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{{Short description|Expansion card which generates a feed of output images to a display device}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}[[File:AMD RX 6900XT .jpg|thumb|alt=An image of an AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT graphics card|A modern high-end consumer graphics card: A [[Radeon RX 6900 XT]] from [[AMD]]]]

A '''graphics card''' (also called a '''video card''', '''display card''', '''graphics accelerator''', '''graphics adapter''', '''VGA card/VGA''', '''video adapter''', '''display adapter''', or colloquially '''GPU''') is a [[computer]] [[expansion card]] that generates a feed of [[graphics]] output to a [[display device]] such as a [[computer monitor|monitor]]. Graphics cards are sometimes called ''discrete'' or ''dedicated'' graphics cards to emphasize their distinction to an [[graphics processing unit#Integrated graphics processing unit|integrated graphics processor]] on the [[motherboard]] or the [[central processing unit]] (CPU). A [[graphics processing unit]] (GPU) that performs the necessary computations is the main component in a graphics card, but the [[acronym]] "GPU" is sometimes also used to refer to the graphics card as a whole erroneously.<ref>[https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/what-is-a-gpu.html#:~:text=While%20the%20terms%20GPU%20and,board%20that%20incorporates%20the%20GPU. "What is a GPU?"] [[Intel]]. Retrieved 10 August 2023.</ref>

Most graphics cards are not limited to simple display output. The graphics processing unit can be used for additional processing, which reduces the load from the CPU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.explainingcomputers.com/hardware.html|title=ExplainingComputers.com: Hardware|website=www.explainingcomputers.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-11|archive-date=2017-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217162538/http://www.explainingcomputers.com/hardware.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, computing platforms such as [[OpenCL]] and [[CUDA]] allow using graphics cards for [[general-purpose computing on graphics processing units|general-purpose computing]]. Applications of general-purpose computing on graphics cards include [[AI accelerator#Use of GPUs|AI training]], [[Mining (crypto-currency)|cryptocurrency mining]], and [[Molecular modeling on GPUs|molecular simulation]].<ref name="cprogramming.com">{{Cite web |title=OpenGL vs DirectX - Cprogramming.com |url=https://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial/openglvsdirectx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084911/https://www.cprogramming.com/tutorial/openglvsdirectx.html |archive-date=2017-12-12 |access-date=2017-12-11 |website=www.cprogramming.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ai-data-science/|title=Powering Change with Nvidia AI and Data Science|website=Nvidia|access-date=2020-11-10|archive-date=2020-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110195818/https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ai-data-science/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="parrish20170710"/>

Usually, a ''graphics card'' comes in the form of a printed circuit board (expansion board) which is to be inserted into an expansion slot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pctechguide.com/graphics-cards/graphic-card-components|title=Graphic Card Components|date=2011-09-23|work=pctechguide.com|access-date=2017-12-11|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084952/https://www.pctechguide.com/graphics-cards/graphic-card-components|url-status=live}}</ref> Others may have dedicated enclosures, and they are connected to the computer via a [[docking station]] or a cable. These are known as external GPUs (eGPUs).

Graphics cards are often preferred over integrated graphics for increased performance. A more powerful graphics card will be able to render more [[Frame rate|frames per second]].

== History ==
{{Expand section|date=September 2022}}
Graphics cards, also known as video cards or graphics processing units (GPUs), have historically evolved alongside [[List of computer display standards|computer display standards]] to accommodate advancing technologies and user demands. In the realm of IBM PC compatibles, the early standards included [[Monochrome Display Adapter|Monochrome Display Adapter (MDA)]], [[Color Graphics Adapter|Color Graphics Adapter (CGA)]], [[Hercules Graphics Card]], [[Enhanced Graphics Adapter|Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)]], and [[Video Graphics Array|Video Graphics Array (VGA)]]. Each of these standards represented a step forward in the ability of computers to display more colors, higher resolutions, and richer graphical interfaces, laying the foundation for the development of modern graphical capabilities.

In the late 1980s, advancements in personal computing led companies like [[Radius Inc.|Radius]] to develop specialized graphics cards for the [[Macintosh II|Apple Macintosh II]]. These cards were unique in that they incorporated discrete [[QuickDraw|2D QuickDraw]] capabilities, enhancing the graphical output of Macintosh computers by accelerating 2D graphics rendering. QuickDraw, a core part of the Macintosh graphical user interface, allowed for the rapid rendering of bitmapped graphics, fonts, and shapes, and the introduction of such hardware-based enhancements signaled an era of specialized graphics processing in consumer machines.

The evolution of graphics processing took a major leap forward in the mid-1990s with [[3dfx Interactive]]'s introduction of the [[Voodoo 5|Voodoo series]], one of the earliest consumer-facing GPUs that supported 3D acceleration. The Voodoo's architecture marked a major shift in graphical computing by offloading the demanding task of 3D rendering from the [[Central processing unit|CPU]] to the GPU, significantly improving gaming performance and graphical realism.

The development of fully integrated GPUs that could handle both 2D and 3D rendering came with the introduction of the [[RIVA 128|NVIDIA RIVA 128]]. Released in 1997, the RIVA 128 was one of the first consumer-facing GPUs to integrate both 3D and 2D processing units on a single chip. This innovation simplified the hardware requirements for end-users, as they no longer needed separate cards for 2D and 3D rendering, thus paving the way for the widespread adoption of more powerful and versatile GPUs in personal computers.

In contemporary times, the majority of graphics cards are built using chips sourced from two dominant manufacturers: [[AMD]] and [[Nvidia]]. These modern graphics cards are multifunctional and support various tasks beyond rendering 3D images for gaming. They also provide 2D graphics processing, [[Video acceleration|video decoding]], [[TV-out|TV output]], and [[Multi-monitor|multi-monitor setups]]. Additionally, many graphics cards now have integrated sound capabilities, allowing them to transmit audio alongside video output to connected TVs or monitors with built-in speakers, further enhancing the multimedia experience.

Within the graphics industry, these products are often referred to as graphics add-in boards (AIBs).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graphics Add-in Board (AIB) Market Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2024-2032 |url=https://www.imarcgroup.com/graphics-add-board-market#:~:text=Graphics%20add-in%20board%20(AIB)%20refers%20to%20an%20electronic,central%20processing%20unit%20(CPU). |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=www.imarcgroup.com |language=en}}</ref> The term "AIB" emphasizes the modular nature of these components, as they are typically added to a computer's motherboard to enhance its graphical capabilities. The evolution from the early days of separate 2D and 3D cards to today's integrated and multifunctional GPUs reflects the ongoing technological advancements and the increasing demand for high-quality visual and [[Multimedia|multimedia experiences]] in computing.

