Graphics Cards

The graphics card is one of the most critical components of any computer. They slot into your motherboard, integrating into your wider system and becoming responsible for rendering the image from the PC’s interior to your monitor. In turn, this frees up your CPU to carry out other valuable functions and enables the whole computer to run more smoothly, rather than having the whole thing turn into a juddering mess.

Since they were first introduced to the market, the race to make a bigger and better graphics card has been on. This has probably been most obviously seen in the gaming community, where high-end graphics cards are highly prized for their ability to improve the look (and in turn, playing experience) of computer games. A quick glance online will showcase any number of elaborate casing and fan setups that gamers have created to contain their graphics powerhouses.

Additionally, many people are also adopting an external graphics card to create part-time PC gaming set-ups. If you don’t have the space, cash or inclination to create your own, they can serve as a viable alternative to allow you to game where and when you want. It’s a particularly useful solution for laptop owners.

A graphics card for graphic design

But it would be a mistake to associate graphics cards solely with gaming. Graphic designers and photographers frequently make use of high-end graphics cards to more rapidly process or render images. A good graphics card can help take off the CPU and in turn allow problems like Photoshop to run far more efficiently. Not to mention that even many basic home user PCs are now far more graphics-intensive than ever before; investing in an upgrade to the one it came with in the box can yield long-term dividends.

But don’t just rush out and buy the first one you see; it has to be able to work in conjunction with your RAM and CPU. Having the necessary processing power is critical. This is also where external cards can be useful, even if you don’t plan to game. Some computers are quite powerful, but getting to the motherboard to plug in a new graphics card is easier said than done — laptops for example, or even a family PC that’s been bought off the shelf. Make sure you check the relevant software and drivers before making a purchase.

Get your next graphics card from Wireless 1

At Wireless 1, we understand the importance of having a powerful graphics card to take your gaming experience to the next level. That’s why we stock a huge range of different brands, including Razer Core X graphic cards, Elgato Game Capture cards and a variety of external graphics cards too.

Not sure of the best fit for your current rig? Get in touch with the techsperts at Wireless 1. We’ll be more than happy to walk you through the process of selecting your next graphics card.