When you are buying a gaming PC, the graphics processing unit (GPU) significantly affects your experience with the computer. This device is responsible for rendering the graphics in each game, which means it is the most important component if you want to increase the resolution and see high-quality images. The most common brands for graphics cards are Nvidia® and AMD®, and picking which one to use can be difficult. Below is more information about the cards both brands offer to help you decide.

Nvidia

Nvidia graphics cards are a high-end option thanks to their amazing capabilities and performance. For these cards, Nvidia designed a specialized compute unified device architecture (CUDA) processor, which means this GPU can handle 2k and 4k resolution games easily. It also features G-SYNC® capabilities, which means the card links your monitor directly to the output of the GPU, reducing screen tearing and preventing sharp, jagged lines from appearing in a game. These cards are also highly efficient, which means they require less energy to operate. 

While this advanced performance often carries a high price tag, the cost is worth it for a serious gaming PC. If you are building a computer on a budget, opting for the previous generation of 2000-series cards gives you high-quality performance for a lower cost.

AMD

While AMD GPUs offer slightly less power than Nvidia cards, they're extremely impressive for a mid-range graphics card. The FreeSync® capability is similar to the G-SYNC option for Nvidia cards in that it links the display to the GPU. While this has the same effect on screen tearing, AMD graphics cards are often more susceptible to image ghosting when running high-output games. As for the processors, AMD uses the respectable DirectCompute® and OpenCL® architectures. 

AMD cards have the benefit of offering impressive performance at a more reasonable price, which puts them in reach of all gamers interested in building their PCs. The cards are also better suited to divided loads, which means they remain stable if you are running video software while playing a game, such as if you plan to livestream.

If you want to start building your gaming PC, contact SKR Custom Gaming Computers. Based in Maryville, TN, these skilled technicians ship prebuilt and custom computers to people across the United States. They can work with any budget to ensure your computer meets your needs and requirements. Whether you want a minimalist or high-performance machine, visit them online to start designing it. Call (865)738-5620 to learn more about their process.