== Discrete vs integrated graphics ==
[[File:Desktop computer bus bandwidths.svg|thumb|Classical desktop computer architecture with a distinct graphics card over [[PCI Express]]. Typical bandwidths for given memory technologies, missing are the [[memory latency]]. [[Zero-copy]] between GPU and CPU is ''not possible'', since both have their distinct physical memories. Data must be copied from one to the other to be shared.]]
[[File:Integrated graphics with distinct memory allocation.svg|thumb|Integrated graphics with ''partitioned main memory'': a part of the system memory is allocated to the GPU exclusively. Zero-copy is not possible, data has to be copied, over the system memory bus, from one partition to the other.]]
[[File:HSA-enabled integrated graphics.svg|thumb|Integrated graphics with ''unified main memory'', to be found [[Steamroller (microarchitecture)|AMD "Kaveri"]] or [[PlayStation 4]] ([[Heterogeneous System Architecture|HSA]])]]
As an alternative to the use of a graphics card, video hardware can be integrated into the [[motherboard]], [[CPU]], or a [[system-on-chip]] as integrated graphics. Motherboard-based implementations are sometimes called "on-board video". Some motherboards support using both integrated graphics and a graphics card simultaneously to feed separate displays. The main advantages of integrated graphics are: low cost, compactness, simplicity, and low energy consumption. Integrated graphics often have less performance than a graphics card because the graphics processing unit inside integrated graphics needs to share system resources with the CPU. On the other hand, a graphics card has a separate [[random access memory]] (RAM), cooling system, and dedicated power regulators. A graphics card can offload work and reduce [[Bus contention|memory-bus-contention]] from the CPU and system RAM, therefore, the overall performance for a computer could improve, in addition to increased performance in graphics processing. Such improvements to performance can be seen in [[Video game|video gaming]], [[3D animation]], and [[video editing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/integrated-vs-dedicated-graphics-cards/|title=Integrated vs Dedicated Graphics Cards &#124; Lenovo US|website=www.lenovo.com|accessdate=9 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Brey |first=Barry B. |url=https://userpages.umbc.edu/~squire/intel_book.pdf |title=The Intel microprocessors: 8086/8088, 80186/80188, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium, Pentium Pro processor, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4, and Core2 with 64-bit extensions |date=2009 |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall |isbn=978-0-13-502645-8 |edition=8th |location=Upper Saddle River, N.J}}</ref>

Both AMD and Intel have introduced CPUs and motherboard chipsets that support the integration of a GPU into the same die as the CPU. AMD advertises CPUs with integrated graphics under the trademark [[Accelerated Processing Unit]] (APU), while Intel brands similar technology under "[[Intel Graphics Technology]]".<ref name="Crijns">{{cite web|last=Crijns|first=Koen|title=Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics review: the end of mid-range GPUs?|url=http://us.hardware.info/reviews/4776/18/intel-iris-pro-5200-graphics-review-the-end-of-mid-range-gpus-conclusion|publisher=hardware.info|access-date=30 November 2013|date=6 September 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022222/http://us.hardware.info/reviews/4776/18/intel-iris-pro-5200-graphics-review-the-end-of-mid-range-gpus-conclusion|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Power demand ==
As the processing power of graphics cards increased, so did their demand for electrical power. Current high-performance graphics cards tend to consume large amounts of power. For example, the thermal design power (TDP) for the GeForce Titan RTX is 280 [[watt]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introducing The GeForce GTX 780 Ti|url=http://www.geforce.com/whats-new/articles/introducing-the-geforce-gtx-780-ti|access-date=30 November 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005932/http://www.geforce.com/whats-new/articles/introducing-the-geforce-gtx-780-ti|url-status=live}}</ref> When tested with video games, the GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Founder's Edition averaged 300 watts of power consumption.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/best-gpus-for-mining-ethereum,review-34279-3.html|title=Test Results: Power Consumption For Mining & Gaming - The Best GPUs For Ethereum Mining, Tested and Compared|date=2018-03-30|work=Tom's Hardware|access-date=2018-11-30|language=en|archive-date=2018-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201093119/https://www.tomshardware.co.uk/best-gpus-for-mining-ethereum,review-34279-3.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> While CPU and [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supply]] manufacturers have recently aimed toward higher efficiency, power demands of graphics cards continued to rise, with the largest power consumption of any individual part in a computer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/power-noise.html|title=Faster, Quieter, Lower: Power Consumption and Noise Level of Contemporary Graphics Cards|work=xbitlabs.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904054636/http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/power-noise.html|archive-date=2011-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000662.html|title=Video Card Power Consumption|work=codinghorror.com|date=18 August 2006 |access-date=2008-09-15|archive-date=2008-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908060043/http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000662.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although power supplies have also increased their power output, the [[Bottleneck (engineering)|bottleneck]] occurs in the [[PCI-Express]] connection, which is limited to supplying 75 watts.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/3605
|title=Power-Supply Management Solution for PCI Express x16 Graphics 150W-ATX Add-In Cards
|author=Maxim Integrated Products
|author-link=Maxim Integrated Products
|access-date=2007-02-17
|archive-date=2009-12-05
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205075410/http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/3605
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

Modern graphics cards with a power consumption of over 75 watts usually include a combination of six-pin (75 W) or eight-pin (150 W) sockets that connect directly to the power supply. Providing adequate cooling becomes a challenge in such computers. Computers with multiple graphics cards may require power supplies over 750 watts. Heat extraction becomes a major design consideration for computers with two or more high-end graphics cards.{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

As of the [[Nvidia]] [[GeForce]] [[Nvidia RTX|RTX]] 30 series, [[Ampere (microarchitecture)|Ampere architecture]], a custom flashed RTX 3090 named "Hall of Fame" has been recorded to reach a peak power draw as high as 630 watts. A standard RTX 3090 can peak at up to 450 watts. The RTX 3080 can reach up to 350 watts, while a 3070 can reach a similar, if not slightly lower, peak power draw. Ampere cards of the Founders Edition variant feature a "dual axial flow through"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducing NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Graphics Cards |url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/introducing-rtx-30-series-graphics-cards/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=NVIDIA |language=en-us}}</ref> cooler design, which includes fans above and below the card to dissipate as much heat as possible towards the rear of the computer case. A similar design was used by the Sapphire Radeon RX Vega 56 Pulse graphics card.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-09-04 |title=NVIDIA GeForce Ampere Architecture, Board Design, Gaming Tech & Software |url=https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-ampere-architecture-board-design-gaming-tech-software/ |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=TechPowerUp |language=en}}</ref>

== Size ==
Graphics cards for desktop computers have different size profiles, which allows graphics cards to be added to smaller-sized computers. Some graphics cards are not of the usual size, and are named as "low profile".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://outletapex.com/best-low-profile-graphics-card|title=What is a Low Profile Video Card?|work=Outletapex|access-date=2020-04-29|archive-date=2020-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724202230/https://outletapex.com/best-low-profile-graphics-card|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/249711-15-best-profile-graphics-card|title=Best 'low profile' graphics card|work=Tom's Hardware|access-date=2012-12-06|archive-date=2013-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219102227/http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/249711-15-best-profile-graphics-card|url-status=live}}</ref> Graphics card profiles are based on height only, with low-profile cards taking up less than the height of a PCIe slot, some can be as low as "half-height".{{citation needed|date=August 2018}} Length and thickness can vary greatly, with high-end cards usually occupying two or three expansion slots, and with modern high-end graphics cards such as the [[RTX 4090]] exceeding 300mm in length.<ref>{{cite web |title=RTX 4090 {{pipe}} GeForce RTX 4090 Graphics Card |url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/graphics-cards/40-series/rtx-4090/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308035725/https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/graphics-cards/40-series/rtx-4090/ |archive-date=2023-03-08 |access-date=2023-04-03 |publisher=GeForce}}</ref> A lower profile card is preferred when trying to fit multiple cards or if graphics cards run into clearance issues with other motherboard components like the DIMM or PCIE slots. This can be fixed with a larger [[computer case]] such as mid-tower or full tower. Full towers are usually able to fit larger motherboards in sizes like ATX and micro ATX.{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

