3.12 Video
DirectX/openGL
A collection of APIs that improves graphic, animation, and multimedia creations.
Display connectors
Connectors that attach to different displays like VGA, DVI-I, HDMI, DisplayPort.
Dedicated video cards
- Are installed in an expansion slot on the motherboard. - Have a GPU and a high-speed video memory bank. Are more powerful than integrated video cards but are also more expensive.
Integrated graphics
- Integrate the GPU with another hardware component (e.g., a motherboard or CPU) - Share system memory for graphic processing - Are much cheaper than dedicated video cards, but are also less powerful
When installing video cards, it's important to do it properly so as to not damage your computer or the card itself. Use the following process to install a dedicated video card:
- Video cards must be compatible with the expansion slots on the motherboard. - If the motherboard has integrated graphics, disable it in the CMOS configuration when installing a dedicated video card. - Install the video card in the first open expansion slot. - If using a multi-GPU configuration (SLI or CrossFire): - Install the secondary video card in the next open expansion slot. - Link the two video cards together using the bridge clip. - Connect any additional power connectors to the video card(s) (e.g., 6-pin or 8-pin auxiliary power). - Connect the external display to the video card using the appropriate cable. When using a multi-GPU configuration, connect the monitor to the primary (first) video card. - After installing the video card and making all necessary connections, turn on the computer. - In the operating system, install the video card drivers. - If using a multi-GPU configuration, install all necessary configuration software.
CompTIA 220-1001
3.1 Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes. Video cables VGA DVI HDMI Mini-HDMI DisplayPort DVI-D, DVI-I 3.2 Identify common connector types. BNC 3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards. Expansion cardsVideo cards 3.6 Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types. Monitors
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
A digital copy form designed to protect digital media from piracy.
Memory
DDR, DDR2, DDR3, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR5.
Memory
Dedicated video cards use high-speed memory to store graphic data. The amount of memory on the card affects performance as well as other characteristics. - The amount of memory on a card can be as low as 1 GB or as high as 12 GB. - Dedicated video cards use the following types of memory: ** DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 memory are similar to system memory. This type of memory is cheaper, but provides less performance features than special graphics memory. ** GDDR2, GDDR3, and GDDR5 are DDR memory specifically designed and optimized for graphical data. This memory is more expensive, but results in better performance. ! Integrated graphics (onboard video cards) share system memory with the CPU for video processing.
DirectX/OpenGL
DirectX is a collection of application program interfaces (APIs) that improves graphic, animation, and multimedia creations. - DirectX includes multiple components targeted to a different aspect of multimedia. For example, Direct3D is the 3D rendering component of DirectX. - Applications (typically games) are written using features included in specific DirectX versions. - To view content written to a specific DirectX version, your video card must also support that (or a higher) version. - OpenGL is an alternative standard to DirectX that is used by some applications. Most video cards support both DirectX and OpenGL.
Some video cards have dual heads (two output connectors capable of displaying video simultaneously) and are able to support ____
Dual monitors. If necessary, you can use special connector adapters to convert from one connector type to another (e.g., DVI to HDMI). However, it's usually best to match the connector type of the video card with the display connectors.
Video cards process ____
Graphical information for output to an external display.
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
HDCP is a method for protecting digital media. The purpose of HDCP is to prevent the interception and copying of protected data streams as they are sent from a playback device to a display device (e.g., from a DVD player to an HDTV). - When playing protected content from a PC, the DVD player, video card, and display device must all support HDCP. - If you plan on watching protected content on your PC, or playing content from your PC to an external TV, make sure the video card supports HDCP.
HDMI audio
HDMI cables are able to carry both video and audio signals; however, most video cards send only a video signal. The following techniques can be used to send an audio signal through the video card: - With audio pass-through, an audio output cable is connected to the video card. The video card combines the audio signal with the video signal for HDMI output. This option is often called HDTV out. - A graphics card with an onboard audio processor can decode and process audio and send it out the HDMI port. This option is often referred to as onboard sound.
HDMI audio
HDTV out, onboard sound.
