Just a "what to look for" guide for newbies
Jan 20 '00
This is an attempt to help all those out there how have no clue to 3D cards… I was one of you no so long ago. This is not a technical review or guide, it is intended for the newbie!
What is a graphics card? Do I need one?
First you have to decide if you NEED a 3D card or a regular graphics card.
The graphics card is a card, which converts the digital signals from the motherboard and processor into analogue signals that your monitor understands. However, with time graphics card have grown to include many accelerator functions, which speed up general Windows work and thus alleviate the work of from your processor. Every PC must have a graphics card - it can't work without one. Even computers with new digital TFT monitors need graphics cards to create the digital image signal.
The 3D card is a card that takes all of the processor functions that normally would be processed by the main Chip (Pentium, AMD, Cyrix) and does the job itself, thus freeing up the PC to do other things. This makes for better graphic quality than a standard graphics card.
Layman’s terms:
The graphics and/or 3D card is the main component for great looking and fast playing PC games, so if you plan on playing the newest games on the market, a 3D card is a MUST have, otherwise games will play slow and choppy or not at all.
There are two types of cards, PCI and AGP. Which one is for you?
There are two basic types of graphics card - those that use the PCI slot and those that use the newer AGP slot. If your motherboard has an AGP slot, there is no reason not to purchase an AGP graphics card, as these are faster, newer and the price premium is virtually non-existent.
Layman’s terms:
Check the specs of your computer, if it has an “AGP” slot, this is the type of Video card you need. If not, you need a “PCI” version. Simple.
Picture quality is different than 3D quality
Not many people think about the picture quality of their graphics card. Generally, the really cheap graphics cards provide just an OK picture quality for games. You should avoid all those cards that appear to be a bargain at $50 - they're certainly not.
However, most popular graphics cards by companies like ATi, Matrox, 3Dfx, Diamond and so on have very good picture quality. For some people, image quality is very important (they generally use resolutions of 1280x1024 pixels on large monitors). For the average user 800x600 is standard and can be achieved by virtually ALL graphics cards.
3D quality is determined mainly by the chipset, the “type” of chip used to power the 3D processing. There are several chipsets and this is the main point of confusion in 3D card buying. Everyone seems to have their own opinion considering chipsets; some like Riva, some Voodoo, some Sis and the list goes on… Do some reading and decide for yourself.
Layman’s terms:
Look at the specifications of the card. The HIGHER the resolution settings, the better the quality (generally) don’t worry over chipsets, if you are a beginner, they will only confuse the situation. Pick a Riva (TNT) or Voodoo (2 or 3) and you will do fine. Once you learn more and see the differences, then you can decide if you need the “latest and greatest”
What about Built-in 3D acceleration?
Most cards these days claim to offer some level of 3D acceleration, but it's speed and quality varies greatly. You should only need 3D if you're into games or professional 3D work. For games, cards based on the 3Dfx Voodoo3 chipset or the Riva TNT2 chipset provide the ultimate in performance at wallet-friendly prices. For people who prefer a top-notch 2D card with some 3D capabilities thrown in for good measure, a Matrox G200 or G400 or an ATi Fury 128 with 32MB should be a good compromise. The best of both worlds.
Layman’s terms:
If you want the best 3D for your games, get a VooDoo or Riva. Make sure it says one or the other on the box, or in the advertisement. The more memory it has, the better it will perform, limit the memory to the amount you can afford (8, 16, or 32 meg cards). Don’t follow the advice of TV show pitchmen, that’s what they are pitchmen ‘reviewing’ a sponsor paid product.
TV output?
If you play lots of games and have a big TV near your computer, a TV output can help enhance your gaming experience. TV output obviously also has applications for presentation work. Keep in mind that TV does not look half as good as a SVGA monitor, so think about if you truly need to see that game on a big screen TV. In most cards, this is an extra you could live without.
What if you just need a standard card for regular use?
Then you need a card with at least 4MB RAM, preferably 8MB. Cards such as the Matrox Productiva or ATi Expert series provide exceptional value for money. Do not be fooled into purchasing a high-end 3D card if you do not plan on using it for the latest 3D games.
Almost every video card on the market today can give you high resolutions and millions of colors for a few bucks. Remember 3D is different than 2D.
3D frustration levels:
HIGH, 3D requires a big investment in time and patience. Even the latest 3D card on the market may not be compatible with your computer or other hardware; there are lots of factors to consider when buying a 3D card and games to go along with it. Drivers (what helps the card talk to the computer) are always buggy and usually have newer versions than the ones shipped with the card.
TIP: always check the website for the latest “Drivers” example Diamond Multimedia Viper 770 card owners should go to the diamond website www.diamondmm.com and check for the latest drivers for their card. You also need to have the latest DirectX drivers installed, this goes for EVERYONE. Visit Microsoft.com for DirectX drivers (ver 7.01 I out now)
Layman’s terms:
Get a card that has been out a little while, it will have a better and bigger support base than a “just hit the market” card. The manufacturers usually put out updates patches and sometimes brand new drivers that will make your chosen video card perform better. Make sure you understand what a driver is and how it can help you. Look for the latest drivers on the manufacturers website and Microsoft.com (if using Windows)
Bottom Line:
Don’t get suckered into the 3D “keep up with the Joneses routine” If you want the best gaming experience, you’ll be better suited to read the ratings and reviews from sites like www.gamespot.com and other well rounded gamers websites. Use a search engine to find more sites.
3D is constantly changing so you need to learn the basics so you can keep up. 3D gaming and cards can also be very frustrating even to the ‘experts’.
I have several top of the line games that crash my computer every time I try to play them. I have a top of the line computer with the latest drivers and DirectX… I still have problems.
Although this isn’t a “buy this one” review, I hope I have helped just a little, if you need specific and/or need to know more about a specific video card, just email me, I will help where I can.
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Member: Eric Gormly
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