The Best Video Cards

Getting the best video cards is often the most important part for anybody the plays games on their computer.  If you will be watching any movies or playing any 3D games, you should consider getting a GPU to make the most out of your system.

If you just use your computer for anything other than playing 3D games, you should be fine using the graphics card that is built into a motherboard.  You can also try this option and if you decide to start playing games or would just like better quality video you can easily add this component later on.

video card

The Best Video Cards

You will not need to choose a video card if you picked motherboard 3 unless you intend on this being a gaming computer.  Every other computer will require a video card.

EVGA GeForce GTX TITANicon - Currently this is the best card, be warned, it's not cheap.

MSI GeForce GTX 670 N670 PE 2GD5/OCicon - Next up, a high end gaming card that offers ample performance, still a bit pricey.

GIGABYTE GV-R785OC-2GD Radeon HD 7850 OCicon - A great video card for a very good price.  This is likely the one I would pick, it's a good compromise for price and performance.

How to Choose the Best Video Cards

To pick the best video card, I will look at benchmarks before anything else, I then buy something as high up the list as I can afford that gets good reviews, it's that easy.  If you have a card model you want, check the brand reviews, some are much more reliable than others.

Installation

  • Step 1 - Take the tab out of the back of the case, where the connections to your monitor will go.
empty case
  • Step 2 - Line up the card with the slot and push firmly to seat the card on the motherboard.  Notice the blue tab on the far right of the picture.  If you ever remove your graphics card, you will need to move that tab away from the card as you pull the card up.
pci express slot
  • Step 3 - Put the single screw in to fasten it to the case, or move the lock for quick cases.
  • Step 4 - Be sure to check if your graphics card requires additional power from the power supply.  If it does connect power to it as well.  The power connectors have different connections to prevent you from putting the wrong one on.
power to video card

TIP! If your graphics card requires additional power but you don't have a connector that is the same shape from your power supply, you can usually buy an adapter from your nearest electronics store.

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Updated October 14 2013

My Core Computer Part Picks

Internal Computer Components