Match the video card types on the left with the appropriate characteristics on the right. Each video card type is used more than once. a. dedicated video cards b. integrated video cards
Installed in an expansion slot on the motherboard. Dedicated video cards Has a GPU and a dedicated high-speed video memory bank. Dedicated video cards Are more powerful and more expensive. Dedicated video cards GPU is integrated with another hardware component, such as a motherboard or CPU. Integrated video cards Shares system memory for graphic processing. Integrated video cards Are much cheaper and less powerful. Integrated video cards
Display quality
The resolution, refresh rate.
What do LCD and LED monitors use?
One (or more) of the following connectors: - DVI-Integrated (DVI-I) connector - HDMI connector (also used by HDTVs) - DisplayPort connector DVI-I connectors are able to send either analog or digital signals. Older video cards might use DVI-A (analog) or DVI-D (digital) connectors.
Bus type
PCIe x16, PCI, AGP, VESA.
TV Input/output
S-video, HDMI, VGA, DVI and connectors.
Multi-GPU
SLI, CrossFire.
Multi-GPU
Some video cards can be linked together and share the graphic processing load between the two GPUs. Multi-GPU configurations are manufacturer-specific: NVIDIA uses SLI (Scalable Link Interface). AMD uses CrossFire. - Video cards are linked using a special bridge clip or through software (depending on the implementation). - The motherboard and each video card must use the same connection method (SLI or CrossFire). The motherboard must also have multiple PCIe x16 slots. In most cases, both video cards must be identical. !! Some motherboards allow you to link an integrated graphics controller with a video card installed in the expansion slot; however, this offers a negligible performance boost.
Processing capabilities
The capacity of the graphics processing unit (GPU).
Processing Capabilities
The graphics processing unit (GPU) handles all video rendering tasks. GPUs are much more efficient at processing graphic data than a traditional CPU. - Using the GPU to render graphics is often referred to as video hardware acceleration. - Settings in the operating system can be used to control how much video processing is offloaded to the GPU. - GPUs have a clock speed that is rated in MHz. A higher speed means better performance.
Display Quality
The quality of images and animations is determined by both the video card and the external display. When selecting a video card, the following specifications should be considered: - The resolution is the number of pixels displayed on screen. A higher resolution means that more information can be shown on the screen. A video card is rated by its max resolution, which is the highest possible resolution it can display (e.g., 1920 × 1080 or 4096 × 2160). - The refresh rate is the number of times in one second that the GPU draws a frame. Refresh rates are measured in hertz. A refresh rate of 70 Hz or lower may cause eye fatigue. An optimal refresh rate is between 75 Hz and 85 Hz. For optimal image quality and graphic performance, it is best to select a display that matches the video card specifications, and vice versa.
Your company has decided to hire a full-time video editor. You have been asked to find a system with the level of display quality needed by someone who will be working with video all day. Which of the following video related specifications will have the greatest impact on display quality? (Select TWO). a. Memory b. Display connector type c. GPU configuration d. Refresh rate e. Resolution
The quality of video is determined by both the video card and the external display. When selecting a video card, the following specifications should be considered: - Resolution: the number of pixels displayed on the screen. A higher resolution means that more information can be shown on the screen (screen "real estate"). A video card is rated by its max resolution, which is the highest possible resolution it can display (e.g., 1920 x 1080 or 4096 x 2160). A video editor is going to need as much real estate as you can afford. - Refresh rate: the number of times in one second that the GPU draws a frame. Refresh rates are measured in hertz. A refresh rate of 70 Hz or lower may cause eye fatigue. An optimal refresh rate is between 75 Hz and 85 Hz. The display specifications should match the video card specifications. Memory, GPU configuration, and display connection type are all factors that will contribute to video performance or compatibility with the display. But these factors do not directly determine the display quality.
Bus type
Video cards must be compatible with the expansion slots on the motherboard. Common slot types used by video cards include the following: - PCIe x16 - PCI - AGP and VESA (used by older video cards) ! Motherboards with integrated graphics embed the functionality with the buses on the system (e.g., PCIe, AGP, or PCI).
Which of the following video card connectors provides digital video output? (Select TWO). a. DVI-D b. S-video c. Composite d. DVI-A e. HDMI
a. DVI-D e. HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a digital video and audio connector used for high-definition digital audio and video. A DVI-D (digital video-digital) connection provides digital output. A DVI-I (digital video-integrated) connection also provides digital output as it sends both a digital and an analog signal. Most video cards have DVI-I ports that allow you to connect both digital and analog monitors. A DVI-A (digital video-analog) connection is used only for analog video signals, and will be found on cables but rarely (if ever) a video card itself. A composite video connection on a video card provides analog, video-only TV output in a single channel. S-video (separate-video, Y/C, or S-VHS) supply analog, video-only TV output in two channels. An HDTV connector supplies analog, video-only TV output in three separate channels.
