Graphics card définitions
Graphics cards are PCBs (printed circuit boards) that perform the dual
role of sending pixels to the display and providing a specific type of
processing using a GPU (graphical processing unit).
Haw to install graphics card
I. Introduction
Hello all, if you are reading this then you are looking for information
about installing a modern day graphics card into your system. I thought
it would be good to also include descriptions of some of the more
technical terminology associated with graphics cards today for
everyone’s benefit. I will cover some of this before introducing you to
the step-by-step process involved for installation.
1. First and foremost it is imperative to have an understanding of what
you want to achieve with a new graphics card. Are you looking to play
graphic intensive games, are you focused on something simply to play
your HD movies, or possibly a little video encoding? There are many
processes that can be performed on your graphics card and the previous
scenarios are just a few out of many. You will need to decide for
yourself what your main use of the graphics card will be before deciding
on a specific model.
II. Terminology
There are a few basic terms, and some advanced, that you will benefit
from learning. Some of these you may have heard of while looking at
certain GPU’s or from web sites that review computer components.
Whether or not you know what they mean you may have a grasp on how they
relate to each other.
1. The first term I’d like to start with is HDCP. This stands for High
bandwidth Digital Content Protection. In essence this refers to a
security measure put in place to eliminate any possibility of
intercepting digital data between the source and display. This is
normally only an issue where HDTV’s are involved. If you have an HDTV
currently and are thinking of using it as a display for your computer
then make sure your TV is compatible with this HDCP technology or it
will not display an image to that TV. This is due to a specific key
being shared between the two devices, television and graphics card,
which has to be authenticated for data transmission to take place.
2. Next we have RAMDAC. This stands for Random Access Memory
Digital-to-Analog Converter. Yet another string of terms in their own
right placed together to convey a simple process. This serves to a
combination of three fast DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) with a
small SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) used in computer graphics
display adapters to store the color palette as well as generate the
analog signals used to drive a color monitor. All GPU’s seen on the
market today share a similar RAMDAC frequency of 400MHz which is the
current standard. Not to be confused with GDDR frequencies. One
specification to note is that DAC’s can have many different Analog
Resolutions.
3. An Analog Resolution relates to how the digital signal is divided
into ranges of either analog voltages or currents. This information is
hardly ever provided about the graphics card’s DAC’s and shouldn’t be a
large determining factor in choosing a card though knowing the
differences can help. How Analog Resolutions work is there will be a
number of bits specified by the manufacturer of the DAC. That number of
bits determines the resolution. Let’s say the manufacturer states that
the DAC’s are 4 bit (Analog Resolution) and have a range of 0 to +10V
(Analog Voltage). To determine the divisions of your Analog Resolution
you would take 2^4, which equals 16, then take your range of 10 and
divide it by 16 which informs you that your divisions are every 0.625V;
Meaning that the digital signal coming in will be divided into 16 ranges
with each range totaling 0.625V. The higher the Analog Resolution the
more accurate your RAMDAC performs.
4. GDDR can also be labeled as the more expansive acronym GDDRSDRAM.
The last three letters indicate to you that it is Random Access Memory.
This should allude, to you, as to what it does as part of the GPU. In
all it stands for Graphics Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random
Access Memory. Now that’s a mouthful. All you need to know about it is
that it is not dissimilar from your system RAM found on your
motherboard; instead it handles data for the GPU specifically. Higher
end graphics solutions now support GDDR5, meaning the 5th revision of
the GDDR model. This allows your graphics card to better comprehend and
process data compared to the previous versions. This is known as your
Memory Type.
