Cheap Graphics Cards - Choosing Cheap Gaming

Console or PC, the never ending debate over which platform is better to play video games on, still rages on. However - what help is there for those of us that really couldn't give a monkeys? Those of us who just want to play a few games here and there, and aren't really that bothered about weather the graphics are better on PC or on Xbox? There's hope. Below I have compiled a list of things you need to know when buying a new Graphics Card for your computer, even if you haven't the slightest clue on how they work.

A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is one of the main components in a computer. It allows us to view the information created by the computer on our Monitors. However! Some of these GPUs are better at their jobs that another, meaning playing a graphically intensive game on one GPU (e.g. Skyrim) could provide a smooth seamless game-play, however on another one, could produce about 1 frame per second. (frames per second, or fps, are what defines how much lag there is in a game. The average human eye captures image at around 30fps, so it is required that the game is shown in more than 30fps to make sure no lag is seen). So deciding which card to replace your current one with (if you're getting lag with particular games) is key. You need to pick a card that your computer can handle and will play all the games you want.

As you are on this page, I will assume that you are not particularly bothered about Hardcore gaming, hence the title of the post, and therefore the graphics card I suggest and the information I will give will provide you with an around average gaming experience. If you are looking for more, please check out another blog on Hardcore gaming.

Firstly, there are some things you need to know about your own computer:

- Dimensions of slots (which the card sits in)

- Power of the computer (in watts)

These are essential to know, as if the power used by the card is more than the computer can provide, it will crash the computer, or simply fail to work. The dimensions bit is obvious. You can't have a card that doesn't fit in your computers case! 

Information about your case can usually be found online on the website of the manufacturer you bought your desktop computer from. 

Secondly, you need to find a card that meets these requirements.

- Dimensions that fit your computer

- Same or lower wattage to your computer

- Good, positive reviews from customers and reviewers

Clearly you're not going to but a doughnut that people say contains cyanide, so don't buy a card that says it melted someone's computer! 

Price: So you want your card to play all games, on about average setting, or some less intensive games in full graphics, well, there are different price ranges in the GPU world that you need to note.
$70 and below - Probably wont get a very good card for this price, usually are just for speeding up computers or playing low intensity games

$80-$200 - This is where we want to look. It contains reasonably priced cards that provide us with everything we need to game at an average level. 

$300+ - This is for the hardcore gamers that require better resolutions for multiple screens etc. 

Now that we've chosen a price range for our card ($80-$200) we need to find one that also fits our requirements. For this price range, and the average computer (300W) I highly recommend the Asus Nvidia GeForce GT 600 Range. Sounds scary, and far more complicated than it is, but it is basically a range of cards that can play games such as Skyrim, Slender, Fallout, Crisis, Batman on low to med settings. For this price, and for someone who is not very bothered about gaming, this is a fantastic choice, as its easy to install too, requiring no further power input.

I am using the 630 model and I can tell you I'm very impressed so far. I often play skyrim, and have had no issues thus far! 

If you don't know how to install a card, I will be posting a guide soon, but in the meantime, check out YouTube. 

So there you have it! Choosing a card, that's not too expensive, not too good, not too bad, made easy. This card should provide you with endless gaming fun, and will last up to 25% longer than other cards, due to the fan that comes added to it. I hope this has helped you to better understand what you are looking for, and hopefully make a decision on what you want for your computer. 

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