A technician wants to connect a computer to a high-definition television (HDTV). The technician has attached an HDMI cable from the video card to the television, however, the video card is only sending a video signal over the cable. The technician decides to use the audio pass-through technique to deliver audio to the television. An audio output cable is connected to the video card and television. Which of the following options was used for the audio pass-through? a. HDMI out b. DirectX/OpenGL c. HDCP d. Multi-GPU
a. HDMI out With audio pass-through, an audio output cable is connected to the video card. The video card combines the audio signal with the video signal for HDMI output. This option is often called HDTV out. With audio pass-through, an audio output cable is connected to the video card. The video card combines the audio signal with the video signal for HDMI output. This option is often called HDTV out. Multi-GPU links video cards together to share the graphic processing load between the two GPUs. DirectX is a collection of application program interfaces (APIs) that improves graphic, animation, and multimedia creations. OpenGL is an alternative standard to DirectX that is used by some applications. Most video cards support both DirectX and OpenGL. HDCP is a method for protecting digital media.
You are in the process of building a new computer. You would like to configure your computer to use SLI to improve performance while playing your favorite game. Which of the following will MOST likely be part of the configuration process? (Select THREE). a. Purchase a motherboard with two (or more) PCIe x16 slots. b. Purchase dual 1200-watt power supplies. c. Purchase a motherboard with integrated video and an add-on card that supports the VGA standards. d. Purchase a motherboard with integrated video and an AGP 8x slot. e. Connect at least one monitor to the graphics card. f. Purchase a 7200 rpm or better hard drive. g. Purchase two graphics cards with SLI and similar specifications.
a. Purchase a motherboard with two (or more) PCIe x16 slots. e. Connect at least one monitor to the graphics card. g. Purchase two graphics cards with SLI and similar specifications. For increased performance, especially in games, you can install multiple video cards and link those cards together so that multiple GPUs draw a single screen. Scalable Link Interface (SLI) from NVIDIA and CrossFireX from AMD are two different methods for linking video cards. In most cases, you will need to install identical video cards, or at least video cards with very similar specifications. Cards are linked using a special bridge clip or through software (depending on the implementation). Both the motherboard and the video cards must support the selected method (either SLI or CrossFireX). The motherboard must have at least two 16x PCIe slots. Some motherboards are able to link an onboard graphic controller and video card installed in a single PCIe slot. Connect the monitor to an output port on the first video card. VGA is an older video technology and would not be used for SLI. Graphic card power requirements, even for SLI, would not require dual 1200-watt power supplies. Hard drive speed is independent of SLI.
You are in the process of building a new computer. You would like to configure your computer to use Crossfire to improve performance when playing your favorite game. Which of the following will be part of the configuration process? a. Purchase two identical video cards. b. Purchase a video card that supports HDCP. c. Purchase a video card that supports the DVI standards. d. Purchase a video card that supports the HDMI standards.
a. Purchase two identical video cards. For increased performance, especially in games, you can install multiple video cards and link those cards together so that multiple GPUs draw a single screen. Scalable Link Interface (SLI) from NVIDIA and CrossFire from AMD are two different methods for linking video cards. HDCP is a copy-protection method that prevents playback of protected content (such as movies on Blu-ray discs) on devices that do not support HDCP. HDMI is used to connect a computer to a high-end monitor or television. DVI is used to connect a computer to a monitor.
A customer wants to add an additional video card to her computer so she can play the latest computer games. As a result, this system will now have a multi-GPU configuration. Which of the following statements are true? (Select TWO). a. The motherboard should support either SLI or CrossFire. b. Linking video cards also provides additional video output ports. c. For the best performance, both video cards should be identical. d. An SLI video card can be linked with a CrossFire video card. e. Linking only shares memory resources, not GPU resources.
a. The motherboard should support either SLI or CrossFire. c. For the best performance, both video cards should be identical. For increased performance, especially in games, multiple video cards can be linked together using a special bridge clip. This allows multiple GPUs to draw a single screen. For the best performance, both video cards should be identical. In addition, the motherboard must be compatible with either SLI (used by NVIDA cards) or CrossFire (used by AMD cards). Because each cards is sharing the processing load, the memory banks and GPU in both video cards are being used. In a multi-GPU configuration, the secondary (bottom) card's display connectors are typically disabled.
