Normally I write these articles on Sunday night, and prior to sitting behind my computer I have to eliminate topics. Because this week hasn’t produced too many themes I brainstormed. Today’s been interesting.
En route to visit my parents’ for our Sunday dinner, I stopped at a friend’s to look at a computer issue. She’s a professional photographer and is having graphics problems. Each picture looks different on paper than on the monitor. After a bit of sleuthing we narrowed the problem to her graphics card.
One of the most commonly overlooked components of a computer system is the graphics chipset. Few professions like graphics arts, photography and engineering require decent or specialized graphics. On the other hand, many professions have no set requirements even though better graphics would make their jobs easier.
A common misconception is processor speed will make graphics and videos better. Processor speed and memory have nothing to do with video quality or performance. The quality of the image you see on your monitor is a function of the graphics chipset.
Most home systems, like those from major retailers, are manufactured with integrated graphics. Integrated graphics can be supplied as either part of the motherboard or as a secondary function of the processor. Integrating graphics with the CPU is the current trend in processor technology.
For most home applications integrated graphics are more than adequate. Typing letters and surfing the web doesn’t require any more than what comes in even the least expensive computers. However, to handle more than the basics, adding a dedicated graphics card is the only option.
Dedicated graphics cards, also called discreet, use an entirely separate add-on card to boost video properties. With a few exceptions, discreet graphics cards handle the video function completely independently of the computer memory and processor allowing each to be more efficient.
Graphics cards are supplied at different price points. At the shop we typically use less expensive cards for repairing integrated graphics issues. On the other hand, cards can be purchased in excess of $500.00 that handle high end gaming and specialized software.
A common misconception among those who use a graphics card for professional purposes is that all cards are created equal. Graphics cards come in two distinct flavors depending on the intended use. Desktop graphics cards are most frequently used for gaming, while workstation cards are more regularly used for graphics & video editing and engineering applications.
Standard desktop cards are generally not as smooth and consistent as workstation cards. Moreover, workstation cards can process more information simultaneously than desktop graphics cards can handle. Over the years I’ve found workstation cards to offer more control to the user than desktop cards.
Sizing a graphics card requires guessing future needs. Yes, predicting the future is impossible but with a bit of past history we can get relatively close. In order to make an investment for the future, as a general rule I try and predict and purchase for at least two years worth of use.
Never ever purchase an add-on card believing it’s going to make a difference for everyday use. it won’t. Some of the biggest signs of graphics problems are muddled output and improper color rendering. One of the biggest complaints I hear about graphics cards is that it wasn’t sized correctly and purchased based on current requirements. Deciding you need a better card is fairly simple, it’s the dent in your wallet that makes the decision a hard one to make.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him at (978) 919-8059 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)