Like most technical phrases, ‘graphics card’ is one of those terms you hear, but if you were pressed to say what it does, you’d most likely be stumped for an answer. You know it processes and produces graphics, but how? Furthermore, can desktop computers function without a graphics card?
The answer to the latter question is both yes and no. In layman’s terms, the function of a graphics card (also called a video card) is to take the hard data being processed within the computer and translate it into a comprehensive visual interface. The more complicated or complex the data, like the kind you might encounter in a video game or advanced computer game, the more your need will be for using a higher-quality graphics or video card.
Video game consoles are often proprietary computing units and thus already equipped with the appropriate kind of graphics card needed to play the kinds of games it powers. Desktop computers, by their very nature are easily customizable and upgradeable, and are also able to accept graphic card modifications and changes as users see fit.
If you don’t do a lot of gaming, the graphics card which comes with the computer is usually suitable. However, if you are serious about game speed, play and overall ease of user interface, having a fast graphics card with a lot of memory (upwards of 4gb) and an ample cooling-system is just as important as having a fast computer.
A slight disadvantage to having an advanced graphics card is the amount of power the card itself consumes. One might possibly have a very fast and efficient CPU. However, if it is hooked up to an inadequate power supply, the CPU will run just as slow as the one you were trying to replace. Aside from this, however, newer is almost always better.