Graphics Cards

What to look for when buying a graphics card

Choosing a new graphics card for your PC can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with all the tech jargon and numbers flying around. Whether you're a first-time PC builder, upgrading your tired old rig, or just want to play your favourite games a bit sharper, here’s a quick rundown of what's really worth looking at.

VRAM: How much do you actually need?

VRAM (or video memory) is basically your graphics card’s working space. It stores all the textures and visuals it needs to keep things running smoothly. The more VRAM you have, the better your system can handle detailed graphics and bigger screens.

• 8GB: Spot on for 1080p gaming, which is what most of us are still using.
• 12GB: A solid shout for 1440p, especially if you’re into new or sprawling open-world games.
• 16GB: Your best bet for 4K gaming or serious creative work like video editing or 3D rendering.

Performance: What FPS can you expect?

It’s not just about how powerful a card looks on paper. What you really want to know is how many frames per second (FPS) you’ll get in your favourite games. That's what makes the action feel slick and responsive.

You can find the average FPS for each video card for PC at various resolutions (1080p, 1440p, 4K), useful for playing popular titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Cyberpunk 2077. This way, you’ll know exactly what kind of performance you're getting.

Brand differences: AMD vs NVIDIA vs Intel

All three brands make powerful cards. It just depends on what you're after.

• Nvidia graphics cards are a firm favourite for ray tracing and DLSS, which make games look stunning and run faster.
• AMD graphics cards often give you a lot of bang for your buck and run a treat in most games.

Some cards are built for top-tier performance, while others give you more value. The key is finding the right balance that suits how you play and how much you’re willing to splash out.

What’s the best graphics card for gaming?

There’s no single "best" GPU brand. It all comes down to your setup and budget. It depends on what you're playing and at what resolution. If you’re into speedy shooters or online multiplayer, even a mid-range card with good FPS will do the business. If you’re after ultimate settings and want to future-proof your rig, look for strong benchmark results at 1440p or 4K.

Size and power: Will it fit and work?

Before you buy, you must make sure the card will fit in your PC case and that your power supply (PSU) can handle it.

Check each card’s:

• Dimensions (length, width, height in millimetres)
• Power connectors (like 6-pin, 8-pin, or the newer 12V types)
• Recommended PSU wattage

This'll save you the headache of a card that’s too big or too power-hungry for your setup.

Cooling and noise: Keeping things quiet

Good cooling is a big deal. It stops your graphics card from getting too hot when you're in the thick of a gaming session. Some cards have dual- or triple-fan setups for better airflow, and some even have silent modes where the fans stop spinning when you're just browsing the web.

Additionally, if your PC lives in your bedroom or a shared living space, it's worth checking that the noise levels are low under load. A quieter card can make all the difference during late-night gaming sessions or long creative stints, especially if you're trying not to wake the neighbours.

Ports and displays: Will it work with your monitor?

All cards come with different video outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort. We list exactly which ports are included so you can make sure it works with your screen setup, whether you're running a single ultrawide or a dual-monitor rig. If you have a 4K monitor or a high refresh rate screen, double-check what resolutions and refresh rates each card can support.

Price and value: What makes it worth it?

You'll find options from budget-friendly to top-of-the-range, with brands like MSI, ASUS, GIGABYTE, and Palit all offering different levels of performance and features. A cheaper card can still give you an enjoyable gaming experience if you don’t mind lower settings. High-end models will cost you more, but they're built for smoother gameplay, better cooling, and are often more future-proof.