The type of graphics card you need will depend on a variety of factors, such as your budget, the type of system you have, and the type of games and programs you plan to run on it.
At a minimum, you will need a card that meets the requirements of your operating system. For a Windows system, this means having a DirectX 9 or higher-compatible graphics card. This can include cards from either AMD or NVIDIA, but also integrated graphics solutions from Intel. On the more basic end of the spectrum, you can use an entry-level card from AMD or NVIDIA like the Radeon RX 550 or the Geforce GT 1030. These cards are perfect for basic tasks like web browsing and video streaming, but will struggle with more intensive tasks like high-definition video playback, gaming, and 3D rendering.
If you’re looking for better performance, consider a mid-range card from either AMD or NVIDIA. The Radeon RX 580 and Geforce GTX 1650 are great choices here, offering decent performance without breaking the bank. They are good enough for some light gaming as well as 3D rendering and other more demanding tasks.
For those who really want top-of-the-line performance, there are high-end cards from both companies. You can get the latest flagship GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA, like the Radeon VII and the Geforce RTX 2080 Ti, but these cards come with a hefty price tag. They offer the best performance available and will handle the most demanding tasks with ease, but only experienced gamers and professionals should consider these cards.
In addition to the graphics card, you’ll also need to make sure your power supply can meet the requirements of your components. Most video cards require at least 300 watts of power, so make sure to double check the specifications before making a purchase.
No matter what type of graphics card you end up buying, make sure it meets the minimum specifications for your operating system and other components. With the right hardware, you can easily upgrade your computer to run games and software smoothly and efficiently.