GPU model
A GPU is a type of graphics processor that determines the fundamental performance characteristics of a video adapter. Today there are two main manufacturers -
AMD and
NVIDIA. Intel has also entered the leadership race with its
Intel Arc line of discrete graphics.
NVIDIA:
GeForce GT 1030,
GeForce GTX 1050 Ti,
GeForce GTX 1060,
GeForce GTX 1070, etc. (all related to
GeForce 10 series),
GeForce GTX 1630,
GeForce GTX 1650(
SUPER),
GeForce GTX 1660(
SUPER,
Ti),
GeForce RTX 20 series, namely
GeForce RTX 2060(
SUPER),
GeForce RTX 2070(
SUPER),
GeForce RTX 2080(
SUPER,
Ti),
GeForce RTX 3050,
GeForce RTX 3060,
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti,
..."/list/189/pr-42256/">GeForce RTX 3070,
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti,
GeForce RTX 3080,
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti,
GeForce RTX 3090, GeForce
RTX 3090 Ti,
GeForce RTX 4060,
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti,
GeForce RTX 4070,
GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER,
GeForce RTX 4070 Ti,
GeForce RTX 4 070 Ti SUPER,
GeForce RTX 4080,
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER,
GeForce RTX 4090, as well as professional
Quadro.
AMD:
Radeon RX 400 series,
Radeon RX 500 series as
Radeon RX 550,
Radeon RX 560, Radeon RX
570, Radeon RX 580,
Radeon RX 590, Radeon RX 5500
XT,
Radeon RX 5600 XT,
Radeon RX 5700,
Radeon RX 5700 XT,
Radeon RX 6400,
Radeon RX 6500 XT, Radeon RX 6600,
Radeon RX 6600 XT, Radeon RX 6650 XT,
Radeon RX 6700 XT, Radeon
RX 6750 XT , Radeon RX 6800,
Radeon RX 6800 XT,
Radeon RX 6900 XT,
Radeon RX 6950 XT,
Radeon RX 7600,
Radeon RX 7600 XT, Radeon RX 7700 XT, Radeon RX 7800 XT,
Radeon RX 7900 XT,
Radeon RX 7900 XTX,
Radeon RX 7900 GRE,
Radeon RX Vega 56,
Radeon RX Vega 64,
AMD Radeon VII and professional
FirePro.
Knowing the GPU model, you can find detailed information on it (special specs, reviews, reviews, etc.) and evaluate how suitable this board is for your purposes. It is worth noting that in video cards from third-party brands, the characteristics of the graphics processor may differ slightly from the standard ones (and often in the direction of acceleration and improvement).
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.
Passmark G3D Mark
The result shown by the graphics card in the test (benchmark) Passmark G3D Mark.
Benchmarks allow you to evaluate the actual capabilities (primarily overall performance) of a graphics card. This is especially convenient in light of the fact that adapters with similar characteristics in fact can differ markedly in capabilities (for example, due to the difference in the quality of optimization of individual components for joint work). And Passmark G3D Mark is the most popular benchmark for graphics adapters nowadays. The results of such a test are indicated in points, with a higher number of points corresponding to better performance. As of mid-2020, the most advanced graphics cards can score over 17,000 points.
Note that Passmark G3D Mark is used not only for general performance evaluation, but also to determine the compatibility of a graphics card with a specific processor. The CPU and graphics adapter must be approximately equal in terms of the overall level of computing power, otherwise one component will “pull back” the other: for example, a weak processor will not allow a powerful gaming graphics card to unleash the full potential. To search for a video adapter for a specific CPU model, you can use the list "Optimal for AMD processors" or "Optimal for Intel processors" in the selection of our catalog.
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.
Stream processors
The number of stream processors provided by the graphics card.
A stream processor is a separate part of the GPU, designed to execute one shader at a time. Shaders, in turn, are small programs responsible for creating individual graphic effects (for example, surface gloss, glare on the surface of water, motion blur, etc.). Accordingly, the more stream processors provided in the design, the more shaders the graphics card can simultaneously execute and the higher its computing power. However, in general, this is a rather specific parameter, relevant mainly for professional developers, modders and enthusiastic gamers.
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.
