Memory size
The amount of own memory of the GPU; this parameter is sometimes called the amount of graphics card memory. The larger the amount of GPU memory, the more complex and detailed picture it is able to process in a period of time, and therefore, the higher its performance and speed (which is especially important for resource-intensive tasks like high-end games, video editing, 3D rendering, etc. ).
When choosing, it is worth considering that the performance of a graphics card is affected not only by the amount of memory, but also by its type, frequency of operation (see below) and other features. Therefore, situations are quite possible when a model with less memory will be more advanced and expensive than a more voluminous one. And you can unambiguously compare with each other only options that are similar in other memory characteristics.
On the modern market, there are mainly video cards with memory capacities of
2 GB,
4 GB,
6 GB,
8 GB,
10 GB,
11 GB,
12 GB, and
16 GB or even
more can be installed in the most advanced models.
Memory bus
The amount of data (bits) that can be transferred over the graphics card's memory bus in one cycle. The performance of the graphics card directly depends on the bus width: the higher the bit width, the more data the bus transfers per unit of time and, accordingly, the video memory runs faster.
The minimum bit depth for modern video cards is actually
128 bits, this figure is typical mainly for low-cost models. In mid-level solutions, there are indicators of
192 bits and
256 bits, and in advanced models —
352 bits,
384 bits and more, up to
2048 bits.
GPU clock speed
The frequency of the graphics processor of the graphics card. As a general rule, the higher the frequency of the GPU, the higher the performance of the graphics card, but this parameter is not the only one — a lot also depends on the design features of the graphics card, in particular, the type and amount of video memory (see the relevant glossary items). As a result, it is not unusual for a model with a lower processor frequency to be more performant of two video cards. In addition, it should be noted that high-frequency processors also have high heat dissipation, which requires the use of powerful cooling systems.
Lighting
The graphics card has a
backlight system. This feature gives the board an original appearance, which is especially appreciated by gamers and fans of external PC modding. The backlight may have a different colour, in some models this colour may even change. At the same time, note that this feature does not affect the functionality of the graphics card, but it significantly affects the cost. So it's worth specifically looking for a graphics card with backlighting only in cases where an unusual design is no less important to you than performance. It should also be borne in mind that such adapters must be installed in the appropriate cases — open or with a viewing window, otherwise the backlight will simply not be visible.
Lighting sync
Backlight synchronization technology provided in a graphics card with an associated design.
By itself, synchronization allows you to "match" the backlight of the graphics card with the backlight of other system components — the motherboard, case, keyboard, mouse, etc. Thanks to this matching, all components can change colour synchronously, turn on / off at the same time, etc. Specific features the operation of such backlighting depends on the synchronization technology used, and, usually, each manufacturer has its own (Mystic Light Sync for MSI, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.). The compatibility of the components also depends on this: they must all support the same technology. So the easiest way to achieve backlight compatibility is to collect components from the same manufacturer.
Power consumption
Maximum power consumed by the graphics card during operation. This parameter is important for calculating the total power consumed by the entire system and selecting a power supply that provides the appropriate power.
Additional power
Format of additional power required for the operation of the graphics card.
By itself, the PCI-E connector, which is standardly used to connect video cards, provides 75 watts of power. For many models, even quite performant ones, this is quite enough, and many modern video adapters do
without additional power. However, models
with additional power have become more widespread, especially among high-end solutions.
The simplest version of such a power supply is one
6-pin or
8-pin connector. A 6-pin connector can additionally provide up to 75 watts, an 8-pin connector can provide up to 150 watts. However, for high-end solutions, one connector is not enough, so there are models with
6 + 8 pin,
8 + 8 pin, and even
8 + 8 + 6 pin or
8 + 8 + 8 pin formats.And the new cards are completely
16-pin. Such power connectors have a total of 16 lines: 12 for current supply and 4 signal. The effective power threshold of the 16 pin connector is up to 600 watts. Connection to it can be done through a 3×8 pin adapter.
Note that it is theoretically possible to connect a 6-pin power supply to an 8-pin connector and vice versa, even corresponding adapters are availa
...ble for this. However, in fact, the possibility of such a connection should be clarified separately, and such tricks should be used only in extreme cases, when other options are not available.Number of slots
The number of slots occupied by the graphics card on the back of the system unit.
This indicator allows you to estimate the amount of space required to install a video adapter. It is relevant in the light of the fact that modern video cards can have a fairly extensive set of connectors, and for this set there has long been little standard lanyard for 1 slot. This is especially true for powerful performant models. Thus, many solutions, especially mid-range and top-end ones, occupy
two or even
three slots at once.
Separately, it is worth touching on models for which the characteristics indicate a fractional number of slots — usually 2.5 or 2.7. This detail is provided by the manufacturer for promotional purposes — as confirmation that the graphics card is smaller than a full-fledged 3-slot solution. However, in fact there is no difference between these options: adapters for 2.5 or 2.7 slots still block the third slot (albeit partially), making it unusable.
Length
The total length of the graphics card.
In this case, the length means the size of the device from the plate with connectors (which is attached to the back wall of the system unit) to the opposite side. The plate itself and the outwardly protruding connectors are usually not taken into account.
Data on the length of the graphics card is needed primarily in order to assess whether there is enough space for it in a particular case. In addition, longer boards, usually, have more advanced characteristics (although there is no hard dependence here, and video adapters of similar class may have different lengths). As for specific values, the most compact solutions nowadays have a size of
150 – 200 mm or
less ; an indicator of
200 – 250 mm can still be considered relatively small,
250 – 290 mm — medium, and many models (mostly advanced) have a length
of more than 290 mm.