=== GPU sag ===
In the late 2010s and early 2020s, some high-end graphics card models have become so heavy that it is possible for them to sag downwards after installing without proper support, which is why many manufacturers provide additional support brackets.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-04-18 |title=What is GPU sag, and how to avoid it |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/what-is-gpu-sag-how-to-avoid/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Digital Trends |language=en}}</ref> GPU sag can damage a GPU in the long term.<ref name=":0" />

== Multicard scaling ==
Some graphics cards can be linked together to allow scaling graphics processing across multiple cards. This is done using either the PCIe bus on the motherboard or, more commonly, a data bridge. Usually, the cards must be of the same model to be linked, and most low end cards are not able to be linked in this way.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/sli/supported-gpus|title=SLI|work=geforce.com|access-date=2013-03-13|archive-date=2013-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315133439/http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/sli/supported-gpus|url-status=live}}</ref> AMD and Nvidia both have proprietary scaling methods, [[CrossFireX]] for AMD, and [[Scalable Link Interface|SLI]] (since the [[Turing (microarchitecture)|Turing]] generation, superseded by [[NVLink]]) for Nvidia. Cards from different chip-set manufacturers or architectures cannot be used together for multi-card scaling. If graphics cards have different sizes of memory, the lowest value will be used, with the higher values disregarded. Currently, scaling on consumer-grade cards can be done using up to four cards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techreport.com/review/19404/sli-vs-crossfirex-the-dx11-generation|title=SLI vs. CrossFireX: The DX11 generation|work=techreport.com|date=11 August 2010 |access-date=2013-03-13|archive-date=2013-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227074444/http://techreport.com/review/19404/sli-vs-crossfirex-the-dx11-generation|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/nvidia-geforce-gtx-680-in-quad-sli-configuration-benchmarked/19274|title=NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 in quad-SLI configuration benchmarked|author=Adrian Kingsley-Hughes|work=ZDNet|access-date=2013-03-13|archive-date=2013-02-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207021036/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/nvidia-geforce-gtx-680-in-quad-sli-configuration-benchmarked/19274|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/head_head_quad_sli_vs_quad_crossfirex|title=Head to Head: Quad SLI vs. Quad CrossFireX|work=Maximum PC|access-date=2013-03-13|archive-date=2012-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810150213/http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/head_head_quad_sli_vs_quad_crossfirex|url-status=live}}</ref> The use of four cards requires a large motherboard with a proper configuration. Nvidia's GeForce GTX 590 graphics card can be configured in a four-card configuration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/how-to-build-a-quad-sli-system#1|title=How to Build a Quad SLI Gaming Rig {{!}} GeForce|website=www.geforce.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-11|archive-date=2017-12-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226074533/https://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/how-to-build-a-quad-sli-system#1|url-status=live}}</ref> As stated above, users will want to stick to cards with the same performances for optimal use. Motherboards including ASUS Maximus 3 Extreme and Gigabyte GA EX58 Extreme are certified to work with this configuration.<ref name="geforce.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/how-to-build-a-quad-sli-system#2|title=How to Build a Quad SLI Gaming Rig {{!}} GeForce|website=www.geforce.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-11|archive-date=2017-12-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226074533/https://www.geforce.com/whats-new/guides/how-to-build-a-quad-sli-system#2|url-status=live}}</ref> A large power supply is necessary to run the cards in SLI or CrossFireX. Power demands must be known before a proper supply is installed. For the four card configuration, a 1000+ watt supply is needed.<ref name="geforce.com"/> With any relatively powerful graphics card, thermal management cannot be ignored. Graphics cards require well-vented chassis and good thermal solutions. Air or water cooling are usually required, though low end GPUs can use passive cooling. Larger configurations use [[Aqueous solution|water solution]]s or immersion cooling to achieve proper performance without thermal throttling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nvidia.com/object/slizone_quadsli.html|title=NVIDIA Quad-SLI{{!}}NVIDIA|website=www.nvidia.com|language=en-us|access-date=2017-12-11|archive-date=2017-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084703/http://www.nvidia.com/object/slizone_quadsli.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

SLI and Crossfire have become increasingly uncommon as most games do not fully utilize multiple GPUs, due to the fact that most users cannot afford them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fudzilla.com/news/graphics/38134-crossfire-and-sli-market-is-just-300-000-units|title=Crossfire and SLI market is just 300.000 units|first=Fuad|last=Abazovic|website=www.fudzilla.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303095645/https://www.fudzilla.com/news/graphics/38134-crossfire-and-sli-market-is-just-300-000-units|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thetechaltar.com/is-multi-gpu-dead/|title=Is Multi-GPU Dead?|date=January 7, 2018|website=Tech Altar|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=March 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327112043/https://thetechaltar.com/is-multi-gpu-dead/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/nvidia-sli-and-amd-crossfire-is-dead-but-should-we-mourn-multi-gpu-gaming|title=Nvidia SLI and AMD CrossFire is dead – but should we mourn multi-GPU gaming? {{pipe}} TechRadar|website=www.techradar.com|date=24 August 2019 |access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303033528/https://www.techradar.com/amp/news/nvidia-sli-and-amd-crossfire-is-dead-but-should-we-mourn-multi-gpu-gaming|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple GPUs are still used on supercomputers (like in [[Summit (supercomputer)|Summit]]), on workstations to accelerate video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.blackmagicdesign.com/ConfigGuides/DaVinci_Resolve_15_Mac_Configuration_Guide.pdf|title=Hardware Selection and Configuration Guide|website=documents.blackmagicdesign.com|access-date=2020-11-10|archive-date=2020-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111195015/https://documents.blackmagicdesign.com/ConfigGuides/DaVinci_Resolve_15_Mac_Configuration_Guide.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-DaVinci-Resolve-187/Hardware-Recommendations|title=Recommended System: Recommended Systems for DaVinci Resolve|website=Puget Systems|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303095515/https://www.pugetsystems.com/recommended/Recommended-Systems-for-DaVinci-Resolve-187/Hardware-Recommendations|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/gpu-acceleration-and-hardware-encoding.html|title=GPU Accelerated Rendering and Hardware Encoding|website=helpx.adobe.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303032643/https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/gpu-acceleration-and-hardware-encoding.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and 3D rendering,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/V-Ray-Next-Multi-GPU-Performance-Scaling-1559/|title=V-Ray Next Multi-GPU Performance Scaling|website=Puget Systems|date=20 August 2019 |access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303095517/https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/V-Ray-Next-Multi-GPU-Performance-Scaling-1559/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.redshift3d.com/support/faq|title=FAQ {{pipe}} GPU-accelerated 3D rendering software {{pipe}} Redshift|website=www.redshift3d.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411151101/https://www.redshift3d.com/support/faq|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://home.otoy.com/render/octane-render/|title=OctaneRender 2020 Preview is here!|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307090913/https://home.otoy.com/render/octane-render/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techgage.com/article/autodesk-arnold-render-gpu-beta-performance/|title=Exploring Performance With Autodesk's Arnold Renderer GPU Beta – Techgage|first=Rob|last=Williams|website=techgage.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303095516/https://techgage.com/article/autodesk-arnold-render-gpu-beta-performance/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/render/cycles/gpu_rendering.html|title=GPU Rendering — Blender Manual|website=docs.blender.org|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416212930/https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/render/cycles/gpu_rendering.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[visual effects]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray/nuke|title=V-Ray for Nuke – Ray Traced Rendering for Compositors {{pipe}} Chaos Group|website=www.chaosgroup.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303095516/https://www.chaosgroup.com/vray/nuke|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke/requirements|title=System Requirements {{pipe}} Nuke {{pipe}} Foundry|website=www.foundry.com|access-date=2020-03-03|archive-date=2020-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801044003/https://www.foundry.com/products/nuke/requirements|url-status=live}}</ref> for simulations,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://test.foldingathome.org/faqs/gpu2-common/frequently-asked-questions-common-ati-nvidia-gpu2-clients-2/multi-gpu-support/|title=What about multi-GPU support?|access-date=2020-11-10|archive-date=2021-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118015357/https://test.foldingathome.org/faqs/gpu2-common/frequently-asked-questions-common-ati-nvidia-gpu2-clients-2/multi-gpu-support/|url-status=live}}</ref> and for training artificial intelligence.

