The world of graphics cards can be intimidating – especially if you’re building your first ultimate gaming rig or upgrading an existing PC. Which brand is best? What’s compatible with the rest of your computer? How much bang will you get for your buck? What does that bit of jargon even mean? It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. Let’s take things back to basics…
What is a graphics card or GPU?
So, what is a graphics card and what is it used for? Sometimes known as a GPU (or graphics processing unit), they make everything you’re seeing on your laptop or computer screen really pop and run smoothly.
Watching Netflix in full HD? Shoutout to your graphics card.
Smashing your mate at FIFA? Your GPU is displaying your victory in all its glory.
Entry-level laptops and desktop PCs usually feature processors with built-in graphics capabilities. But let’s be honest. If you’re serious about your gaming or design chops, you’re going to want to get yourself a dedicated graphics card. One that’s built to deal with the most demanding blockbuster games and intensive Photoshop sessions.
What’s the difference between models?
The difference between graphics cards really boils down to this: type and the brand or model itself. We’ll tackle type first. Integrated GPUs can’t be replaced or improved. They’re hardwired into the motherboard – the hub at the centre of your PC – and aren’t designed to handle intensive graphic design software and games. Think your classic office computer.
However, discrete GPUs are where the fun really starts. Fitted to the graphics card itself, these are made to slot straight into the motherboard’s expansion slot. You’ll be able to swap these in and out as newer, better graphics cards hit the shelves. As bigger, more graphically complex games get released, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of them. You don’t want your PC getting left behind after all do you?
Now for the main players. AMD graphics cards and NVIDIA graphics cards dominate the space. And for good reason. Both offer a wide range to suit various budgets and needs. Different clock rates. Software types. Cooling functions. Whatever kind of card you need, they’ll have them. Other brands – you’ve probably noticed the likes of ASUS, MSI and GIGABYTE – are licensed to sell graphics cards under their own name. They’re then fitted with NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.
How to choose the best graphics card for your computer
You’re going to have to ask yourself a few questions:
Is the graphics card going to be compatible with your computer? Every component in your PC needs to work together. Check that the card is going to work with your current power supply. If your power supply can’t supply enough juice to the card, you’re going to run into trouble. And we can’t stress this enough too when it comes to graphics card compatibility: make sure you measure your case. It can get a bit awkward if the card is too big and doesn’t even fit in there!
What’s your budget? Are you a serious gamer, designer or both? The latest games and design/photo editing software are going to put a strain on your system. If the answer is yes, you’ll need to invest in a high-end card that’s going to cost more. If you’re not too bothered about either, it’ll be fine to bag yourself a cheaper one.
What resolution can your monitor handle? Graphics cards and monitors go hand-in-hand. A monitor with a larger resolution means a bigger number of pixels must be produced per frame. More pixels = a harder working GPU. So if you’ve got a 4K monitor, it’s pretty essential that you get yourself a premium card. If you’re happy to play games on a 1080p monitor though, then you can get away with picking up a cheaper one.
Another thing to monitor (sorry) – what’s your monitor’s refresh rate like? Generating more FPS (frames per second) is another drain on your GPU. A high refresh rate monitor requires a beefier graphics card to generate those buttery-smooth visuals. This is super important if you’re looking for a competitive edge in those fierce multiplayer clashes. Avoid frustration and make sure you hit your target!
This is all part of the fun when it comes to building your perfect gaming PC.
Currys recommendations on GPUs
However you’re looking to build or upgrade your rig, there’s a ton of great graphical options out there to take advantage of. Here’s just a few of our top picks to level up your PC.
GTX graphics cards
On the more affordable side of things, you’ve got the GTX 1660 Series. This is a great entry point to the world of PC gaming. It gives you top drawer performance that doesn’t hit you in the wallet. You can use these to dip your toe into the VR arena for some even more immersive sessions.
RTX graphics cards
RTX 3060, 3070, 3080 and 3090 graphics cards have something for every kind of PC master craftsman. These cutting-edge cards make PC gaming at the mid to high-end a sensory spectacle, while creative designs will leap off the page. That’s to be expected from some of the world’s fastest GPUs, enhanced by AI-accelerated performance.
RX graphics cards
For a slightly higher price (but trust us, it’s more than worth it) check out the RX 6700 and RX6800 series. Defeat your enemies at hyper-speed, all in stunning graphics with the RX 6700 XT – perfect for staying on top of your game at an eSports pace! Experience realistic lighting and shadows that won’t melt your PC, with a Windforce cooling system keeping your gear running at an optimal temperature.
At the very top end, for the serious gamers among you, meet the AMD RX 6800 XT. A graphical behemoth, 16GB of memory and ultra-high frame rates deliver a killer cinematic experience no matter what you’re playing.
But you’re gonna want some great games to play to test out just what your new card can do, right? Find out which games our tech experts are getting stuck into at the moment.