HDMI cables are able to carry both video and audio signals; however, most video cards send only a video signal. Which of the following techniques can be used to send an audio signal through the video card? (Select TWO). a. Using a graphics card with an onboard audio processor b. DirectX/OpenGL c. Audio pass-through d. Multi-GPU e. Using a DVI cable in addition to the HDMI cable
a. Using a graphics card with an onboard audio processor c. Audio pass-through The following techniques can be used to send an audio signal through the video card: ** With audio pass-through, an audio output cable is connected to the video card. The video card combines the audio signal with the video signal for HDMI output. This option is often called HDTV out. ** A graphics card with an onboard audio processor can decode and process audio and send it out the HDMI port. This option is often referred to as onboard sound.
You have a friend who is offering to sell the monitor and video card from his gaming system along with several PC games. The games have fast-moving graphics, and you want to be able to play them on your own home system. The monitor he is selling is an LCD TN with a 144-Hz refresh rate. The video card he is selling supports a max refresh rate of 144 Hz. You're sure you want to buy the games, but you have a couple of other choices when it comes to the monitor and the video card. The monitor in your current system has a 60 Hz refresh rate. The video card has a max refresh rate of 75 Hz. This configuration has always worked fine for watching videos. You're also looking at new 60-Hz LCD IPS monitors and several high-end video cards with max refresh rates of up to 240 Hz. Which of the following will MOST likely allow you to play the games on your home system with the best gaming experience possible? a. Buy the games and use your existing card and monitor. b. Buy your friend's games, monitor, and video card. Swap out both your video card and monitor. c. Buy the games and the monitor from your friend. Swap out just your current monitor and use your existing video card. d. Buy the games from your friend and spend some extra money on the newer 60-Hz LCD IPS monitor and one of the newer 240 fps video cards. Swap out both your video card and monitor.
b. Buy your friend's games, monitor, and video card. Swap out both your video card and monitor. The LCD TN monitor with the 144-Hz refresh rate along with the video card with a max refresh rate of 144 Hz will give you the best gaming experience compared to the other options. Remember that in order to achieve a specific refresh rate, the following components must all support the same maximum refresh rate: - Display device - Video card - Display cable Fast-moving graphic applications, such as games, perform best with a refresh rate of 120 Hz or higher, which is covered by this option. Also, LCD TN panel monitors have a much faster response time, which makes them superior for gaming when compared to LCD IPS panel monitors. The newer video card with a max refresh rate of 240 Hz has some advantages over the older card, but not in combination with the LCD IPS panel monitor. Either option where you keep the 60 Hz monitor, the 75 Hz card, or both will limit system performance to the rate of the slowest component, which will not be sufficient for the fast-moving graphics in the games.
A customer would like you to install a high-end video card suitable for gaming. Your installation and configuration SHOULD include which of the following? (Select THREE). a. Add additional RAM to your computer to accommodate the new card's demands. b. Ensure that the video card is compatible with the expansion slot. c. Install new the video drivers from CD and then install updated drivers from the internet. d. Configure the PC to use the integrated graphics if available and needed. e. Link the integrated graphics to the new high-end video card using the bridge clip. f. Disable the integrated graphics in all cases so they do not interfere with the new video card. g. Disable power to the integrated graphics.
b. Ensure that the video card is compatible with the expansion slot. c. Install new the video drivers from CD and then install updated drivers from the internet. d. Configure the PC to use the integrated graphics if available and needed. It is imperative that you always ensure that the video card is compatible with the expansion slot in which the video card will be installed. In some cases, you may have to disable the integrated graphics. However, if possible, you should configure the computer to default back to the integrated graphics if the new high-end graphics card fails or is removed. Otherwise, you may not be able to access the BIOS/UFI firmware to change the computer back to the integrated graphics. Some high-end graphic cards may require a connection to the power supply, but you do not need to disable power to the integrated graphics. You typically only need twice as much system memory as your graphics car has VRAM. Since this computer has 16GB RAM and the card is only 4GB, no additional RAM is required.
