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.
Memory clock
The speed at which a video card can process data stored in its video memory. In fact, the indicator determines the maximum number of operations to receive or transmit data by a memory module per unit of time. This frequency is expressed in megahertz (MHz) – millions of operations per second. High video memory frequency helps improve performance when performing resource-intensive tasks such as texture processing, graphics rendering and other graphics operations. However, the parameter is by no means the only factor that influences the overall performance of the video card – it is important to take into account the GPU architecture, number of cores, core frequency and other characteristics.
Max. resolution
The maximum resolution supported by the graphics card — that is, the largest image size (in pixels) that it can display on an external screen.
The higher the resolution, the clearer and better the picture is. On the other hand, with an increase in the number of pixels, the requirements for computing power and, accordingly, the cost of a graphics card increase. In addition, do not forget that you can only appreciate the full benefits of high resolutions on monitors with the appropriate characteristics. On the other hand, in the graphics settings, you can set lower resolutions than the maximum; and a good resolution margin means a good overall performance margin.
As for specific values, the actual minimum for modern video cards is 1600x1200, but higher rates are much more common — up to
Ultra HD 4K and
Ultra HD 8K.
HDMI
The number of HDMI outputs provided by the graphics card.
HDMI is by far the most popular interface for high-definition video and multi-channel audio (it can be used for video and audio at the same time). This connector is almost standard for modern monitors, in addition, it is widely used in other types of screens — TVs, plasma panels, projectors, etc.
The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several screens to the graphics card at the same time — for example, a pair of monitors for organizing an extended workspace. However, there are never more than 2 HDMI ports in video cards — for a number of reasons, for several screens at once, in this case it is easier to use other connectors, primarily DisplayPort.
DisplayPort
The number of DisplayPort outputs provided by the graphics card.
DisplayPort is a digital media interface similar in many ways to HDMI, but primarily used in computers. The specific capabilities of this interface depend on the version (see below), but even in the most modest modern version of DisplayPort, it allows at least 4K at 60 frames per second and 5K at 30 fps. Another interesting feature of this standard is the ability to daisy-chain multiple screens to one port (“daisy chain” format).
In light of the latter, we can say that the number of DisplayPort outputs corresponds to the number of screens that can be connected directly to the graphics card, without using a daisy chain. Such a connection may be required, in particular, for monitors that do not support daisy chaining. If such a mode is supported, the maximum number of screens will be at least twice as high as the number of connectors. However, it is worth considering that the resolutions supported by the video adapter itself may not reach the maximum capabilities of the DisplayPort version used.
OpenGL
The latest version of OpenGL supported by the graphics card. OpenGL is a computer graphics standard, including three-dimensional. At one time, it was widely used in games, but now DirectX is being increasingly replaced, as a result of which the main area of application of OpenGL today is specialized graphics software. The newest modern version of OpenGL is 4.6; it was released in 2017, and its full support in video cards of the largest brands was introduced in 2018-2019.
Monitors connection
The maximum number of monitors that can be connected to the graphics card at the same time and shared.
Simultaneous connection of several screens allows you to expand the visual space available to the user. For example, it can be useful for designers and layout designers when working with large-format materials, for programmers to separate tasks (one monitor for writing code, the second for searching for the necessary information and other auxiliary purposes), and for gamers-enthusiasts — to ensure the maximum immersion effect. Thanks to advances in technology today , even low — cost graphics cards can typically handle at least
three monitors, while advanced models can support
four or
more displays .
CrossFire/SLI
Graphics card support for CrossFire or SLI technology.
CrossFire and SLI are ATI and nVidia development technologies, respectively, that allow you to use two video cards on one computer. Their capacities are combined, which allows to achieve high graphic performance of the system. This implies unification at the hardware level, with the connection of video cards using special “bridge” connectors.
It makes sense to install two video cards on high-performance computers designed to work with "heavy" graphics — for example, advanced gaming PCs or workstations used for 3D rendering. To use CrossFire/SLI, the corresponding technology must be supported not only by the installed video cards, but also by the motherboard; to install video cards, you need PCI-E connectors of the same version. The video cards themselves in the case of SLI must be exactly the same; CrossFire requirements are a little softer — in this case, at least one of them must belong to the ATI CrossFire Edition family.
Fans
The number of individual fans provided in the graphics card cooling system (if any, see "Cooling").
In general, the more powerful the video adapter, the more efficient cooling it needs. So
one fan is typical mainly for devices of the initial and inexpensive middle class,
two — from medium to advanced, and
three or
more are almost an unambiguous sign of a premium-level solution. At the same time, there is no strict dependence here, and models with similar characteristics may have a different number of fans (especially since the cooling efficiency is determined not only by the number of fans, but also by their diameter). But what this parameter unambiguously affects is the length of the graphics card and, accordingly, the amount of space required to install it.
