💻 What is the discrete graphics card: the differences, types

Applications discrete graphics adapters

"Discrete" in electronics, in the simplest case means separate components. That is, the video card configured as a standalone device. It has its own processor, memory, bus, and so on. D. Discrete graphics card can only be installed in a computer slot and get started. In the case of laptops it is soldered to the motherboard, but still has its own components for their tasks.

Scope of discrete graphics cards - PCs and laptops.

The apparatus and operation of a discrete graphics card

Discrete graphics can be presented in two different embodiments - as a single card with a bus for self-assembly or a set of chips on a computer motherboard. The main difference between the discrete graphics format from the built - having its own video memory.

The basis of the video card is the graphics processing unit, which is engaged miscalculation displayed on the screen of the graphic information. This is a very complex and productive systems are often not inferior to the complexity of conventional processors.

The video imaging controls and processes requests from the processor. This is essentially a bridge between the CPU and graphics.

The memory in the video card is available in two forms - ROM and RAM. First - this adapter BIOS, fonts and various service information. RAM - analogue of RAM on your PC. It stores the intermediate image data. Modern video memory specifically targeted for high loads in image processing. It has a higher bus bandwidth.

A digital to analog converter, commonly known as a RAMDAC, serves for forming images on a monitor. It determines what color is displayed, each point on the screen.

Since the card - this is just a set of semiconductors in the general case, when an electric signal therethrough are heated. So the cooling system must be present. CO discrete units usually autonomous.

Well, physically and graphics card can be connected to the motherboard a special interface - connector and a set of functional solutions that obey the accepted standards. The most common interface of the modern - PCI Express.

The performance characteristics of a discrete graphics card

Users are accustomed to determine the video card performance in baseline characteristics: amount of memory, the GPU frequency and, in rare cases, the bit memory bus.

But actually a lot more features. In general, a set of criteria for the video adapter can compete with the personal computer.

GPU frequency determines the number of cycles per second. That is, the number of operations. The higher the value, the more data can process the video processor. And this means that its performance will be higher.

Unified computing units indicates how many processors available for computation tasks. The more, the faster they will be able to solve a lot of problems, which means the card will be more productive. Naturally, the number of blocks to be compared within the at least one producer and at the same frequencies.

With video memory is simple: the more, the better. But size also must be commensurate. Suppose that the card will be at least 16 GB of memory, the core frequency and the number of processing units will not have time to calculate a data array and a RAM would simply unclaimed.

The memory bus is also a very important characteristic. It shows the amount of data transferred per clock cycle. The logic is simple: the higher the memory faster.

Equally important is the memory clock. It shows the amount of data transfer operations per unit of time. The higher the frequency, the faster the memory card and in general, of course, provided that the remaining parameters are at an appropriate level.

There are some more additional features. But they are likely to use computer technology guru for the selection of components for specific tasks.

The best models of discrete graphics cards from leading manufacturers

The leading developer of graphics processors only 2: Nvidia and AMD. But it is worth remembering that they are in fact the developers of standard models of graphics cards and their specifications, following which manufacturers make their own versions. For example, ASUS, MSI, Sapphire, Palit, Gigabyte and others. Each specific implementation of the different brands may be slightly different from the standard.

Nvidia

Since its inception in 1993, Nvidia company has set for itself the right of way: GPU development, which then started gaining popularity due to people's interest in video games. Nvidia is currently developing graphics for consumer segment, professionals, chipsets and mobile processors.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080

Card belongs to one of the latest developments of the company Nvidia - the new 20-series chips. It is positioned as a game. Actually, the price of it to us, as it were, and says - 70,000 rubles. Processor frequency has a value of 1890 MHz. Available video memory - 8 GB. The card uses a new type of memory - GDDR6 with the frequency 14140 MHz. Data Bus Width - 256 bits. Graphics card can be used in conjunction with another card for SLI standard. Unified computing units - 2944 pieces.

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card

Palit GeForce GTX 1070

This card is also positioned as a game. Not only has a more affordable price than the RTX 2080 - 33,000 rubles. the processor operating frequency is 1500 MHz, and the total amount of memory - 8 GB. The type of memory - GDDR5 with a frequency of 8000 MHz. The maximum supported resolution - 7680 × 4320. Universal blocks in the chart - 1920.

video card Palit GeForce GTX 1070

AMD

AMD is not always engaged in the development of graphics processors. In 2006, it bought ATI graphics cards manufacturer, graphics processors are known under the brand name Radeon. Although ATI name has been abolished under the name Radeon still available video card, RAM and SSD.

Sapphire Nitro + Radeon RX Vega 64

main competitor high-end cards from Nvidia. The cost model starts at 55,000 rubles. It was built by one of the latest process technology - 14 nm. The card can simultaneously support 4 monitors. processor frequency is 1373 MHz and the video memory - 1890 MHz. Her way Stocked 8 GB. Bus width huge - 2048 bits. Also, the number of universal blocks is very solid - 4096. For this video the developers recommend the use of power supply is not less than 750 watts.

card Sapphire Nitro + Radeon RX Vega 64

Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580

More budget version of the gaming graphics cards from AMD. It can be purchased for 20,000 rubles. Card made of 14 nm process. GPU frequency is 1366 MHz. The amount of memory allocated 8 GB, and its frequency is 8000 MHz. Purpose computer units 2304 stocked.

video card Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580

How to choose a discrete graphics board for gaming and video editing

These two areas require the most resources from the graphics card. And if in the games there is a limit power, after which squeeze more quality than the game provides, is not possible, for the video installation will always be better to choose the most productive card.

Budget game models begin their price tag of about 10,000 rubles. This model Radeon RX 550, Geforce GTX 1050, and the like. They can play a more or less modern games, although not at ultranastroykah graphics and a lower resolution. More powerful cards you can buy already about 35000-40000 rubles. On such models, it is already possible to play modern games Class AAA and even at maximum graphics settings. In this price range are new Radeon RX Vega 56 and 64, GeForce GTX 1070, 1080 and 2070 RTX.

In general, these maps can be very successful to make installation of the video. However, to improve performance, there are professional versions of graphics cards that are geared just for tasks such as video processing and modeling. At Nvidia range of such models is called Quadro, and in AMD can be Radeon, FirePro and. Despite the fact that they are highly specialized, prices are starting mostly from 7000-8000 rubles.