You need to connect a monitor that provides an HDMI port and a VGA port to a video adapter in a PC system that uses a DVI-D connector. Which of the following options would provide the BEST display quality at the lowest cost? a. Use an adapter to connect the monitor VGA port to the DVI-D connector on the PC. b. Use an adapter to connect the monitor HDMI port to the DVI-D connector on the PC. c. It's not possible to connect this monitor to this PC. d. Purchase a new monitor with a DVI-D port.
b. Use an adapter to connect the monitor HDMI port to the DVI-D connector on the PC. Using an adapter to connect the DVI-D connector on the video adapter to the HDMI port provides the best quality output at the lowest cost. Because DVI-D and HDMI both use digital signaling, the signal is not degraded during conversion. In fact, HDMI was specifically designed to support DVI-D signaling. DVI-D to HDMI converters can be purchased for less than $20.00 USD. Using a DVI-D-to-VGA adapter would allow you to connect the video board to the monitor; however, this type of adapter must convert digital signals to analog signals, which would likely degrade the signal slightly. Purchasing a new monitor with a DVI-D port would provide a high-quality signal, but would cost much more than the other alternatives.
You are installing a high-end PCIe x16 video card in a new computer. The video card has connectors for two displays. The card also has dual fans to cool the unit. Which of the following will MOST likely be part of the installation? a. Enable the motherboard's integrated graphics in the BIOS. b. Connect a CrossFire bridge cable to the video card. c. Connect a 6- or 8-pin power connector to the video card. d. Enable the video card's second monitor connector in the BIOS.
c. Connect a 6- or 8-pin power connector to the video card. Most high-end PCIe x16 video cards require a special 6-pin or 8-pin power connector for additional power. Be sure to connect the power after inserting the card in the system and prior to turning the system on. If the motherboard has integrated graphics, it should be disabled in the BIOS when installing a dedicated video card. CrossFire bridge cables are used when installing two video cards in a multi-GPU configuration. Multiple display connectors on a video card do not need to be configured or enabled.
The CEO of your small company has asked you to connect his laptop computer to the small conference room LED TV. The CEO will be showing a new promotional video that demonstrates the new company strategy through images and sound. Which of the following cable types would work BEST for connecting his laptop to the display? a. DVI b. VGA c. HDMI d. Composite
c. HDMI HDMI is the default cable standard for newer electronic devices, such as Blu-Ray players and LED TVs. HDMI can carry both digital video and audio signals. Most modern computers include an HDMI port. DVI and VGA only supports video signals. Composite cables support video, but not audio.
You work for a company that provides technical support for customers. One customer calls wanting to know how to adjust their monitor so they can have the sharpest and most detailed images, words, and icons. Which Control Panel setting should you adjust to BEST meet the customer's needs? a. Color depth b. Ease of access c. Resolution d. Refresh rate
c. Resolution With resolution, the greater number of pixels you have in an image, the better quality the image. The higher the resolution number is, the greater number of pixels it has. For example, 1920 X 1200 has a clearer, sharper resolution than 1024 X 768. Increasing the color depth displays more colors, which improves the quality of the image, but not necessarily the text. The refresh rate is the number of times per second an image displayed on a screen needs to be regenerated. Adjusting this will not change the overall image clarity. In Windows 7, Ease of access lets you adjust settings, such as Start On-Screen Keyboard, Start Narrator, contrast settings, and magnifier settings. Although some of these setting may make it easier to see, they won't necessarily make the images and text sharper or more detailed.
You have just installed a new video card in Mark's computer. When you power on the computer, Windows automatically detects the new device and tries to locate an applicable device driver. Unfortunately, Windows cannot locate the required driver. Which of the following would be the BEST administrative tool to fix Mark's computer? a. Resource Monitor b. System Configuration c. Component Services d. Computer Management
d. Computer Management From Windows Administrative Tools, you can open Computer Management > System Tools > Device Manager, from which the device driver for the new video card can be installed. - System Configuration controls the initial startup, the boot files, and services loaded along with other tasks. - Component Services is used to access the local Event Viewer to examine Administrative Events and system logs. - Resource Monitor is a utility that displays information about the use of hardware and software resources in real time.
