Graphics cards
Graphics cards control what you see on your monitor and how fast you see it. When buying a graphics card, start by choosing the functions that are most important to you.
 
 
EDITOR'S PICKS
 
Graphic cards: Get the picture?
If you use content creation or graphically intense applications, a new graphics card can do wonders for your computing experience. PC Magazine reviews 12 new high-end cards, all priced under $300.
 
3-D Graphics Boards
PC Magazine tests six new graphics accelerators that deliver 3-D performance like never before.
 
Maxi Gamer Phoenix
You can now enjoy state-of-the-art business and entertainment graphics from a single graphics card. The best part? It's only $90!
 
Who's the Fastest?
PC Magazine tests the latest cards based on the hottest chips.
 
Matrox Millennium G200
Provides solid biz-oriented performance at a decent price.
 
GRAPHICS CARD SPEC CHECK
If you're buying a graphics card to for your existing system, make sure it's in sync with your monitor's refresh rate and maximum resolution. It also needs to be compatible with your system architecture, this will determine whether you buy a PCI or AGP card. Most of today's Pentium systems use the PCI bus. Many of the newest systems come with AGP.

Be sure to consider the amount of memory on your graphics card too. RAM not only speeds up the presentation of images but also affects the number of colors displayed at a given resolution. You'll want at least 4MB of onboard display memory and the option to upgrade in the future.

For complete information on buying a graphics card, check out our Buyer's Checklist.
 
 
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Most graphics cards cost between $75 and $300. Features such as 3-D support, video capture and software bundles (including photo suites) will up the price.
 
 
THE BOTTOM LINE
When shopping for a 3-D card, keep in mind that there is more than one 3D API (application programming interface), so not all 3-D software will work with every 3-D graphics card.

Read more about graphics cards in the ZDNet Products Guide.

Bid for graphics/image processing tools online.