Comparison MSI GTX 1060 Armor 3G OCV1 vs MSI GTX 1060 Gaming X 3G

The frequency of the graphics processor of the graphics card. As a general rule, the higher the frequency of the GPU, the higher the performance of the graphics card, but this parameter is not the only one — a lot also depends on the design features of the graphics card, in particular, the type and amount of video memory (see the relevant glossary items). As a result, it is not unusual for a model with a lower processor frequency to be more performant of two video cards. In addition, it should be noted that high-frequency processors also have high heat dissipation, which requires the use of powerful cooling systems.

The speed at which a video card can process data stored in its video memory. In fact, the indicator determines the maximum number of operations to receive or transmit data by a memory module per unit of time. This frequency is expressed in megahertz (MHz) – millions of operations per second. High video memory frequency helps improve performance when performing resource-intensive tasks such as texture processing, graphics rendering and other graphics operations. However, the parameter is by no means the only factor that influences the overall performance of the video card – it is important to take into account the GPU architecture, number of cores, core frequency and other characteristics.

The number of HDMI outputs provided by the graphics card.

HDMI is by far the most popular interface for high-definition video and multi-channel audio (it can be used for video and audio at the same time). This connector is almost standard for modern monitors, in addition, it is widely used in other types of screens — TVs, plasma panels, projectors, etc.

The presence of several outputs allows you to connect several screens to the graphics card at the same time — for example, a pair of monitors for organizing an extended workspace. However, there are never more than 2 HDMI ports in video cards — for a number of reasons, for several screens at once, in this case it is easier to use other connectors, primarily DisplayPort.

The number of DisplayPort outputs provided by the graphics card.

DisplayPort is a digital media interface similar in many ways to HDMI, but primarily used in computers. The specific capabilities of this interface depend on the version (see below), but even in the most modest modern version of DisplayPort, it allows at least 4K at 60 frames per second and 5K at 30 fps. Another interesting feature of this standard is the ability to daisy-chain multiple screens to one port (“daisy chain” format).

In light of the latter, we can say that the number of DisplayPort outputs corresponds to the number of screens that can be connected directly to the graphics card, without using a daisy chain. Such a connection may be required, in particular, for monitors that do not support daisy chaining. If such a mode is supported, the maximum number of screens will be at least twice as high as the number of connectors. However, it is worth considering that the resolutions supported by the video adapter itself may not reach the maximum capabilities of the DisplayPort version used.

The number of stream processors provided by the graphics card.

A stream processor is a separate part of the GPU, designed to execute one shader at a time. Shaders, in turn, are small programs responsible for creating individual graphic effects (for example, surface gloss, glare on the surface of water, motion blur, etc.). Accordingly, the more stream processors provided in the design, the more shaders the graphics card can simultaneously execute and the higher its computing power. However, in general, this is a rather specific parameter, relevant mainly for professional developers, modders and enthusiastic gamers.

The number of texture units contained in the GPU.

As the name implies, such blocks are responsible for working with textures. Texture, in turn, is one of the main elements of 3D graphics: an image superimposed on the surface of a three-dimensional object (similar to, for example, wallpaper pasted on a wall or a label on a box). The specific purpose of texture blocks is to select textures and apply them to the surface of geometric objects. Other things being equal, more of these blocks means higher graphics performance; although in general this is a rather specific parameter, intended mainly for specialists and rarely needed by ordinary users.

The graphics card has a backlight system. This feature gives the board an original appearance, which is especially appreciated by gamers and fans of external PC modding. The backlight may have a different colour, in some models this colour may even change. At the same time, note that this feature does not affect the functionality of the graphics card, but it significantly affects the cost. So it's worth specifically looking for a graphics card with backlighting only in cases where an unusual design is no less important to you than performance. It should also be borne in mind that such adapters must be installed in the appropriate cases — open or with a viewing window, otherwise the backlight will simply not be visible.

Backlight synchronization technology provided in a graphics card with an associated design.

By itself, synchronization allows you to "match" the backlight of the graphics card with the backlight of other system components — the motherboard, case, keyboard, mouse, etc. Thanks to this matching, all components can change colour synchronously, turn on / off at the same time, etc. Specific features the operation of such backlighting depends on the synchronization technology used, and, usually, each manufacturer has its own (Mystic Light Sync for MSI, RGB Fusion for Gigabyte, etc.). The compatibility of the components also depends on this: they must all support the same technology. So the easiest way to achieve backlight compatibility is to collect components from the same manufacturer.

The total length of the graphics card.

In this case, the length means the size of the device from the plate with connectors (which is attached to the back wall of the system unit) to the opposite side. The plate itself and the outwardly protruding connectors are usually not taken into account.

Data on the length of the graphics card is needed primarily in order to assess whether there is enough space for it in a particular case. In addition, longer boards, usually, have more advanced characteristics (although there is no hard dependence here, and video adapters of similar class may have different lengths). As for specific values, the most compact solutions nowadays have a size of 150 – 200 mm or less ; an indicator of 200 – 250 mm can still be considered relatively small, 250 – 290 mm — medium, and many models (mostly advanced) have a length of more than 290 mm.