Know about Video Card

What is a Video Card ?

The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor or projector.

The Video Card is Also Known As :

• Graphics card,
• Graphics adapter,
• Video adapter

Important Video Card Facts :

Each motherboard supports only a limited range of video card formats so always check with your motherboard manufacturer before making a purchase.

Many modern computers do not have video expansion cards but instead have GPUs integrated directly onto the motherboard. This allows for a less expensive computer but also for a less powerful graphics system. This option is wise for the average business and home user not interested in advanced graphics capabilities or the latest games.

Popular Video Card Manufacturers :

• NVIDIA Corporation,

• ATI Technologies,
• Matrox

Note: These companies actually manufacture the processors, called graphics processing units (GPUs), that operate the video card. Many other companies utilize these processors in their particular brands of video cards.

Video Card Description :
A video card is rectangular in shape with numerous contacts on the bottom of the card and one or more ports on the side for connection to video displays and other devices.

The video card installs in an expansion slot on the motherboard. While some video cards and most other cards in a computer are of the PCI format, video cards come in other formats as well including AGP and PCIe. These additional formats provide a more efficient way for the video card to communicate with the CPU and other components.

Since the motherboard, case, and expansion cards are designed with compatibility in mind, the side of the video card fits just outside the back of the case when installed, making its ports available for use. Some video cards have only one port for connection to a standard monitor or projector while more advanced cards may have ports for connections to multiple output sources including additional monitors and televisions. Still other cards may have inputs for video editing and other advanced tasks.

How To Troubleshoot Color Issues

Are the colors “off” on the screen? Do you have problems with images being too dark or too bright? There a number of different reasons why your monitor may not be representing color properly.

Here’s How:

1. Check the cable between the monitor and the computer to make sure it is secure. Each end should be tightly fastened.
2. Degauss the monitor. This will often help correct discoloration issues near the edges of the screen.
3. Reference the monitor manufacturer’s instructions to adjust the brightness and contrast settings. If available, you may also need to adjust the color balance and temperature settings.
4. Adjust the color quality setting for the video card. This will often help resolve issues where the colors, especially in photos, appear incorrect.
5. If you have access to another monitor, try it in place of the one with the color issues. If the problem goes away replace the monitor. If the problem duplicates on the new monitor there is most likely an issue with the video card.

Windows XP : How To Change the Refresh Rate Setting

Adjusting the refresh rate setting may be necessary to resolve screen flicker and other unstable display issues on monitors and other output devices like projectors.

Here’s How:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel in Microsoft Windows by left-clicking on Start, followed by Settings and then choosing Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, open Display.

   Note: Depending on how your operating system is setup, you may not see the Display icon. To correct this, click on the link on the left-hand side of the Control Panel window that says Switch to Classic View.

3. In the Display Properties window, click on the Settings tab.
4. Toward the bottom of this window, click on the Advanced button.
5. In the resulting window, which may or may not be titled Plug and Play Monitor…, click on the Monitor tab.
6. Locate the Screen refresh rate drop down box in the middle of the window. Under most circumstances, the best choice is the highest rate available. Depending on your issue though, the rate may need to be lowered.

   Note: It is always recommended to keep the Hide modes that this monitor cannot display checkbox checked. Choosing refresh rates outside this range could damage hardware.

7. Click the OK or Apply button to confirm the changes. If prompted, follow any additional on screen directions.