Onboard Graphics Cards

• Many motherboards have built-in graphics cards, known as an onboard graphics card. These are typically lower end, but will serve most users' purposes unless high-end gaming or photo and video editing are going to be a function of the computer.
  
  

Multi-Monitor Graphics Cards

• Using multiple monitors can make any task much easier to accomplish on your computer, especially in the art or research realm. Many video cards offer dual outputs, meaning that the card can be connected to more than one monitor at a time, allowing you to extend your desktop to cover two monitors. Both ATI and NVIDIA offer models with this feature.
  
  

TV-Tuner Graphics Cards

• A less-known option in graphics cards is the TV-tuner feature. This feature allows you to use your computer as a media center where you can watch TV on your PC. A TV-tuner graphics card will also allow you to use your PC as a DVR (digital video recorder), which can record shows for you to watch later, similar to TiVo. Both ATI and NVIDIA offer models with this feature.
  
  

ATI Graphics Cards

• ATI is one of the most well-known names in graphics cards, offering a wide range of options in graphics cards. With models for desktop and laptop PCs ranging from $69 to over $300, one of their models should fit your needs (see Resources).
  
  

NVIDIA Graphics Cards

• NVIDIA is another well-known graphics card manufacturer, offering an even wider product range. For a NVIDIA graphics card, you could spend between $69 and $600, depending on the needs of your system (see Resources).