entry-level graphics card. Our general rule of thumb is if you play a lot of games that offer 3D perspectives, you’ll need a better-than-average video card, and you should plan on spending at least $150. High-end graphics cards are made for graphics-intensive games, typically first-person shooters like Overwatch or Counter-Strike, but if you’re more into platformers, puzzles, or retro games, you don’t need as much power.
#Most expensive graphics card Pc
Peek inside your PC to get a sense of how much room you have, and if things look cramped, get a tape measure to determine exactly what size card you can accommodate, then make sure the card you buy fits the space. Video cards are fairly bulky, and the more powerful models are larger than the basic ones, so if you want a high-end video card, you’ll need plenty of space inside your computer ’s case. How much room do you have in your PC case? You’ll be able to eliminate a lot of options this way and find the right card more quickly. Key considerationsīefore you start comparing video cards, answer these questions.
#Most expensive graphics card portable
They’re usually a lot more expensive than their internal counterparts, but they’re portable and useful for machines that are otherwise difficult to upgrade. These come in their own enclosures and connect via USB. If you have a laptop, consider buying an external video card.