Video Card Buying Guide

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The server was unable to process the request due to an internal error. For more information about the error, either turn on IncludeExceptionDetailInFaults (either from ServiceBehaviorAttribute or from the configuration behavior) on the server in order to send the exception information back to the client, or turn on tracing as per the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 SDK documentation and inspect the server trace logs.
In 1982, IBM manufactured the first set of graphic cards. Video card technology has since accelerated in an unbelievable way. At present, Nvidia and AMD, two of the world's graphic card manufacturers, control more than 90% of the market. AMD became a video card manufacturer when the company bought ATI in 2006. Other smaller graphics card companies exist, but they only buy cards from the major manufacturers to rebrand and sell.

The video card in your computer converts binary numbers from the CPU into the images that appear on your screen. On the screen of your computer are very small dots call pixels. The graphic card decides what to do with these dots to display the right imagery. The latest video cards display quality images on the computer screen and function as processors.

The modern generation of graphics cards consume more voltage than previous models. This is one of the major problems confronting computer manufacturers as future video cards may require more voltage. Innovations in battery technology, for laptops, have not been fast enough to power the ever-improving graphic card demand. The best graphic cards are the most expensive ones. Buying and installing the latest graphic card on an old machine may not give the best graphic experience. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 is, at the time of writing this guide, one of the best graphic card for gaming.

Components of Graphic/video cards

1. Graphical Processing Unit (GPU): The GPU is the main component of the video card and its job is to process images. The GPU also functions like the processor of a computer. A fan and a heat sink with fins help in maintaining temperature conditions of GPU inside the computer. The faster this GPU (higher clock speed), the better.

2. The Random Access Memory Digital-Analogue Converter (RAMDAC): The function of the RAMDAC is to convert images stored in the frame buffer to the screen for display. The RAMAC is one of the hardware specifications that determine the value of a video card.

3. Video Memory: Images processed by the GPU are stored in the video memory before they're displayed on the screen. The bigger the video memory the better it can display 3D images.

4. Interface: The interface connects the graphic card to the motherboard. The better cards use PCI-E (PCI express).

5. Connections: These are one of the output channels of the computer. There are three types of connections namely DVI, V-video, and standard VGA interface. The S-video is a TV-out plug that enables images from the computer to be display on a TV screen.

If you want the best and you're not concerned about cost, opt for the highest grade. The list below shows the various hardware specifications for graphic cards.

Memory Bandwidth (GB/s)Size of memory bus (bits)Amount of available memory (MB)RAMDAC speed (MHz)Memory clock rate (MHz)GPU clock speed (MHZ)
We would highly recommend NewEgg.com if you are looking computer parts. In our opinion, they have some of the best prices and also have great customer service. Web site and all contents ? Copyright ComputerTooSlow.com 2008, All rights reserved.Apple Macbook Pro battery A1175 

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Processor Buying Guide

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The server was unable to process the request due to an internal error. For more information about the error, either turn on IncludeExceptionDetailInFaults (either from ServiceBehaviorAttribute or from the configuration behavior) on the server in order to send the exception information back to the client, or turn on tracing as per the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 SDK documentation and inspect the server trace logs.

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  The CPU is the powerhouse of a computer. The CPU interprets data and writes the data for storage or for display on your screen. The CPU consists of millions of transistors wrapped in silicon. Upgrading your computer is a relatively simple task. Once you understand the terminologies, you're equipped to take the journey on your own. However, first-timers, often a time; can make potentially risky pick. This buying guide is aimed to assist people of all computer experience make the right decision.

Buying a processor based on what you intend to do with your computer can save you some money. For example, a computer for simple tasks like email and surfing doesn't necessarily need multicore processors or the fastest clock speeds. If you are just using your computer for this, I would recommend a middle of the line dual-core chip. Multicore processors are designed for gaming, video or audio editing, and general multitasking. If you do a lot of gaming, video editing, etc, a faster dual-core or quad-core processor is for you.

Quad-Core processors are the latest processor in the market. These processors guarantee superb performance. You can now order computers with quad-core processors from any major computer manufacturer or you can do it yourself. Almost all modern computers come with dual core processors. Single Core processors are found in old computers and their performance is not as good compared to modern multi-core chips.

Intel and AMD are two of the world's major CPU/Processor manufacturers. Intel is the industry household name and has been struggling to maintain market dominance amidst strong rivalry from AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). Intel enjoys 70% of market dominance and many IT professionals believe it has a better technology.

To buy a processor, you need to know the amount of Clock Speed, System Bus Speed, L2 Cache, and Processor Core that would serve your purpose. You may also consider a processor with 64-bit support. As I said earlier, this guide acquaints you with almost all the jargons to help you make the right decision before you set out for a new CPU. After going through this article, it is recommended that you visit AMD or Intel Website for the latest midrange and high-end processors.

Note: Socket Type and Platform

The CPU you buy must have a socket that matches the motherboard, for example, LGA775 Processors for LGA775 board. In addition, check to see if your motherboard supports the CPU model, you intend to buy. This will be found in your motherboard manual. If you can't find this, it most likely can be found online. Here are some brief descriptions of CPU specifications.

The majority of software runs fine with a 32-bit processor. Architecture refers to which processor type --32-bit or 64-bit core-- that would properly run your software. Depending on your project, you may opt for a single core, dual, or quad core processor. A Quad Core processor is the number one CPU right now but it also the most expensive in general. The speed of the processor is the clock speed and it's measured in hertz. The clock speed is simply how many times per second the processor performs basic functions such as addition of two numbers. Due to technological innovations, processors now have clock speed of billions of cycles per second (GHz). The clockspeed determines the performance of the CPU. As you know, a 3.5Hz is faster than a 3.4 HZ. Hyperthreading also known as multi-threading makes one chip to act as multiple processors. With hyperthreading, the different parts of the CPU perform different tasks simultaneously. Socket speed is a name or numbers that refers to the location on the motherboard that the CPU fits in. FSB is the front-side bus. The FSB states the fastest type of memory for your system. FSB determines the speed transmitted between the memory and the processor. A faster FSB does speed up RAM operations and overall system performance. You can increase performance and responsiveness by opting for higher Cache capacity. Large capacity like 2MB allows recently accessed data to be instantly available to the processor.

Hopefully now you have all the information you need to make an informed decision on purchasing a new CPU.

We would highly recommend NewEgg.com if you are looking computer parts. In our opinion, they have some of the best prices and also have great customer service.

Web site and all contents ? Copyright ComputerTooSlow.com 2008, All rights reserved.Apple Macbook Pro battery A1175  

View the original article here