What is VGA? There are 2 popular types of VGA cards today

VGA is one of the devices installed on laptops and computers to help you process and display images on the screen. Therefore, this is a set that users are often most interested in when buying a computer for themselves. So, what is VGA? What is the effect of the video card? Join TipsMake to find the answer through the article below!

What is VGA? What to do?

VGA is an abbreviation of the phrase Video Graphics Adapter , it is also known as a video card on a computer . This device's main task is to process images on the computer such as color, resolution, image quality when displayed, contrast,.

Then, through the link with the computer screen to display images for users to observe. From there, it helps users to easily operate accurately on computers and laptops.

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Besides, graphics cards are also identified as hardware parts, playing an indispensable role in computer lines. Because it determines the factors that make up the power in processing graphics and displaying images of all computer devices.

Therefore, each computer graphics card device will have a different processing speed and resolution when presenting images. Therefore, choosing a stronger and better VGA component will result in clearer and more beautiful image quality.

In addition, choosing a strong or weak VGA component depends on your work use. Specific examples are: Currently, gaming computers or computers serving the field of graphic design will be equipped with high-end video cards. 

Structure of VGA

After you grasp what VGA is, TipsMake will provide some suggestions about the structure of this part. Basically, computer VGA is made up of two main parts: GPU (image processor) and memory. Because each ingredient plays a different role.

1. GPUs

GPU is the most important part in the structure of a computer graphics card. Because it is the center that receives commands and is responsible for reading and translating signals to transfer data to the display screen. This operating mechanism is similar to the CPU part in a computer as it is designed with highly complex processing chips and algorithms.

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Most computer sets distributed on the market do not have discrete graphics cards installed. Because, GPU is the part that supports the display, processing and export of images to the CPU device in the computer.

Thanks to the help of the GPU, the central CPU processing unit has more time to rest. From there, it brings higher and more stable image quality when output to the screen.

2. Memory

Memory is the part that determines the image processing speed of graphics cards in computers. Currently, VGA components distributed on the market all install additional memory cards to optimize the task of transferring data to the GPU as quickly as possible. At the same time, improving the processing and image output speed of the VGA part.

There are 2 popular types of VGA cards today

Currently, VGA components (graphics cards) are divided into two main types: Onboard Cards and Separate Cards . Let's find out the details right below:

1. Onboard Cards

Onboard card is a type of VGA built into the mainboard (motherboard) of the computer. Specifically, this part is installed into the CPU device - Central Processing Unit of each computer line.

Besides, to output high-resolution images, this department relies on the power of CPU and RAM to process images. At the same time, the fact that the Onboard Card is pre-installed on computer devices helps users not have to spend any extra money to get images displayed with high quality.

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In addition, with the development of current technology, new CPUs are also equipped with more advanced Onboard Card parts than before. From there, it is possible to ensure that the image quality produced is of basic quality. Although it does not optimize image quality at high resolution like a separate VGA unit, the Onboard Card is enough for you to play games and do basic operations on the computer.

Advantage

1. The Onboard card is integrated with the CPU so it does not cause conflicts with the computer's hardware.
2. Limit errors during computer operations. Because this part is equipped with additional chipset components, it optimizes the motherboard.
3. The price is relatively low and suitable for more computer users.

Defect

1. Because it operates based on the power of CPU and RAM, Onboard Card will cause your computer to consume a lot of resources. The RAM part can even get hot because it is overloaded, causing the computer to freeze and freeze.
2. Heavy software and software requiring high graphics processing cannot run or run unstable.

2. Separate VGA card

For computer lines equipped for gamers or those working in the field of video and image design, a separate VGA card is installed. Because gaming applications and graphic files are often very heavy, without a separate VGA card they will not work.

The functions and utilities that the separate VGA Card brings will be similar to the Onboard Card part. However, the difference here is that it is set up separately and operates independently in processing high-graphics images.

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Besides, this is also equipped with a separate heatsink and a separate CPU specializing in image processing. Therefore, the resolution and image quality when displayed will remain stable and ensure a better user experience. However, because of setting up some additional support components, separate VGA Cards often cost more than Onboard Cards. 

Advantage

1. Uses a separate slot and operates independently of the server.
2. Hardware components will not be affected much. Because the removable VGA card uses its own memory and does not operate on the computer's CPU and RAM.
3. Works stably on applications and software with heavy capacity and high graphics requirements.
4. The resolution and image quality when displayed are much higher than computers using Onboard Cards.

Defect

1. The price of a separate VGA card is quite high. At the same time, this part is only suitable for users who use heavy applications.
2. When working with a separate VGA card, your computer will easily get hot. Because, this part uses a cooling system that is not beneficial for computers.

How to differentiate between Onboard Card and Separate Card

There are many ways to distinguish between Onboard Cards and Separate Cards for users. Here are 3 ways summarized by TipsMake:

Method 1: Check the VGA port

This is the most common way to differentiate for PC users. Because you just need to look at the location of the VGA connection wire to know what type of VGA your computer is using.

