Build your own PC
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Building your own pc can be a daunting task. First you have to select what hardware you require to build your own pc, then decided how you will assemble it together. This site aims to help you through the "trials and tribulations" of choosing the correct pc components and then assembling them into a machine you will be proud of.


If you do decide to build your own computer-good luck!!
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Choosing a video card to self build a pc
What video card do you need to self build a pc?

Choosing a Video Card:

There are a huge variety of video cards in shops and stores to choose from. Much of the information on the boxes can be a little confusing. So:
AGP (Advanced Graphics) comes in four flavours: 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X. The speed indicates how fast the graphics card can communicate with the processor using the data highway, or bus. Standard bandwidth for the four speeds are as follows:
1X = 266 MB/s
2X = 533 MB/s
4X = 1.0 GB/s
8X = 2.1GB/s

in practical terms this means the higher the version, the faster the bandwidth. This also means that the newer the version, the faster your graphics card will communicate to the processor. This equals speed and performance! Check to make sure what speed of AGP your motherboard supports before buying a graphics card, as you want to buy the fastest available. Indeed many boards will already have an onboard AGP.

So what about a specialised 3D card. Many of these cards are at very affordable prices now. A 64 MB or higher card is easily affordable and should be purchased. Of course should you get a faster, quicker card. Well unlike most other parts where you get the biggest/fastest etc that you can afford I wouldn't really recommend that with a pc graphics card.



Why because it is all to do with frames per second. As a rough guide, anything below 15 FPS will generally appear as choppy video, and several small programmed enhancements will be missed by the viewer. On the other hand, above about 30 FPS and the human eye cannot see distinguishable differences. That is not to say that you will not notice a difference between 30 FPS and 130 FPS but for the additional cost??

In addition some cards come with TV-out channels, video-in, or even TV tuners. These are all additional extras but do you really need them. Are you going to be watching TV on your monitor-be honest!! On the subject of monitors, the video card is only as good as the monitor displaying those pixels-think about it.



  • Never carry out any work on your computer whilst is is plugged into the mains power socket, you could cause yourself and your PC damage.
  • The power supply does not contain any user servicable parts and contains hazardous voltages it should not be opened-even after it has been switched off.
  • Many desktop and tower cases have sharp edges be careful when working inside the case of your PC.