What Is A Video Card?

Date First Published: 24th February 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 5/10

CONTENTS

Components

Learn about what a video card is in this article.

A video card is a hardware component that sends graphical information to a display device, such as a monitor or projector. It processes data in the form of pixels, which make up images. This makes it possible to stream videos, play games in high resolution, and create complex animations.

Not all computers have a discrete separate video card. Some use CPUs with an integrated GPU and include a port for the monitor on the I/O panel of the motherboard.

Components

A video card includes a GPU, video memory, and at least one physical port for connecting an external monitor. It is rectangular in shape and installs in an expansion slot on the motherboard. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones also have video cards, but they are smaller and most commonly non-replaceable.

A standard video card has several parts, including memory chips, a CPU core, connectors for connecting the video output, and cooling system components. The memory chips allow the GPU processor core to quickly access data and instructions regarding gaming or other visual content. To view visuals, the graphics card can be connected to an external display device, such as a projector or monitor, using the graphical output ports. Finally, the cooling system portion works to prevent any components from overheating from prolonged usage.

Although advanced video cards may include ports for connections to multiple output sources, such as additional monitors and televisions, some just have one connector for connecting to a standard monitor or projector. Other video cards may have inputs for video editing and other advanced tasks.