Catalog / Graphics Cards Cheatsheet
Graphics Cards Cheatsheet
A comprehensive guide to understanding graphics cards, their components, specifications, and technologies. Perfect for gamers, developers, and anyone interested in computer hardware.
GPU Architecture Basics
Core Components
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) |
The main processor responsible for rendering images, videos, and graphics. |
CUDA Cores/Stream Processors |
Parallel processing units that perform calculations for rendering. More cores generally mean better performance. |
Memory (VRAM) |
Video RAM, used to store textures, frame buffers, and other graphical data. Larger VRAM allows for higher resolutions and more complex scenes. |
Memory Interface |
The connection between the GPU and VRAM, measured in bits (e.g., 128-bit, 256-bit, 384-bit). Wider interfaces allow for faster data transfer. |
Clock Speed |
The speed at which the GPU operates, measured in MHz or GHz. Higher clock speeds generally improve performance. |
ROPs (Render Output Units) |
Responsible for merging processed pixel data and outputting the final image. More ROPs can improve performance at higher resolutions. |
TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) |
Apply textures to 3D models. More TMUs allow for more detailed textures and improved visual quality. |
Key Architectures
Different GPU manufacturers use different architectures:
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Specifications and Performance Metrics
Important Specifications
VRAM Capacity |
The amount of video memory (e.g., 8GB, 12GB, 24GB). Higher capacity is better for high-resolution gaming and complex textures. |
Memory Type |
GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM2e. GDDR6X offers higher bandwidth than GDDR6. HBM2e is even faster but more expensive. |
Memory Bandwidth |
The rate at which data can be transferred between the GPU and VRAM, measured in GB/s. Higher bandwidth improves performance. |
Boost Clock |
The maximum clock speed the GPU can reach under load. Higher boost clocks can improve performance in demanding tasks. |
TDP (Thermal Design Power) |
The amount of power the GPU is expected to consume, measured in watts. Higher TDP GPUs require more robust cooling solutions. |
Output Ports |
DisplayPort, HDMI. Check for compatibility with your monitor and VR headset. |
Performance Metrics
Frame Rate (FPS) |
Frames per second, a measure of how smoothly a game runs. Higher FPS is better. Target 60+ FPS for smooth gameplay. |
Resolution |
The number of pixels displayed on the screen (e.g., 1920x1080, 2560x1440, 3840x2160). Higher resolutions require more powerful GPUs. |
Latency |
The delay between input and the corresponding action on screen. Lower latency is better for competitive gaming. |
Power Consumption |
The amount of power the GPU uses during operation. Measured in Watts (W). |
Advanced Technologies
Ray Tracing
Definition |
A rendering technique that simulates the physical behavior of light, creating more realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects. |
NVIDIA |
RTX series cards feature dedicated RT Cores for accelerating ray tracing calculations. |
AMD |
RX 6000 and 7000 series cards include Ray Accelerators for ray tracing. |
Upscaling Technologies
NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) |
Uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions, improving performance without sacrificing visual quality. Requires Tensor Cores. |
AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) |
An open-source upscaling technology that works on a wide range of GPUs. Offers various quality presets. |
Intel XeSS (Xe Super Sampling) |
Upscaling technology by Intel. Improves performance without sacrificing visual quality. |
Other Technologies
Adaptive Sync |
Technologies like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate to reduce screen tearing and stuttering. |
Resizable BAR/SAM (Smart Access Memory) |
Allows the CPU to access the entire GPU memory, potentially improving performance in some games. Requires compatible CPU, motherboard, and GPU. |
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Common Issues
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Maintenance Tips
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Tools for Monitoring
MSI Afterburner |
Popular tool for overclocking, monitoring temperatures, and adjusting fan speeds. |
GPU-Z |
Provides detailed information about the GPU specifications and real-time monitoring of clocks, temperatures, and voltages. |
HWMonitor |
Monitors various hardware components, including GPU temperatures, voltages, and power consumption. |