5. Now we get to our next term that deals with how your graphics card
will connect to your motherboard. This interconnectivity is known as
the PCI-E slot. For a long time now (at least 6 years to date,
9/10/2012) the way computer builders have chosen to connect their
graphics cards along with many other devices is by this slot. It stands
for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. There have been five
different versions to come to market during that time. We are currently
on version 3.0. I know, I said five versions, well we started with
what is called version 1.0a. From this we went to version 1.1, though
no enhancements were made to increase the data rate. Then came version
2.0 which provided us with double the data rate of its predecessor along
with improvements to its software architecture and more. This was
fully backwards compatible with the previous versions. After this was
version 2.1, I like to consider this a prelude to version 3.0 but
lacking many of the advantages. A thing to note about PCI-E 2.1 is that
it is not fully backwards compatible with versions 1.0a/1.1 as extra
power supported by the slot provided us with this issue. On to the
current version, 3.0; a great enhancement to data rate bumping it up
another 60% and allows for much faster encoding of data. The next
generation, no pun intended, comes to us in the form of version 4.0
which has yet to be released (9/10/12). Full details on its
enhancements are yet unknown but speculation has rumored another
doubling of the data rate from version 3.0 as well as greater power
optimizations.
6. Core Clock is another term found on just about every graphics card
out to date. This simply refers to the clock speed of the cores
residing in the GPU. You can compare clock speeds between similar cards
such as the NVidia 600 series lineup as they are all of the same
processor architecture but you cannot compare them to dissimilar
architectures such as from AMD’s Radeon lineup as they will not yield
similar results due to their inability to process information in the
same manner. The Core Clock is vital to your GPU functioning properly.
This clock sets the rate at which the waveform cycles, telling the
other components how to operate. Scientists have been able to measure
time as accurately as 10-18 or 1 quintillionth of a second. This helps
to keep your Core Clock speed accurate over years of continuous use. A
quick tip: To determine the period of your GPU’s Core Clock take the
frequency given and invert it. So if your GPU states it has a 400MHz
core clock speed then to figure out the cycle time you would take
1/400,000,000; giving you a single cycle period of 2.5nS (Nano Seconds)
or 2.5 x 10-9.
7. Boost Clock is a recent addition to the terminology attached to
graphics cards. What this means is that it takes the Core Clock we
previously spoke of and “overclocks” it to a higher speed therefore
providing you with greater performance in stressful applications
(typically PC games). It is very important to note that many graphics
cards come from the manufacturer with this enabled and if you end up
overclocking you can run into problems with the Boost Clock speed being
too high for the voltage being supplied to the card and can easily cause
a blue screen of death (BSOD), increased temperatures, and overall
instability.
8. Overclocking is a wonderful way to achieve greater performance with
*no additional cost*. With the correct software, mainly MSI Afterburner
for NVidia graphics cards, you can easily increase the clock speeds of
your GPU with a click of a mouse button. Know this; when and if you
choose to overclock your graphics card pay close attention to the idle
temperatures, 100% load temperatures, and all in-between. Also never
overclock your graphics card to the extreme (I normally say over 100MHz)
without thinking about increasing the voltage to the card. Even then
you have to be very careful in incrementally step up both the clock
speed and the voltage so as to not make your graphics card inoperable.
*If done improperly this can and will effectively make your graphics
card an expensive paper weight. Always seek advice or research before
attempting to overclock anything.
III. Ports
There are many different connections that can be made between your
graphics card and a display such as a monitor/TV/projector/etc. There
are three standards that are widely used today. These three are: HDMI,
DVI both I and D, and Display Port.
1. HDMI – High Definition Multimedia Interface. Many of you may know
this from your home’s HDTV. It is a great way to transfer uncompressed
data from your computer to a display. It will transfer audio to your TV
as well as video. They can be used for viewing 3D images/movies
through supporting devices with version 1.4a or higher in most cases.
Another good thing to note is that NVidia’s 3D Vision is only supported
on a limited number of displays with this connection. Most 3D Vision
displays utilize a DVI-D connection/cable to support the 3D feature.
2. DVI (I/D) – This has been and continues to be a standard connection
for high definition monitors. There are two main types of DVI
connections; Integrated and Digital. DVI-D sends only digital signals
to the displays and cannot process analog data. This is incremental
when using a DVI to VGA adapter as it will not work across the DVI-D
port and you will have to use the DVI-I port to do this. DVI-I will
allow you to send both digital and analog signals through the same
connection, thus how it supports the VGA adapter.
3. Display Port – Another digital display connection. While other
connections can allow only one display per interconnect a Display Port
allows multiple displays to be interlinked. A great tool for anywhere
you want to have more than one display and not have multiple cables for
each.
