Deals of the Day
video card, sound card and network cards
I have grouped these three cards into one category, because the replacement and upgrade of these three parts are almost identical in nature. Each one of these components look very similar and how they are attached to the motherboard are almost identical.
Video Card
A video card is what controls the quality of the graphics displayed on
your computer screen. Your computer monitor plugs directly into your video
card usually located on the back of your computer tower.
Video cards are much more important to some computer users than others. For those users who enjoy playing 3D high quality graphics games then a high quality video card will be much more important to you then someone who just wants to use the computer for internet and email.
A video cards quality is measured by the amount of video RAM, refresh rate, and max screen resolution that can be outputted. Some video cards can cost hundreds of dollars and the most basic video cards are built-in on the motherboard for no additional charge.
To see how to replace or upgrade a video card please refer to our video card guide.
Sound Card
Similar in nature to a video card; however, a sound card controls the
quality of sound output to the speakers of your computer. In order to listen
to music or any sound on your computer a sound card is necessary. Like video
cards some sound cards are built-in to the motherboard. They are standard
parts with many motherboards. For those who want crystal clear, high volume
sound coming from your computer there are upgraded sound cards that can be
purchased and easily replaced.
The most common type of sound currently in production and the type you will most likely need to purchase is a PCI sound card. Again there are many different levels of quality in sound cards and you will need to decide how good you want the sound quality.
To see how to replace or upgrade a sound card please refer to our sound card guide.
Network Card
A network card is used to connect to a company intranet, the internet,
or to another computer. A network cable is used to connect from the network
card in your computer to an outlet in the wall which is connected to a
server that allows either access to an intranet or internet. Similarly two
computers can be connected together with a network card and a crossover cable.
To see how to replace or upgrade a network card please see our network card guide.