== 3D graphics APIs ==
A graphics driver usually supports one or multiple cards by the same vendor and has to be written for a specific operating system. Additionally, the operating system or an extra software package may provide certain programming [[API]]s for applications to perform 3D rendering.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+3D rendering API availability across operating systems
! OS
! [[Vulkan]]
! [[Direct3D]]
! [[Metal (API)|Metal]]
! [[OpenGL]]
! [[OpenGL ES]]
! [[OpenCL]]
|-
! [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Sort|Yes-Microsoft|{{Yes|Microsoft}}}}
| {{No}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|-
! [[macOS]], [[iOS]] and [[iPadOS]]
| {{Sort|Partial-MoltenVK|{{Partial|[[MoltenVK]]}}}}
| {{No}}
| {{Sort|Yes-Apple|{{Yes|Apple}}}}
| {{Sort|Yes-MacOS|{{Yes|MacOS}}}}
| {{Sort|Yes-iOS/iPadOS|{{Yes|iOS/iPadOS}}}}
| {{Sort|Yes-Apple|{{Yes|Apple}}}}
|-
! [[Linux]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{Sort|Partial-Wine|{{Partial|[[Direct3D#Alternative_implementations|Alternative<br>Implementations]]}}}}
| {{No}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
| {{Yes}}
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| {{Sort|Yes-Nvidia|{{Yes|Nvidia}}}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{Yes}}
|-
! [[Tizen]]
| {{Sort|Pending-InDevelopment|{{Pending|In development}}}}
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{N/A}}
|-
! [[Sailfish OS]]
| {{Sort|Pending-InDevelopment|{{Pending|In development}}}}
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| {{Yes}}
| {{N/A}}
|}

=== Specific usage ===
Some GPUs are designed with specific usage in mind:

# Gaming
#* [[GeForce|GeForce GTX]]
#* [[Nvidia RTX|GeForce RTX]]
#* [[Nvidia Titan]]
#* [[Radeon]] HD
#* [[Radeon]] RX
#* [[Intel Arc]]
# [[Cloud gaming]]
#* [[Nvidia GRID|Nvidia Grid]]
#* [[List of AMD graphics processing units#Radeon Sky Series|Radeon Sky]]
# Workstation
#* [[Nvidia Quadro]]
#* [[AMD FirePro]]
#* [[Radeon Pro]]
#* [[Intel Arc#Workstation|Intel Arc Pro]]
# Cloud Workstation
#* [[Nvidia Tesla]]
#* [[AMD FireStream]]
# Artificial Intelligence Cloud
#* [[Nvidia Tesla]]
#* [[Radeon Instinct]]
# Automated/Driverless car
#* [[Drive PX-series|Nvidia Drive PX]]

