The video adapter (video controller, video card) is designed to work in graphical mode. The main task of a modern video card is to support three-dimensional, three-dimensional graphics (3D). The additional possibility of video cards – TV tuner – reception of a television signal will never hurt. Video cards can be basically divided into two types: these are built-in (integrated) video adapters and the video cards themselves.

The capabilities of the integrated video adapter are quite enough to work with office applications, but modern three-dimensional games will not work very well. Accordingly, its functionality determines the scope of application – these are PCs focused on working with text, the Internet, two-dimensional graphics and other applications that are undemanding to the power of the video adapter. For multimedia and gaming applications or for professional work with graphics, it is better to purchase a computer with a separate video card. There are two main advantages of an integrated video adapter: all other things being equal, the computer will cost less and it is possible to create a PC in compact cases.

A video card (video adapter) is a device that provides image output to the monitor.

As a rule, it has better image quality compared to an integrated video adapter, especially in high resolutions. Usually a video card is also an accelerator of three-dimensional graphics, which turns a computer into a gaming station. It can have a TV output and a digital DVI output.

The main indicator of the performance of video cards is the amount of video memory – RAM, in which video data is stored. For integrated video adapters, it is allocated from the main RAM of the computer in the amount of up to 128MB, its own is installed on video cards, in the amount of 64-512Mb. A large amount of video memory is needed only in three-dimensional games, when editing digital video and working with professional 3D applications. As a rule, 128-256Mb is enough for most modern applications and games.