Background

A video card (also known as graphics card, display card, graphics adapter, or display adapter) is an expansion card that generates a feed of output images to a device that displays the feed, such as a computer monitor. Video cards are generally advertised as dedicated graphics cards, drawing a distinction between integrated graphics and graphics cards. Video cards and integrated graphics both include graphics processing units (GPU) which are the main component that performs computations. “GPU” is often used as a shorthand to refer to video cards, but should not be confused with the actual video card as a whole.

Most video cards are not limited to simple display outputs and include integrated graphics processors that can perform additional processing, removing some processing from the computer’s central processor. Graphics cards are generally made in the form of a printed circuit board (also called an expansion board) and inserted into an expansion slot that can be universal or specialized. Some graphics cards, called eGPUs, are produced using dedicated enclosures that are connected to the computer with a cable or docking station.

Over time, GPU chips can overheat, causing the card to warp and sometimes fail. If the card is out of warranty, the fix for a warped video card generally includes baking it to re-ball the piece. GPUs can also be damaged in other ways, such as through drops, falls and water damage. In these cases, fixes may range from cleaning and drying to disassembly and part replacement.

Additional Information

• Wikipedia: Video Card

• Wikipedia: List of Graphics Cards

• Wikipedia: Graphics Processing Unit