All computers use a Graphics Card, this is an important component of a computer and interprets code and outputs it in a graphical format. There are a number of commonly used names for Graphic Cards, other names being Graphics Adapter, Video Card or Graphics Accelerator.

A definition of a Graphics Card is: "An expansion card that interprets drawing instructions sent by the CPU, processes them via a dedicated graphics processor and writes the resulting frame data to the frame buffer. Also called video adapter (the term "graphics accelerator" is no longer in use)." – Source, PC Tech Guide http://www.pctechguide.com/glossary/WordFind.php?wordInput=Graphics%20Card

A Graphics Card can be compared to an Artist. The Graphics Card interprets images processed by the CPU and converts them into the pictures we see on our computers.

Selecting the right Graphics Card is important, here are some rationale on selection:

1. Low end specification – Basic PC use, Word processing, e-mail
2. Medium specification – Older Games, Low demand Games, HD content,
3. High end specification – High demand new games, video editing/playback, graphical design

This guide is split into three clear steps, which help you to decide the best approach on how to buy a Graphics Card:

1. Step 1: Graphics Card manufacturers – We provide an analysis of leading manufacturers and some highly rated models
2. Step 2: Graphics Card functionality – A full analysis of the various aspects of functionality of graphics cards
3. Step 3: Graphics Card buying approach – Various pieces of advice on the best methods of buying a Graphics Card

In this step we consider the variety of Graphics Card manufacturers that you can choose to buy from. The choice is wide with CNet listing 74 manufacturers and in excess of 2,300 models http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/?sa=1000036&tag=mncol;dir2.

In this step we list:

1. The current top 5 Graphics Cards recommended by CNet
2. The top 5 recommended manufacturers and
3. A list of other CNet listed manufacturers with 30+ Graphics Cards reviewed

The Top 5 Graphics Cards with review dates from 2008 onwards, recommended by CNet are:

1. Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/nvidia-geforce-gtx-295/4505-8902_7-33498571.html
2. Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/nvidia-geforce-8800-gtx/4505-8902_7-32132889.html
3. Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 X2 http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/sapphire-radeon-hd-4850/4505-8902_7-33421567.html
4. Asus EN9600 GThttp://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/asus-en9600-gt/4505-8902_7-32864307.html
5. ATI Radeon HD 3850 http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/ati-radeon-hd-3850/4505-8902_7-32745241.html

The top 5 manufacturers are listed below:

1. AVI Technologies http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5260979_
2. EVGA http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_3809203_
3. HP http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_2792031_
4. PNY Technologies http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5492155_
5. XFX http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_12149434_

Other Graphics Card manufacturers are listed below, all have 30+ listings on CNet:

1. Asus http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_3809194_
2. BFG Technologies http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_8046170_
3. Diamond Multimedia http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5416966_
4. Gigabyte Technology http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5246675_
5. Jaton http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5502177_
6. Matrox http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_3809208_
7. MSI Computer Corporation http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5260136_
8. Sapphire Technology http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_14842292_
9. Sparkle Computer Company http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_19030667_
10. VisionTek http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_5260223_
11. Zotac International http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-8902_7-0.html?filter=1000036_17722527_

When buying a graphics card there is a lot to consider to ensure you get the best purchase for your needs. In this step we list all of the important aspects of functionality you should consider when making your Grpahics Card purchase.

PC or MAC compatibility - You will need to buy a Graphics Card which is compatible with your platform.

Bus Type (or interface or slot - This connects your PC to the Graphics Card. The latest generation is PCI Express 2.0, wherever possible Graphics Cards with this bus type should be bought. PCI Express 1.0 is still relatively new and is a recent alternative. AGP and PCI are obsolete and need to be avoided.

Memory - Memory is available typically in 2MB, 1MB, 512K and 256K sizes. As with system RAM, the higher the amount of memory a card has, the more improved performance is. For most general requirements 512K is adequate, for gaming users 1MB is essential.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) – If you want HD quality from your Graphics Card you will need to buy one that is HDMI enabled.

Clock Speed – The engine clock speed (also called core clock speed) and memory clock speed are critical to the internal speed of the graphics processor . A good standard engine clock speed for a modern Graphics Card would be 850MHz, whereas the memory clock speed would be ideally be 1200MHz or more.

Other compatibility considerations Is the Graphics Card compatible with

1. Composite Input and output
2. CrossFire
3. DirectX 11 – especially for games playing
4. DVI – Digital Video Interface, produces a very high quality digital display
5. S Video input and output – super video compatibility

Note: Always ensure you operate with the latest drivers and software for your Graphics Card, this can make a big difference to performance.

In step 3, we provide our recommended approach to buying a Graphics Card.You will need to have a strong understanding of your requirements (step 2), and will need to have read some independent reviews and should look to get the best deal. Step 3 is split into 3 parts, listed below:

1. Reading through a range of reviews of various Graphics Cards
2. Potential suppliers of Graphics Cards
3. Searching for some discounts and coupons

Graphics Card reviews

1. CNet, over 2,300 Graphic Cards reviews http://reviews.cnet.com/graphics-cards/?tag=leftColumnArea.0
2. PC Magazine, over 100 Graphics Cards review http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,6994,00.asp
3. Test Freaks, in excess of 1700 Graphics Card reviews http://www.testfreaks.co.uk/graphics-cards/

Potential suppliers of Graphics Cards

1. Amazon - http://astore.amazon.com/graphicscard-20 Amazon have a varied selection of Graphics Cards for sale from a range of suppliers within the Amazon store.
2. Bestbuy - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Video-Cards-PC-Components/Video-Graphics-Cards/abcat0507002.c?id=abcat0507002 Bestbuy have a varied selection of Graphics Cards on sale and also tend to offer competitive pricing discounts, which could help you find a good deal on a Graphics Card.
3. Ebay - http://computers.shop.ebay.com/Graphics-Video-TV-Cards-/27386/i.html?_sop=7&_sticky=1A globally operational auction site, there is a high variety of new and old Graphics Cards for sale. Visitors can either bid in the auction or there is also the opportunity to “buy now”.

Search for coupons and discounts You are now ready to find competitive prices through coupons and discount.

Mahalo is an excellent place to go to find coupons and I can recommend all of the following pages to find coupons for Graphics Cards – Amazon Coupons | Asus Coupons | Bestbuy Coupons | EBay Coupons | EVGA Coupons | Graphics Cards Coupons | Video Cards Coupons

Another method of finding a low price is through price comparison sites, the following all feature Graphics Cards:

1. Bizratehttp://www.bizrate.com/graphics-cards
2. Pricegrabberhttp://computers.pricegrabber.com/video-cards/p/5/
3. Dealtimehttp://www1.dealtime.co.uk/xPP-graphics_cards