== Industry ==
As of 2016, the primary suppliers of the GPUs (graphics chips or chipsets) used in graphics cards are AMD and Nvidia. In the third quarter of 2013, AMD had a 35.5% market share while Nvidia had 64.5%,<ref name="Jon Peddie Research Q3 2013">{{cite web|title=Graphics Card Market Up Sequentially in Q3, NVIDIA Gains as AMD Slips|url=http://www.techpowerup.com/194979/graphics-card-market-up-sequentially-in-q3-nvidia-gains-as-amd-slips.html|access-date=30 November 2013|archive-date=28 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128143235/http://www.techpowerup.com/194979/graphics-card-market-up-sequentially-in-q3-nvidia-gains-as-amd-slips.html|url-status=live}}</ref> according to Jon Peddie Research. In economics, this industry structure is termed a [[duopoly]]. AMD and Nvidia also build and sell graphics cards, which are termed graphics add-in-boards (AIBs) in the industry. (See [[Comparison of Nvidia graphics processing units]] and [[Comparison of AMD graphics processing units]].) In addition to marketing their own graphics cards, AMD and Nvidia sell their GPUs to authorized AIB suppliers, which AMD and Nvidia refer to as "partners".<ref name="Jon Peddie Research Q2 2013">{{cite web |date=16 August 2013 |title=Add-in board-market down in Q2, AMD gains market share [Press Release] |url=http://jonpeddie.com/press-releases/details/add-in-board-market-down-in-q2-amd-gains-market-share/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004522/http://jonpeddie.com/press-releases/details/add-in-board-market-down-in-q2-amd-gains-market-share/ |archive-date=3 December 2013 |access-date=30 November 2013 |publisher=Jon Peddie Research}}</ref> The fact that Nvidia and AMD compete directly with their customer/partners complicates relationships in the industry. AMD and Intel being direct competitors in the CPU industry is also noteworthy, since AMD-based graphics cards may be used in computers with Intel CPUs. Intel's [[Intel Graphics Technology|integrated graphics]] may weaken AMD, in which the latter derives a significant portion of its revenue from its [[AMD Accelerated Processing Unit|APUs]]. As of the second quarter of 2013, there were 52 AIB suppliers.<ref name="Jon Peddie Research Q2 2013"/> These AIB suppliers may market graphics cards under their own brands, produce graphics cards for private label brands, or produce graphics cards for computer manufacturers. Some AIB suppliers such as [[Micro-Star International|MSI]] build both AMD-based and Nvidia-based graphics cards. Others, such as [[EVGA Corporation|EVGA]], build only Nvidia-based graphics cards, while [[XFX]], now builds only AMD-based graphics cards. Several AIB suppliers are also motherboard suppliers. Most of the largest AIB suppliers are based in Taiwan and they include [[Asus|ASUS]], [[Micro-Star International|MSI]], [[Gigabyte Technology|GIGABYTE]], and [[Palit Microsystems|Palit]]. Hong Kong{{En dash}}based AIB manufacturers include [[Sapphire Technology|Sapphire]] and [[Zotac]]. Sapphire and Zotac also sell graphics cards exclusively for AMD and Nvidia GPUs respectively.<ref name="DIGITIMES April 2013">{{cite web|last=Chen|first=Monica|title=Palit, PC Partner surpass Asustek in graphics card market share|url=http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130416PD210.html?mod=2|publisher=DIGITIMES|access-date=1 December 2013|date=16 April 2013|archive-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907013936/http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130416PD210.html?mod=2|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Market ==
Graphics card shipments peaked at a total of 114 million in 1999. By contrast, they totaled 14.5 million units in the third quarter of 2013, a 17% fall from Q3 2012 levels.<ref name="Jon Peddie Research Q3 2013"/> Shipments reached an annual total of 44 million in 2015.{{Cn|date=September 2022}} The sales of graphics cards have trended downward due to improvements in integrated graphics technologies; high-end, CPU-integrated graphics can provide competitive performance with low-end graphics cards. At the same time, graphics card sales have grown within the high-end segment, as manufacturers have shifted their focus to prioritize the gaming and enthusiast market.<ref name="DIGITIMES April 2013"/><ref name="anand-discreteontop">{{Cite news|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/10613/discrete-desktop-gpu-market-trends-q2-2016-amd-grabs-market-share-but-nvidia-remains-on-top|title=Discrete Desktop GPU Market Trends Q2 2016: AMD Grabs Market Share, But NVIDIA Remains on Top|last=Shilov|first=Anton|work=Anandtech|access-date=2018-01-22|archive-date=2018-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072301/https://www.anandtech.com/show/10613/discrete-desktop-gpu-market-trends-q2-2016-amd-grabs-market-share-but-nvidia-remains-on-top|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beyond the gaming and multimedia segments, graphics cards have been increasingly used for [[General-purpose computing on graphics processing units|general-purpose computing]], such as [[big data]] processing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/nvidia-touts-gpu-processing-as-the-future-of-big-data/|title=Nvidia touts GPU processing as the future of big data|last=Chanthadavong|first=Aimee|work=ZDNet|access-date=2018-01-22|language=en|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120185451/http://www.zdnet.com/article/nvidia-touts-gpu-processing-as-the-future-of-big-data/|url-status=live}}</ref> The growth of [[cryptocurrency]] has placed a severely high demand on high-end graphics cards, especially in large quantities, due to their advantages in the process of cryptocurrency mining. In January 2018, mid- to high-end graphics cards experienced a major surge in price, with many retailers having stock shortages due to the significant demand among this market.<ref name="anand-discreteontop" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/cryptocurrency-boom-creates-insane-global-graphics-card-shortage/|title=Here's why you can't buy a high-end graphics card at Best Buy|work=Ars Technica|access-date=2018-01-22|language=en-us|archive-date=2018-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121193105/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/cryptocurrency-boom-creates-insane-global-graphics-card-shortage/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/262493-gpu-prices-skyrocket-breaking-entire-diy-pc-market|title=GPU Prices Skyrocket, Breaking the Entire DIY PC Market|date=2018-01-19|work=ExtremeTech|access-date=2018-01-22|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120202816/https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/262493-gpu-prices-skyrocket-breaking-entire-diy-pc-market|url-status=live}}</ref> Graphics card companies released mining-specific cards designed to run [[24 hours a day, seven days a week]], and without video output ports.<ref name="parrish20170710">{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/graphics-card-for-mining-roundup/ |title=Graphics cards dedicated to cryptocurrency mining are here, and we have the list |last=Parrish |first=Kevin |date=2017-07-10 |website=Digital Trends |access-date=2020-01-16 |archive-date=2020-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801035950/https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/graphics-card-for-mining-roundup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The graphics card industry took a setback due to the [[2020–present global chip shortage|2020{{En dash}}21 chip shortage]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Graphics Card shortage is killing PC Gaming|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/how-graphics-card-shortage-is-killing-pc-gaming-2021-06-18|access-date=2021-09-01|website=MarketWatch|language=EN-US|archive-date=2021-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901040058/https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/how-graphics-card-shortage-is-killing-pc-gaming-2021-06-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Parts ==
[[File:SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7970.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|right|A [[Radeon HD 7000 series|Radeon HD 7970]] with the main heatsink removed, showing the major components of the card. The large, tilted silver object is the GPU die, which is surrounded by RAM chips, which are covered in extruded aluminum heatsinks. Power delivery circuitry is mounted next to the RAM, near the right side of the card.]]
A modern graphics card consists of a [[printed circuit board]] on which the components are mounted. These include:

=== Graphics processing unit ===
{{Main|graphics processing unit}}

A '''graphics processing unit''' ('''GPU'''), also occasionally called '''visual processing unit''' ('''VPU'''), is a specialized [[electronic circuit]] designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the building of images in a [[frame buffer]] intended for output to a display. Because of the large degree of programmable computational complexity for such a task, a modern graphics card is also a computer unto itself.
[[File:S3 Graphics chrome 530 GT card (3044640155).jpg|thumb|A half-height graphics card]]

=== Heat sink ===
A [[heat sink]] is mounted on most modern graphics cards. A heat sink spreads out the heat produced by the graphics processing unit evenly throughout the heat sink and unit itself. The heat sink commonly has a fan mounted to cool the heat sink and the graphics processing unit. Not all cards have heat sinks, for example, some cards are liquid-cooled and instead have a water block; additionally, cards from the 1980s and early 1990s did not produce much heat, and did not require heat sinks. Most modern graphics cards need proper thermal solutions. They can be [[water-cooled]] or through heat sinks with additional connected heat pipes usually made of copper for the best thermal transfer.{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

=== Video BIOS ===
The [[video BIOS]] or [[firmware]] contains a minimal program for the initial set up and control of the graphics card. It may contain information on the memory and memory timing, operating speeds and voltages of the graphics processor, and other details which can sometimes be changed.{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

Modern Video BIOSes do not support full functionalities of graphics cards; they are only sufficient to identify and initialize the card to display one of a few frame buffer or text display modes. It does not support [[YUV]] to [[RGB]] translation, video scaling, pixel copying, compositing or any of the multitude of other 2D and 3D features of the graphics card, which must be accessed by software drivers.{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

=== Video memory ===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:center;"
|-
! Type
! Memory clock rate ([[Hertz|MHz]])
! Bandwidth (GB/s)
|-
| '''[[DDR SDRAM|DDR]]'''
| 200–400
| 1.6–3.2
|- 
| '''[[DDR2 SDRAM|DDR2]]'''
| 400–1066
| 3.2–8.533
|- 
| '''[[DDR3 SDRAM|DDR3]]'''
|800–2133
| 6.4–17.066
|-
|[[DDR4 SDRAM|'''DDR4''']]
|1600–4866
|12.8–25.6
|- 
|[[DDR5 SDRAM|'''DDR5''']]
|4000-8800
|32-128
|-
| '''[[GDDR4]]'''
| 3000–4000
| 160–256
|- 
| '''[[GDDR5]]'''
| 1000–2000
| 288–336.5
|-
| '''[[GDDR5X]]'''
| 1000–1750
| 160–673
|- 
| '''[[GDDR6]]'''
| 1365–1770
| 336–672
|-
| '''[[High Bandwidth Memory|HBM]]'''
| 250–1000
| 512–1024
|}

