Before buying a new GPU, every computer owner must prepare allocate a budget in advance, study available manufacturers, and find out motherboard GPU compatibility. Beginners will also be able to deal with the task, the main thing is to carefully go through the points of the instructions described below and not be distracted.
Types of GPU
A video card is a graphics card that converts the signals transmitted by the system into a visualized image displayed on the monitor screen: entertainment content, tables, text, videos at the present time, you definitely cannot do without such an adapter. But how important is the power of a video card and can an integrated chip handle the load? You can study the subtleties using the formal classification of video cards:
- Type of. Officially, there are two options discrete and integrated. In the first case, we are talking about separately purchased equipment that occupies a motherboard connector. In the second case, the card is integrated into the processor (a similar phenomenon occurs in Intel chips) and copes exclusively with office tasks: it helps to view electronic documents, videos and interact with the browser (although in some cases, if the processor is powerful and supports Intel HD Graphics 610-630 , then Overwatch, World of Tanks and even Dota 2 will start). If there is not enough money for a card and the computer is assembled in parts, then a powerful Intel processor will be enough for the first time. And then, for the sake of powerful blockbusters, it will be possible to buy a chip that is relevant in terms of characteristics.
- Reference and non-reference. After the presentations of NVidia and AMD, the cards officially appear on store shelves in a “standard” design – a turbine, a case marked with logos and factory specifications. Such video cards are called reference cards. In the future, manufacturers transfer the assembly rights to other companies, for example, MSI, Gigabyte, Sapphire. Such new items are already called non-reference and differ from the original primarily in characteristics and appearance. Instead of turbines – a pair of powerful coolers. Factory settings are overclocked and improved, and power consumption is reduced. As a rule, the market is full of non-reference offers, but sometimes it makes sense to turn to options from NVidia or AMD – especially if the price is much lower and you want to update your computer here and now.
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which GPU brand is Best?
It is very problematic to bring out unambiguous and non-subjective statistics of third-party manufacturers developing new designs for NVidia and AMD cards (that is, non-reference solutions). And the main reason for this is instability. MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, Zotac, Palit – each brand strives to either get ahead or lag behind the trends set by the community. Therefore, it is worth judging manufacturers within the framework of a specific video card, comparing three indicators:
- Core frequency. It is measured in MHz and must be indicated in the characteristics. The higher the characteristic, the better.
- The price. It is worth keeping an average balance – it is worth chasing expensive versions in cases where the frequency is much higher, the cooling is thought out better, and failures and technical problems are excluded.
- Comments and reviews. The modern community reacts briskly to new items – YouTube, social networks, thematic publics are immediately overgrown with positive and negative reviews. At least occasionally, it is still worth looking at such text messages. Sometimes pitfalls are described there. Either the dimensions are larger than stated, then the frequencies are reset, or the tests end with overheating.
If we did not succeed in starting from the indicators described above, then it is definitely worth paying attention to MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte – win-win options with an affordable price tag.
Criteria for Motherboard GPU Compatibility
The one main criterion that should be adhered to Motherboard GPU Compatibility:
- AGP. An outdated graphics port that last enjoyed any popularity in 2008. By 2009, both NVidia and AMD stopped working with such a connector and focused on PCI. If the computer has not changed since 2005 and the motherboard is equipped with AGP, then for new video cards you will have to change the platform nothing can be changed here.
- PCI-E. A peripheral bus that is the only connector type on the market. There are two PCI versions 2.0 and 3.0. And each differs in total bandwidth. The variant with the three “in the name” is formally faster and fits the game cards. But, as practice shows, even on cards of GTX 980 TI levels from NVidia, the difference between 2.0 and 3.0 is hardly noticeable 3-5 FPS under maximum load. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to buy a new video card, and there is no money left to replace the motherboard, it doesn’t matter PCI-E 2.0 will cope with the task and will not let you get bored.
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Connectors on GPU
The available interfaces can be classified as follows:
- DVI. Standard connector available on all modern graphics cards. Required to connect to monitors.
- HDMI. A connector that is found on cards of the mid and high price range. Also helps to connect equipment to a monitor or TV. Conveys both graphics and sound.
- VGA is a standard for connecting monitors, projectors;
- DisplayPort is a partially obsolete connector, rarely used today, but still found on office cards.
- 6 and 8-pin. On video cards, in some cases, in addition to the standard connection to the motherboard via PCI-E, additional power is also required, which is “distributed” by the power supply unit.
Motherboard GPU Compatibility check with tool
Any tool capable of collecting statistical information about a computer can cope with the task of determining the right hardware. AIDA64 is a good option. The utility will tell you which motherboard is selected, which connectors are available (AGP or PCI-E, defined as a controller), and whether the system has an integrated chip capable of handling graphics processing. In addition, there will be no problems with “guessing” the brand. You can find out about the current connector in the “Motherboard” section, the “Chipset” item. The check will take exactly 10 seconds, and then you can return to the process of selecting the appropriate equipment.
Chipset Slots
The intermediate result is as follows the compatibility of the motherboard and the video card in the modern world of technology is 100% ensured. You no longer have to look at the equipment, choose between AGP and PCI, spend hours filtering offers in online stores, and take risks. From now on, you can glance at the PCI-E 2.0 and 3.0 formats located on the motherboard, and without worrying too much about the final result (the difference is really minimal), buy out the video card you like.
There will definitely not be any problems with installation and use. Rather, it is worth worrying about additional PC components, for example, a weak processor will not reveal a powerful video card, and RAM will become a stumbling block in front of gaming blockbusters. Everything needs balance …
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GPU for motherboard with CrossFire or SLI
Choosing a video card for a motherboard that can work in CrossFire or SLI is a little more difficult, it is important to consider the following parameters:
- Does the motherboard support such technological solutions? Sometimes the connector is available, but does not perform the assigned functions. Before buying, you should make sure that there are additional PCI-E slots and support for CrossFire or SLI technologies. Such a possibility is always written in the characteristics.
- Video cards must be the same in terms of the model and belong to the same “family” – AMD or NVidia. That is, a bundle of 2 GTX 1060s will definitely work, but the 970 and 980 TI will not.
- Potential. There are few entertainments that support SLI and CrossFire technology. And, if the funds are not enough, organizing a combination of a pair of video cards is not very practical. The power and performance that looms in your head can only be so on paper.
Conclusion
The motherboard and the graphics card have long turned into a single whole, where it is difficult to get confused or accidentally misunderstand something about Motherboard GPU Compatibility.