IV. Multi-GPU
I received many replies asking me to cover SLI and Crossfire
configuration, so here we go. I will provide some detailed information
about this here, the setup instructions have been added to the
installation steps for reference.
Well, what is it? Both SLI and Crossfire are terms created to describe
the utilization of multiple graphics cards, interlinked, in a single
computer to boost the performance of graphic intensive programs. NVidia
coined the term SLI and ATI/AMD coined the term Crossfire. Even though
they are effectively describing the same thing there are differences
between them and sometimes downfalls to using graphics cards in this
manner. The first very important detail to note is that while you are
using multiple graphics cards this does not mean your frame rates will
double. The performance provided by the extra card(s) installed in your
computer isn’t perfectly linear and sometimes they’re downright
non-existent. This is due to how each game/software has been
programmed. If the game/software was programmed with multi-GPU
capabilities in mind then that specific software has the ability to
utilize the extra performance provided. The other side of that coin is
if the software company didn’t take multi-GPU into account then there is
a good possibility that all other graphics cards beside the primary
will not be used at all to displace the processing load. The only way
to know for sure is to go to the software manufacturer’s website and
check or give them a call. If you want to know if a game supports
multi-GPU utilization then you can check either NVidia’s or AMD/ATI’s
websites as they provide an up-to-date list of all supported game titles
and possibly some supported software.
1. SLI – NVidia’s version of multi-GPU interlinking
a. Currently only able to be used with two or more of the same graphics
card model. If you purchase an NVidia 660ti and you want to upgrade to
SLI then you are required to purchase another 660ti for SLI to work.
Don’t confuse this with PhysX requirements. With PhysX you can use any
graphics card that has an SLI port on the top of the card to connect to
your primary card but it will only be used to displace the processing
load of rendering PhysX aspects of games and not the bulk of the
processes associated with running a game. Meaning you can hook up an
old 8800GTS type graphics card to your newer 660ti for rendering PhysX
in games and this could provide you with slightly increased performance
by freeing up resources on your primary card.
b. Also requires at least one SLI “Bridge”. This is the small, flat cable linking your two or more graphics cards together.
c. Can drastically increase frame rates in “SLI supported” games.
d. Some NVidia graphics cards support up to 4 cards in SLI.
e. Know that by adding additional graphics cards to your computer you
will have increased its total power requirements as well as it creates
excess heat that will need to be dissipated.
2. Crossfire – AMD/ATI’s multi-GPU solution
a. Can be used with different graphics card models as long as it
supports crossfire and is an ATI card. Meaning you can have an ATI 7950
in crossfire with an ATI 7870 with full utilization of both graphics
cards.
b. Requires at least one “Crossfire Bridge”. This is the small, flat cable linking your two or more graphics cards together.
c. Can drastically increase frame rates in “Crossfire supported” games.
d. Know that by adding additional graphics cards to your computer you
will have increased its total power requirements as well as it creates
excess heat that will need to be dissipated.
V. Installation of Your Graphics Card
Finally the time has come to discuss the procedures involved in
upgrading/installing your new graphics card. Now that you are equipped
with some of the standard terminology you should be able to correctly
analyze and determine which graphics card would fit your needs. Once
you purchase it what do you do? Well besides bragging about it to all
your geeky friends you need to install it into your system. As long as
you follow the steps I am providing then your installation should be
smooth and painless. From this point I will assume you are running a
Windows operating system versions Vista 32/64-bit or 7 32/64-bit. If
you need this information for an older OS then let me know and alter
this where needed. After selecting your desired graphics card make sure
to visit the manufactures web site for the latest drivers. This is a
necessity for you installation to work.
1. The first step in any upgrade is to determine what is currently
installed in your system. You can do this by holding down the Windows
key on your keyboard and pushing the Pause/Break button. This key
combination will take you to a screen that looks like this next image.
2. From here click on Device Manager. You should now have a window that looks like this next image.
3. Single click on the Display adapters tab. I’ve highlighted where it specifies what your current graphics solution is below.