The memory capacity of most modern graphics cards ranges from 2&nbsp;to 24 [[Gibibyte|GB]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/deep-learning-ai/products/titan-rtx/|title=NVIDIA TITAN RTX is Here|website=NVIDIA|access-date=2019-11-07|archive-date=2019-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108195829/https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/deep-learning-ai/products/titan-rtx/|url-status=live}}</ref> But with up to 32 GB as of the last 2010s, the applications for graphics use are becoming more powerful and widespread. Since video memory needs to be accessed by the GPU and the display circuitry, it often uses special high-speed or multi-port memory, such as [[Video RAM#Video DRAM (VRAM)|VRAM]], [[WRAM (memory)|WRAM]], [[SGRAM]], etc. Around 2003, the video memory was typically based on [[Double data rate|DDR]] technology. During and after that year, manufacturers moved towards [[DDR2 SDRAM|DDR2]], [[GDDR3]], [[GDDR4]], [[GDDR5]], [[GDDR5X]], and [[GDDR6 SDRAM|GDDR6]]. The effective memory clock rate in modern cards is generally between 2 and 15&nbsp;[[Hertz|GHz]].{{Cn|date=September 2022}}

Video memory may be used for storing other data as well as the screen image, such as the [[Z-buffering|Z-buffer]], which manages the depth coordinates in [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], as well as [[Texture (computer graphics)|textures]], [[vertex buffers]], and compiled [[Shader|shader programs]].

=== RAMDAC ===
The [[RAMDAC]], or random-access-memory digital-to-analog converter, converts [[digital signal (signal processing)|digital signal]]s to [[analog signal]]s for use by a computer display that uses analog inputs such as [[cathode-ray tube]] (CRT) displays. The RAMDAC is a kind of RAM chip that regulates the functioning of the graphics card. Depending on the number of [[bit]]s used and the RAMDAC-data-transfer rate, the converter will be able to support different computer-display refresh rates. With CRT displays, it is best to work over 75&nbsp;[[Hertz|Hz]] and never under 60&nbsp;Hz, to minimize flicker.<ref>{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/1146
 |title        = Refresh rate recommended
 |access-date  = 2007-02-17
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070102032211/http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/1146
 |archive-date = 2007-01-02
 |url-status     = dead
}}</ref> (This is not a problem with LCD displays, as they have little to no flicker.{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}) Due to the growing popularity of digital computer displays and the integration of the RAMDAC onto the GPU die, it has mostly disappeared as a discrete component. All current LCD/plasma monitors and TVs and projectors with only digital connections work in the digital domain and do not require a RAMDAC for those connections. There are displays that feature analog inputs ([[Video Graphics Array|VGA]], component, [[SCART]], etc.) ''only''. These require a RAMDAC, but they reconvert the analog signal back to digital before they can display it, with the unavoidable loss of quality stemming from this digital-to-analog-to-digital conversion.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} With the VGA standard being phased out in favor of digital formats, RAMDACs have started to disappear from graphics cards.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
[[File:HIS Radeon HD 5850 ports.jpg|thumb|A [[Radeon HD 5000 series#Desktop products|Radeon HD 5850]] with {{nowrap|a DisplayPort, HDMI and two DVI ports}}]]

=== Output interfaces ===
[[File:Gpu-connector.jpg|thumb|center|upright=2|[[Video-in video-out]] (VIVO) for S-Video (TV-out), Digital Visual Interface (DVI) for high-definition television (HDTV), and DE-15 for Video Graphics Array (VGA)]]
The most common connection systems between the graphics card and the computer display are:

==== Video Graphics Array (VGA) (DE-15) ====
[[File:DE-15 female.svg|thumb|Video Graphics Array ([[VGA connector|DE-15]])]]
{{Main|Video Graphics Array}}

Also known as [[D-subminiature|D-sub]], VGA is an analog-based standard adopted in the late 1980s designed for CRT displays, also called [[VGA connector]]. Today, the VGA analog interface is used for high definition video resolutions including [[1080p]] and higher. Some problems of this standard are [[Electromagnetic interference|electrical noise]], [[image distortion]] and [[sampling error]] in evaluating pixels. While the VGA transmission bandwidth is high enough to support even higher resolution playback, the picture quality can degrade depending on cable quality and length. The extent of quality difference depends on the individual's eyesight and the display; when using a DVI or HDMI connection, especially on larger sized LCD/LED monitors or TVs, quality degradation, if present, is prominently visible. [[Blu-ray]] playback at 1080p is possible via the VGA analog interface, if [[Image Constraint Token]] (ICT) is not enabled on the Blu-ray disc.

==== Digital Visual Interface (DVI) ====
[[File:DVI Connector Pinout.svg|thumb|[[Digital Visual Interface]] (DVI-I)]]
{{Main|Digital Visual Interface}}
Digital Visual Interface is a digital-based standard designed for displays such as flat-panel displays ([[Liquid crystal display|LCD]]s, plasma screens, wide [[high-definition television]] displays) and video projectors. There were also some rare high-end CRT monitors that use DVI. It avoids image distortion and electrical noise, corresponding each pixel from the computer to a display pixel, using its [[native resolution]]. It is worth noting that most manufacturers include a DVI-'''I''' connector, allowing (via simple adapter) standard RGB signal output to an old CRT or LCD monitor with VGA input.

==== Video-in video-out (VIVO) for S-Video, composite video and component video ====
[[File:MiniDIN-9 Diagram.svg|thumb|[[Mini-DIN connector#9-pin|VIVO connector]]|120x120px]]
{{Main|Video-in video-out}}
These connectors are included to allow connection with [[television]]s, [[DVD player]]s, [[videocassette recorder|video recorders]] and [[video game console]]s. They often come in two 10-pin [[mini-DIN connector]] variations, and the VIVO splitter cable generally comes with either 4 connectors ([[S-Video]] in and out plus [[composite video]] [[Video capture|in]] and out), or 6 connectors (S-Video in and out, [[YPbPr|component YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]] out and composite in and out).

==== High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ====
[[File:HDMI Connector Pinout.svg|thumb|[[High-Definition Multimedia Interface]]]]
{{Main|HDMI}}
HDMI is a compact audio/video interface for transferring [[uncompressed video]] data and compressed/uncompressed digital [[Uncompressed audio|audio]] data from an HDMI-compliant device ("the source device") to a compatible [[digital audio]] device, [[visual display unit|computer monitor]], [[video projector]], or [[digital television]].<ref name="HDMIFAQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx|title=HDMI FAQ|publisher=HDMI.org|access-date=2007-07-09|archive-date=2018-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222200543/https://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> HDMI is a digital replacement for existing [[analog video]] standards. HDMI supports [[copy protection]] through [[High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection|HDCP]].