If the VGA cable plugged into the PC is separate VGA, it means your computer is using a separate graphics card. If there is no VGA connection cable, it's the opposite.

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Note:   Some new laptop lines being distributed on the market have VGA stamped on the screen. Therefore, this is also a way to help you distinguish which type of VGA your laptop is using.

Method 2: Apply Right-click Menu

This method is often applied in laptops to distinguish the type of VGA your computer is using. Specifically, you just need to right-click on the Desktop screen, then find out information about the laptop's compatibility with the VGA part.

Note: This method will produce results when your laptop has all the drivers installed. If not installed, your computer will not display results and will not appear on the right-click menu.

Method 3: Apply dxdiag command

This is also a fairly simple way to help you distinguish which type of VGA your laptop is using.

You just need to open the Run dialog box > type dxdiag > press Enter . The results will appear in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window , then select the Display tab .

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Method 4: Use CPU – Z software

You can also use CPU – Z software to find out information about VGA component compatibility. From there, it helps you classify separate VGA Cards and Onboard Cards on current computer lines. 

How to choose to buy a quality VGA card

To choose a quality VGA card, TipsMake will provide you with 7 steps to choose to buy this product as follows:

Step 1: Find out if your computer has an upgraded graphics card or not?

First, you need to check whether the graphics card information is suitable for your computer or not by opening and reading the documents set up inside the computer. 

Each VGA will have a different capability, so the size of this part is also different. Therefore, to be more certain in choosing a suitable card part, you need to carefully check the information in the computer and compare it with many other lines distributed on the market.

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Besides, the VGA part will often list some power requirements on the detailed specifications. Although this information is available on the surface of the device, you still need to check the document on your computer to make sure your choice is correct.

In addition, there are some laptop lines that directly weld the graphics card part to the server motherboard and can never be removed. Therefore, you must carefully research whether your computer is really suitable for upgrading the graphics card or not and then buy the product.

Step 2: Learn terminology related to graphics cards

In this step, TipsMake will suggest you some commonly searched terms by users as follows:

1. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): GPU and VGA are two inseparable components. Because the GPU is the part that processes graphics and transfers data to memory quickly. From there, the speed and image quality of the user's screen can be improved when upgrading VGA for the computer.
2. Core clock: This is a part designed to measure the processing speed of the GPU. Therefore, to know whether the GPU part is working effectively or not, you should carefully study the parameters displayed on the core clock.
3. Video Ram (Random Access Memory): Is the part equipped to store image data. Normally, higher Video Ram will impact the frame rate and thereby give your image a higher resolution.
4. Memory bandwidth: This is used to measure the speed of video RAM. At the same time, this is also a factor that helps the VGA part determine how quickly the image object is displayed.
5. Interface: This is the connection component between the motherboard and graphics card. Mostly, some modern VGAs will use the PCI Express 3.0 interface.
6. Power source: You need to understand the power usage requirements of the power source that the computer allows to perform. Usually this index has the unit of Watt (W) .

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Step 3: Consider your own needs for using a graphics card

This is the step where you should review the purpose of buying your family card. If you are often exposed to video-intensive activities, such as: Graphic design, filmmaking, video editing and gaming, you should upgrade the graphics card in your computer for a better experience. .

On the contrary, upgrading the graphics card will not be too important for those who intend to use the computer to perform basic operations. Besides, once you have accepted the VGA upgrade, you should also invest in your computer with larger memory for better image quality.

Step 4: Compare graphics card specifications

In this step, you need to pay attention to choosing the graphics card part according to the original purpose set. Then, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of graphics card to see if it is suitable for your computer or not. 

If the purpose of upgrading a graphics card is for gaming, you should focus on bandwidth parameters (reading and data storage speed) rather than RAM. A suggestion for you to distinguish between these two parameters is: RAM has a measurement unit of Gigabyte (GB), while bandwidth is displayed in units of megahertz or gigahertz (MHz, GHz).

Step 5: Check the requirements of the software you want to run

To ensure the best experience when purchasing a VGA product, you should test the product by running software with minimum hardware requirements. From there, it helps you make the most compatible choice when upgrading the type of graphics card for your needs.

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Step 6: Choose a product that suits your financial conditions

In today's rapidly developing times, electronic devices often quickly become outdated and lose their place if a new, superior product appears on the market. Therefore, if economic conditions allow, TipsMake suggests that you choose to buy high-end graphics card products to experience more specialized software.

Step 7: Get the cooling system (if necessary)

The only drawback of today's high-end graphics card components is that they emit a large amount of heat when operating, because they continuously use high levels of power. Therefore, when upgrading a VGA unit, most users will add a cooling device or a radiator.

Epilogue

Above are all the suggestions about what VGA is and what the video card does. Hope this article will bring you useful information. At the same time, it helps you have the most general perspective in the process of buying VGA devices. Thank you for reading the article and don't forget to share the article if you find it useful.

Micah Soto

Update 04 October 2023