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.
DVI-D
The number of DVI-D outputs provided by the graphics card.
The
DVI-D interface provides digital video signal transmission. Depending on the version, the maximum resolution of such a video can be 1920x1200 (Single Link) or 2560x1600 (Dual Link); the specific version used generally depends on the general purpose and price point of the graphics card. However, anyway, this interface is very popular in modern monitors, but it is almost never found in other screens.
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. Specifically, up to 4 DVI-D outputs can be provided.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
