Chapter 9. The Big Picture: Upgrading Video Cards and Monitors

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Understanding PC video

• Replacing your monitor

• Replacing your video card

• Adding a second video card and monitor

• Adding a TV tuner card

• Adding a video capture card or device

Probably the most important peripheral in your computer system is that thing you stare at all day the computer monitor. A good monitor can reduce eyestrain and display stunning 3D-like images; a bad monitor will hurt your eyes and have trouble displaying realistic graphics, especially with today's high-octane PC games.

An easy way to enhance your computing experience is to upgrade your system's video display. That might mean going with a bigger monitor, or a thinner one, or even upgrading the video card that drives your monitor.

How important is a video upgrade? I'll tell you this every single one of my desktop PCs is connected to a different monitor than it initially shipped with. That's right I've upgraded all my monitors, and I'm very pleased with the results.