==== DisplayPort ====
[[File:DisplayPort Connector.svg|thumb|[[DisplayPort]] ]]

{{Main|DisplayPort}}
DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the [[VESA|Video Electronics Standards Association]] (VESA). The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a [[display device]] such as a [[computer monitor]], though it can also be used to transmit audio, USB, and other forms of data.<ref name="ICCE">{{cite web|url=http://www.vesa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ICCE-Presentation-on-VESA-DisplayPort.pdf|title=DisplayPort Technical Overview|date=January 10, 2011|publisher=VESA.org|access-date=23 January 2012|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112010053/http://www.vesa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ICCE-Presentation-on-VESA-DisplayPort.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
The VESA specification is [[royalty-free]]. VESA designed it to replace [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]], [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]], and [[Low-voltage differential signaling|LVDS]]. Backward compatibility to VGA and DVI by using adapter [[dongles]] enables consumers to use DisplayPort fitted video sources without replacing existing display devices. Although DisplayPort has a greater throughput of the same functionality as [[High-Definition Multimedia Interface|HDMI]], it is expected to complement the interface, not replace it.<ref name="dpfaq">{{Cite news|title=FAQ Archive – DisplayPort|publisher=VESA|url=http://www.displayport.org/faq/faq-archive/|access-date=2012-08-22|archive-date=2020-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124200254/https://www.displayport.org/faq/faq-archive/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Direct2Dell_DPvsHDMI">{{cite web|url=http://en.community.dell.com/dell-blogs/direct2dell/b/direct2dell/archive/2008/02/19/46464.aspx|title=The Truth About DisplayPort vs. HDMI|work=dell.com|access-date=2013-03-13|archive-date=2014-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301024953/http://en.community.dell.com/dell-blogs/direct2dell/b/direct2dell/archive/2008/02/19/46464.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== USB-C ====
{{Main|USB-C}}

==== Other types of connection systems ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Type 
!Connector
!Description
|-
! [[Composite video]]
|[[File:Composite-video-cable.jpg|center|150x150px]]
| For display on analog systems with SD resolutions ([[PAL]] or [[NTSC]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://video.matrox.com/en/products/legacy|title=Legacy Products &#124; Matrox Video|website=video.matrox.com|accessdate=9 November 2023}}</ref> the [[RCA connector]] output can be used. The single pin connector carries all resolution, brightness and color information, making it the lowest quality dedicated video connection.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video Signals and Connectors|url=https://documentation.apple.com/en/soundtrackpro/usermanual/index.html#chapter=C%26section=2%26hash=apple_ref:doc:uid:SoundtrackPro-UserManual-90762CPE-1008751|publisher=Apple|access-date=29 January 2016|archive-date=26 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326040817/http://documentation.apple.com/en/soundtrackpro/usermanual/index.html#chapter=C%26section=2%26hash=apple_ref:doc:uid:SoundtrackPro-UserManual-90762CPE-1008751|url-status=live}}</ref> Depending on the card the [[SECAM]] color system might be supported, along with non-standard modes like [[PAL#PAL 60|PAL-60]] or [[NTSC#NTSC-N/NTSC50|NTSC50]].
|-
![[S-Video]]
|[[File:S-video-connection.jpg|center|135x135px]]
|For display on analog systems with SD resolutions ([[PAL]] or [[NTSC]]), the S-video cable carries two synchronized signal and ground pairs, termed '''Y''' and '''C''', on a four-pin [[mini-DIN connector]]. In composite video, the signals co-exist on different frequencies. To achieve this, the luminance signal must be low-pass filtered, dulling the image. As S-Video maintains the two as separate signals, such detrimental low-pass filtering for luminance is unnecessary, although the chrominance signal still has limited bandwidth relative to component video.
|-
!7P
|[[File:S-Video_7-pin_quasi-DIN_connector.JPG|center|65x65px]]
|Non-standard 7-pin mini-DIN connectors (termed "7P") are used in some computer equipment (PCs and Macs). A 7P socket accepts and is pin compatible with a standard 4-pin S-Video plug.<ref name="pin7">{{cite book |author=Keith Jack |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kp5J7G8kXN4C&q=Video%20demystified%3A%20a%20handbook%20for%20the%20digital%20engineer.%20Newnes.%20p.%2069.&pg=PA69 |title=Video demystified: a handbook for the digital engineer |publisher=Newnes |year=2007 |isbn=9780750678223}}</ref> The three extra sockets may be used to supply [[Composite video|composite (CVBS)]], an RGB or YPbPr video signal, or an [[I²C]] interface.<ref name="pin7" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pinoutguide.com/Video/svideo_7pin_pinout.shtml|title=ATI Radeon 7 pin SVID/OUT connector pinout diagram @ pinoutguide.com|website=pinoutguide.com|accessdate=9 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
!8-pin mini-DIN
|[[File:MiniDIN-8_Diagram.svg|alt=A MiniDIN-8 Diagram|center|65x65px]]
|The 8-pin mini-DIN connector is used in some [[ATI Radeon]] video cards.<ref name="8-pin">{{cite web |author=Pinouts.Ru |year=2017 |title=ATI Radeon 8-pin audio / video VID IN connector pinout |url=https://pinouts.ru/Video/ati_video_pinout.shtml&usg=ALkJrhjYg-klUa0V7qOqqbVPDHFy9Rdp5A}}</ref>
|-
! [[Component video]]
|[[File:Component_video_jack.jpg|center|150x150px]]
| It uses three cables, each with an RCA connector ([[YCbCr|YC<sub>B</sub>C<sub>R</sub>]] for digital component, or [[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]] for analog component); it is used in older projectors, video-game consoles, and DVD players.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to Connect Component Video to a VGA Projector|url=http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/connect-component-video-vga-projector-1133.html|publisher=AZCentral|access-date=29 January 2016}}</ref> It can carry [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] [[480i]]/[[576i]] and [[Enhanced-definition television|EDTV]] [[480p]]/[[576p]] resolutions, and [[High-definition television|HDTV]] resolutions [[720p]] and [[1080i]], but not [[1080p]] due to industry concerns about copy protection. Its graphics quality is equivalent to HDMI for the resolutions it carries,<ref>{{cite web|title=Quality Difference Between Component vs. HDMI|url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/81236-quality-difference-between-component-vs-hdmi|publisher=Extreme Tech|access-date=29 January 2016|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204085155/http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/81236-quality-difference-between-component-vs-hdmi|url-status=live}}</ref> but for best performance for Blu-ray, other 1080p sources like [[Pay-per-view|PPV]], or [[Ultra-high-definition television|4K Ultra HD]], a digital display connector is required.
|-
! [[DB13W3]]
|[[File:DB13W3_Pinout.svg|center|200x200px]]
| An analog standard once used by [[Sun Microsystems]], [[Silicon Graphics|SGI]] and [[IBM]].
|-
! [[DMS-59]]
|[[File:DMS-59.jpg|center|200x200px]]
| A connector that provides a [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]] or [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] output on a single connector.
|-
![[DE-9]]
|[[File:Numbered_DE9_female_Diagram.svg|center|frameless|200x200px]]
|The historical connector used by [[Enhanced Graphics Adapter|EGA]] and [[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] graphics cards is a female nine-pin D-subminiature ([[DE-9]]). The signal standard and pinout are backward-compatible with CGA, allowing EGA monitors to be used on CGA cards and vice versa.
|}

=== Motherboard interfaces ===
{{Main|Bus (computing) | Expansion card}}
[[File:ATI Hercules Card 1986 (cropped and transparent).png|thumb|right|ATI ''Graphics Solution Rev 3'' from 1985/1986, supporting [[Hercules Graphics Card|Hercules]] graphics. As can be seen from the [[Printed circuit board|PCB]] the layout was done in 1985, whereas the marking on the central chip ''CW16800-A'' says "8639" meaning that chip was manufactured week 39, 1986. This card is using the [[Industry Standard Architecture|ISA 8-bit (XT) interface]].]]

