A GPU or graphics card increases a computer’s ability to process complex graphics by providing hardware specifically dedicated to the task. While many laptops and desktop computers rely on the CPU (central processing unit) to render computer graphics, computers with dedicated graphics cards can outsource that process.

Visual-intensive activities, such as complex graphic design, video editing special effects, animation and PC gaming, will need a dedicated graphics card to provide the performance you desire. The card can access its own memory resources in addition to processing the graphics instructions.

To find the best graphics card for your chosen activity, consider the memory capacity you need for your activities as well as the clock speed. Clock speed indicates the speed of the GPU’s cores. Measured in megahertz (MHz), clock speed is a good indicator of how quickly your new graphics card will render the visuals you need.

If you are building a new gaming PC or upgrading an existing computer with a new graphics card, you will need to ensure you choose the right GPU for the space available in your computer case. Additionally, you must pair the card with a power supply that meets its needs. You should pay attention to the GPU slot size to see how much space on the motherboard may be lost to the new GPU.

You can also look for guidance based on the specs recommended by your favorite PC games. You want your graphics card to pair well with what you can achieve on your computer monitor in terms of resolution and refresh rate. If you have a 4K gaming monitor or you are using a high refresh rate, you will need a particularly robust video card. A quality GPU also makes virtual reality games feel even more realistic, reducing lag time and creating a seamless 3D world.

While it can be fairly straightforward to upgrade the GPU in a gaming desktop, it is much more difficult to do so in a gaming laptop. So, if you’re buying a laptop, start by choosing the best graphics card you can get.