Performing a reinstall of your video driver is a good way to keep drivers fresh and ensure good video playback. But what if you want to improve your video card’s performance? The only way to bolster your video card’s strength is by installing a new, more powerful video card. Let’s go over how you can gauge your present card’s power, and how you can augment it with a new video card.
Integrated Graphics vs. Dedicated Video Cards
The majority of PCs come with integrated graphics, which is actually an internal graphics processor. If you want strong video performance, you should purchase a dedicated video card. This card works exclusively to process video.
Run the Windows Experience Index Score
You can actually check your current graphics performance by using the Windows Experience Index Score. The Windows Experience Index Score calculates a base score that shows you how your hardware is performing. Here’s how to run the Windows Experience Index Score:
- Click “Start.”
- Open the “Control Panel.”
- Type “Performance Information and Tools” in the search box.
- Click on “Performance Information and Tools.”
- You’ll see that the system displays some base scores here. If you’ve recently installed new hardware products, then click on “Re-run this assessment.” Or, if you don’t see any scores at all, click on “Rate this computer.”
Video Requirements
You need a base score of at least 6.0 to support HDTV playback and intensive games. You can run Windows 7 and most essential programs with a base score of 4.0.
If you want to buy a new video card, choose one by a trusted manufacturer. Prices for video cards range from $75 all the way to $500 for multi-3D, Blu-Ray and 3D HD quality video cards.
The Importance of Updated Drivers
You will need to install important drivers on your new video card. You can use an installation CD to do this, or Windows Update might do it automatically. It’s important that you download and install good driver update software so that you can keep your system updated and prevent driver errors.
Reinstall your video driver to ensure strong performance.