If you have something listed as the Intel® HD Graphics 4000 or similar
then your current graphics solution is built into your processor or is
permanently attached to your motherboard (If this relates to you then go
skip to step 7). If you have something similar to the NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 660Ti as stated above then you have a dedicated graphics card
already installed in your computer and it will require you to uninstall
it prior to installing your new GPU (If this relates to you then go to
step 5).
4. Un-installation of current graphics card drivers. From the Device
Manager window right click on your graphics card. Select the option
“uninstall”. You should get a window that looks like this next image.
5. Click the static button to select “Delete the driver software for
this device”. This will allow a clean installation of the new graphics
cards driver software. Now shut down your computer as it is time to
physically uninstall the old graphics card to make way for your new one.
6. After your computer is completely shut down remove the power cable
from the back of your computer, located at your power supply. Also flip
the switch located directly above the cable.
7. After successfully removing the power cable from the computer proceed
to press the power button located on the front of your case. This is
done to expel any left over power still in the system. Once this is
completed the go ahead and remove any other cables from your system so
you can turn it on its side. It’s good to place the computer on a non
conductive surface if at all possible. The worst thing you can do now
is shock your components with static electricity as it can easily peak
at over 1kV (1000 Volts). That is plenty of static discharge to damage
your computer’s internal components. So doing this on carpet is not
suggested. If you have access to a wrist ground strap then by all means
wear it. It will dissipate/reduce the static charge built up on your
body through moving with clothes on (yes you build up static just from
this, normally it’s not in volatile amounts to us but to components it’s
a bad nightmare). If you don’t have access to a ground strap, and I’m
assuming most of you don’t, then be sure to hold/touch one side of your
computer case as you pull out your old graphics card so as to not cause
harm to it or anything else. Touching the side of your case will help
to dissipate the static buildup through your case and not your
components.
8. Take a Phillips head screwdriver and undo the screws holding your
current card down. See Below. Be sure to remove any power cables going
directly to your graphics card. If you have no current graphics card
then skip this step.
9. Take your new graphics card(s) and install it back into one of the
PCI-E slots on the motherboard making sure not to apply to much downward
pressure as this can over stress the motherboard and can dissect the
traces located in the layers of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board, your
motherboard). You should hear and feel it click into place when it is
seeded properly. Make sure you connect any extra power cables required
for your new graphics card. See image below.
10. From here you can put the side back on your case and place it back
in its normal location. It is ready to be hooked back up to all your
cables. Make sure to push the button on the power supply once again,
allowing it to flow power to the computer. After reinstalling all the
cables go ahead and start up your computer. Right after you push the
power button on your computer press the delete button a multitude of
times until a blue screen comes up. This is called the system BIOS.
This stands for Basic Input Output System. This is where you can change
how your hardware communicates with your motherboard. You will need to
find the section that allows you to change your PCI-E connection
settings. Normally located in the North Bridge Configuration location.
Change your “Primary Graphics Adapter to PCI Express. Leave everything
else alone. See below image. Go to “Save and Exit” under the Exit
tab. This will allow your computer to restart, implementing any changes
you just made.
11. Now Windows will boot and after you log in it should run the found
device wizard. Close this as it will inhibit your driver installation
from proceeding. Go to the location on your hard drive where you saved
your graphics driver at and run it. Your screen should flicker and your
resolution might change. After this is installed correctly reboot your
system.
You now have your new graphics card installed and setup without paying
someone else ridiculous amounts of money to do it. Enjoy! If you have
multiple graphics cards installed continue onto step 12.
12. From the desktop, right click and scroll down to NVidia Control
Panel if it’s an NVidia graphics card or click on CCC (Catalyst Control
Center) if it’s an AMD/ATI graphics card. It should look similar to
this next image.
Once you click on that you should get a window that looks like this next image:
13. Click the static button to enable the “Maximize 3D performance”
feature under SLI configuration, which really just enables SLI.
For those of you with AMD/ATI cards it will look something like this:
Make sure to check “Enable CrossFireX” and apply the settings.
14. After the multi-GPU settings have been enabled you may be asked to
restart your computer. Other than that you are DONE! Go tear up some
enemies and have fun with your advanced graphic solution!
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