Chronologically, connection systems between graphics card and motherboard were, mainly:

* [[S-100 bus]]: Designed in 1974 as a part of the Altair 8800, it is the first industry-standard bus for the microcomputer industry.
* [[Industry Standard Architecture|ISA]]: Introduced in 1981 by [[IBM]], it became dominant in the marketplace in the 1980s. It is an [[8-bit computing|8-]] or [[16-bit computing|16-bit]] bus clocked at 8&nbsp;MHz.
* [[NuBus]]: Used in [[Macintosh II]], it is a [[32-bit computing|32-bit]] bus with an average bandwidth of 10 to 20&nbsp;MB/s.
* [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]]: Introduced in 1987 by IBM it is a 32-bit bus clocked at 10&nbsp;MHz.
* [[Extended Industry Standard Architecture|EISA]]: Released in 1988 to compete with IBM's MCA, it was compatible with the earlier ISA bus. It is a 32-bit bus clocked at 8.33&nbsp;MHz.
* [[VESA Local Bus|VLB]]: An extension of ISA, it is a 32-bit bus clocked at 33&nbsp;MHz. Also referred to as VESA.
* [[Peripheral Component Interconnect|PCI]]: Replaced the EISA, ISA, MCA and VESA buses from 1993 onwards. PCI allowed dynamic connectivity between devices, avoiding the manual adjustments required with [[Jumper (computing)|jumpers]]. It is a 32-bit bus clocked 33&nbsp;MHz.
* [[Ultra Port Architecture|UPA]]: An interconnect bus architecture introduced by [[Sun Microsystems]] in 1995. It is a [[64-bit computing|64-bit]] bus clocked at 67 or 83&nbsp;MHz.
* [[USB]]: Although mostly used for miscellaneous devices, such as [[Computer data storage|secondary storage devices or peripherals]] and [[USB toys|toys]], USB displays and display adapters exist. It was first used in 1996.
* [[Accelerated Graphics Port|AGP]]: First used in 1997, it is a dedicated-to-graphics bus. It is a 32-bit bus clocked at 66&nbsp;MHz.
* [[PCI-X]]: An extension of the PCI bus, it was introduced in 1998. It improves upon PCI by extending the width of bus to 64&nbsp;bits and the clock frequency to up to 133&nbsp;MHz.
* [[PCI Express]]: Abbreviated as PCIe, it is a point-to-point interface released in 2004. In 2006, it provided a data-transfer rate that is double of AGP. It should not be confused with [[PCI-X]], an enhanced version of the original PCI specification. This is standard for most modern graphics cards.

The following table is a comparison between features of some interfaces listed above.
{{Clear}}
{{See also|List of device bandwidths#Computer buses}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Bus
! Width (bits)
! Clock rate ([[hertz|MHz]])
! Bandwidth (MB/s)
! Style
|-
| '''ISA XT'''
| 8
| 4.77
| 8
| Parallel
|- 
| '''ISA AT'''
| 16
| 8.33
| 16
| Parallel
|-
| '''MCA'''
| 32
| 10
| 20
| Parallel
|-
| '''NUBUS'''
| 32
| 10
| 10{{ndash}}40
| Parallel
|- 
| '''EISA'''
| 32
| 8.33
| 32
| Parallel
|-
| '''VESA'''
| 32
| 40
| 160
| Parallel
|-
| '''PCI'''
| 32{{ndash}}64
| 33{{ndash}}100
| 132{{ndash}}800
| Parallel
|-
| '''AGP 1x'''
| 32
| 66
| 264
| Parallel
|-
| '''AGP 2x'''
| 32
| 66
| 528
| Parallel
|-
| '''AGP 4x'''
| 32
| 66
| 1000
| Parallel
|-
| '''AGP 8x'''
| 32
| 66
| 2000
| Parallel
|-
| '''PCIe x1'''
| 1
| 2500 / 5000
| 250 / 500
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe x4'''
| 1 × 4
| 2500 / 5000
| 1000 / 2000
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe x8'''
| 1 × 8
| 2500 / 5000
| 2000 / 4000
| Serial
|- 
| '''PCIe x16'''
| 1 × 16
| 2500 / 5000
| 4000 / 8000
| Serial
|- 
| '''PCIe ×1 2.0'''<ref>PCIe 2.1 has the same clock and bandwidth as PCIe 2.0</ref>
| 1
|
| 500 / 1000
| Serial
|- 
| '''PCIe ×4 2.0'''
| {{times|1 x 4}}
| 
| 2000 / 4000
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe ×8 2.0'''
| {{times|1 x 8}}
| 
| 4000 / 8000
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe ×16 2.0'''
| {{times|1 × 16}}
| 5000 / 10000
| 8000 / 16000
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe ×1 3.0'''
| 1
| 
| 1000 / 2000
| Serial
|- 
| '''PCIe ×4 3.0'''
| {{times|1 x 4}}
| 
| 4000 / 8000
| Serial
|-
| '''PCIe ×8 3.0'''
| {{times|1 x 8}}
| 
| 8000 / 16000
| Serial
|- 
| '''PCIe ×16 3.0'''
| {{times|1 x 16}}
| 
| 16000 / 32000
| Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×1 4.0'''
|1
|
|2000 / 4000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×4 4.0'''
|1 × 4
|
|8000 / 16000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×8 4.0'''
|1 × 8
|
|16000 / 32000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×16 4.0'''
|1 × 16
|
|32000 / 64000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×1 5.0'''
|1
|
|4000 / 8000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×4 5.0'''
|1 × 4
|
|16000 / 32000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×8 5.0'''
|1 × 8
|
|32000 / 64000
|Serial
|-
|'''PCIe ×16 5.0'''
|1 × 16
|
|64000 / 128000
|Serial
|}

== See also ==
* [[Glossary of computer hardware terms|List of computer hardware]]
* [[List of computer hardware manufacturers#Video cards|List of graphics card manufacturers]]
* [[List of computer display standards]] – a detailed list of standards like SVGA, WXGA, WUXGA, etc.
* [[AMD]] ([[ATI Technologies|ATI]]), [[Nvidia]] – quasi duopoly of 3D chip [[GPU]] and graphics card designers
* [[GeForce]], [[Radeon]], [[Intel Arc]] – examples of graphics card series
* [[General-purpose computing on graphics processing units|GPGPU]] (i.e.: [[CUDA]], [[AMD FireStream]])
* [[Framebuffer]] – the computer memory used to store a screen image
* [[TV tuner card#Video capture|Capture card]] – the inverse of a graphics card

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
* Mueller, Scott (2005) ''Upgrading and Repairing PCs''. 16th edition. Que Publishing. {{ISBN|0-7897-3173-8}}

== External links ==
{{Commons|Graphics card}}
{{Wiktionary|video card|graphics card}}
* {{HowStuffWorks|graphics-card|How Graphics Cards Work}}

{{Basic computer components}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Video Card}}
[[Category:Graphics hardware]]
[[Category:Graphics cards| ]]