| As computers become faster and faster, many of us | | | | with 256megs. Most people would think that the newer |
| fail to see that technology has been moving steadily | | | | generation graphic card with the more memory would |
| away from the CPU and more into the video card | | | | be faster right? Let's put it this way. Would a 2007 |
| industry. Someone looking for a gaming monster should | | | | Ford Focus be faster than a 1999 Porche 911 even |
| reevaluate the budget and spend less on the CPU and | | | | though it is newer and bigger? No, because the |
| look more at the RAM (Random Access Memory) | | | | Porsche has a much more powerful engine. Just like |
| and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In a gaming | | | | the X800 has a much more powerful "Engine" than the |
| machine, most of the processing is done by the | | | | X1300. |
| graphic card... and not so much the CPU as one would | | | | It is always wise to check minimum requirements on |
| think. But think about it.... those photo realistic graphics | | | | games, before proceeding to buy, to ensure that your |
| portrayed by most of the new games require a LOT | | | | graphic card will perform to the required specifications |
| of processing power - 90% of which is handled by the | | | | for an enjoyable gaming experience. Always look at |
| graphics card. | | | | the Recommended specifications as opposed the the |
| Choosing a new graphic card is not rocket science, but | | | | Minimum Specifications. Minimum specifications are just |
| you still have to know what to look for. More video | | | | that. Minimum required to make the game work. It |
| memory does not necessarily mean higher | | | | won't necessarily be pretty to look at, but it will work. |
| performance. One can purchase an ATI 1300 with 512 | | | | Whereas with the recommended specifications, now it |
| megs of ram on it or a previous generation ATI X800 | | | | may start to look pretty and smooth. |