When building yourself a new customized PC, picking the right graphics card can be an important decision. GPUs are not only one of the most powerful PC components, but also can drastically affect a PC performance. As a result, it's important to consider what the PC will be used for before buying.
GPUs (graphics processing units), or Graphics Cards, enable computers to better perform graphics-based tasks, which includes everything from video rendering to playing graphically-intensive games. GPUs can range drastically in performance, starting with daily-use cards for web browsing and streaming and going all the way to enthusiast- and workstation-powerhouse cards. And while not everyone needs a powerful GPU for their desktop computer, investing in a decent one can go a long way in extending the longevity of your system.
Up Your Gaming Performance with a Powerful GPU
When the term “GPU” comes up, the first thing that most people think of is PC gaming. As their names suggest, graphics cards weigh into the graphical power of PCs. Everything from in-game FPS to screen resolution and graphical detail is affected by one's GPU, so choosing the correct unit is vital.
Those looking to play the newest AAA titles at the best performance possible will want to start their search with mid-range GPUs. However, higher-end GPUs will offer more higher and more stable framerates for more intensive games.
Graphics cards go far beyond PC gaming use, however – tasks such as using video rendering and editing software, photo editors, programming and game development tools, and more. Even less hardware-intensive PC tasks such as video streaming, surfing the web, and live video calls will see improved performance and faster speeds with dedicated GPUs.
Graphics cards can play a big role in improving your workstation computer by allowing you to complete tasks and run programs seamlessly and faster than ever before, and help to boost your workflow. With a wide selection of GPUs, you'll be sure to find the perfect graphics card for your workstation computer at Micro Center.
NVIDIA Graphics Cards
Micro Center has a wide selection of graphics cards from NVIDIA, with both GTX and RTX cards available. The GTX Series, which uses the shared Turing architecture for its cards that allow great performance, is a great pick for your next graphics card. Comparatively, NVIDIA's RTX cards offer RT and Tensor cores, plus real-time ray tracing abilities which can offer even greater graphical and more realistic gameplay experiences.
We offer a wide range of cards, including cutting-edge, top of the line current gen cards as well as a selection of previous generation models for those looking to build on a budget.
AMD offers a great selection of graphics cards as well, with enough variety to please nearly every type of PC user. AMD's 6000 Series cards offer a great range of graphical performance across its models, with the 6000 XT Series giving a nice additional boost in performance that will blow games out of the water by offering better graphics than ever.
These graphics cards range a lot with both performance level and price, with entry-level cards perfect for anyone just getting into PC building and enthusiast cards perfect for hardcore gamers and workstation PCs. Gamers looking to build their perfect gaming PC should look no further than AMD's newest line of graphics cards, which offer gaming performances that feel truly next gen.
Intel Graphics Cards
Intel is the newest player to enter the graphics card market, and its cards have come out swinging with compelling features and competitive pricing. By utilizing Resizable BAR memory technology (available on most modern CPUs) and SAM (Smart Access Memory), Intel has created the powerful new Intel Arc series, which can easily keep up with many popular GPU models from NVIDIA and AMD.
The performance of the Intel Arc graphics cards is powered by the Xe HPG Microarchitecture, a new microarchitecture designed explicitly for graphics cards. The Xe HPG Microarchitecture features several new enhancements designed to improve the performance of graphics cards, including a new cache hierarchy, a new scheduler, and a new rasterizer. The Xe HPG Microarchitecture innovations are also designed to improve the performance of graphics applications, including ray tracing, variable rate shading, and mesh shading. Intel's Xe Media Engine was the industry first for AV1 Coding and Transcoding Technology, and the Xe Media Engine gives creators the power to cultivate compelling content powered by the first graphics card to support all current leading media formats.
Micro Center offers a huge variety of graphics cards, with products for nearly any type of build, whether you're looking for a high-end gaming PC or something with a tight budget in mind.
Check out our store, where you'll be sure to find the perfect unit for your next custom build, with in-store PC experts that can help answer any of your questions or even help build your system at a fair price.
FAQs
Yes, your GPU must be functioning in order to be eligible for trade-in. Once you gather an estimate of your graphics card, schedule an in-store visit for your product evaluation.
Can you return a GPU to Micro Center? ›
We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a free and easy return and a full refund – and you won't even need a receipt* We want you to be satisfied with your Micro Center purchase!
Why are there not enough GPUs? ›
A global chip shortage, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, severely hampered the production of GPUs. The pandemic disrupted the global supply chain, causing delays in chip production and delivery.
How do I know if my GPU is good enough? ›
Match your monitor resolution.
Many mainstream cards are sufficient for gaming at 1080p resolutions at between 30-60 fps, but you'll need a high-end card for 4K resolution or 1440p monitors, including ultrawide options. That goes double if you want to use high in-game settings on the most demanding titles.
Who buys broken GPUs? ›
Sell Your Graphics Card or GPU To TradeInMytech
You can trade in your used graphics card or GPU in any condition, even broken! We provide free shipping and fast cash payments!
Does Micro Center buy old PCs? ›
Outside of previously purchased video cards at Micro Center, we do not offer any additional trade-in or buy-back services.
Can I bring my PC to Micro Center to fix? ›
At Micro Center, our technicians build and repair all kinds of PCs, so we also offer a rebuild service, where we can take your partial build and get it up and running for you.
Does Micro Center charge a restocking fee? ›
It is up to the manager's discretion if you will be charged the restocking fee and how much it would be exactly. This would be determined directly inside the store at the time of return/exchange.
Can a CPU hold back a GPU? ›
You can tell you're encountering a CPU bottleneck when your GPU isn't fully utilized. (The utilization of the CPU is irrelevant.) If your processor's performance isn't sufficient to keep pace with your game, this can lead to a slowdown because the graphics card can't be fully unleashed. That's a CPU bottleneck.
Why are GPUs so cheap now? ›
Graphics cards are in stock at retailers, which has cut off scalpers at the knees with inflated prices. The GPU market is in good shape now, with cards on the secondhand market selling for below list price, as they should.
These problems are particularly crucial for gaming, graphic design, and video editing tasks. Overheating: Excessive heat can damage the GPU and other card components. Driver issues: Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause performance problems. Physical damage: Mishandling or impacts can damage the card.
Do GPUs fail often? ›
Most graphics cards have a functional lifespan ranging from 3-5 years on average before needing an upgrade. However, aspects like usage frequency, cooling solutions, maintenance, and the specific model all impact how long your GPU can last before showing its age.
How to check if GPU is bad? ›
Then carefully take out the GPU and examine it for any visible damage, such as cracks, burns, or bulges. You can also use a compressed air can to blow away any dust or debris from the GPU and its fan. If you see any signs of damage or overheating, it may indicate that your GPU is dead or dying.
Is the RTX 3060 good for gaming? ›
It is perfect for every type of gamer, capable of running casual entry-level titles such as Fortnite or Stardew Valley to AAA games including Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Regardless of your choice of game, the RTX 3060 will render the world in smooth realistic light on max settings at 1440p.
How do I know if my graphics card is underpowered? ›
When a graphics card is underpowered it will drop the performance levels and display graphics at a lower quality. The graphics downgrade will usually trigger if you run a graphics-heavy game or application that pushes the card to its limits.
Where do I sell a GPU? ›
SellGPU is the #1 best site to use to sell your used computer components. Founded in 2014, SellGPU purchases all things related to computer components, laptop components, and server components – including GPUs, CPUs, RAM, SSDs, Gaming Consoles, Laptops, Desktop PCs, Server CPUs, and Server RAM, and Bulk ITAD.
Can you sell stuff to a Micro Center? ›
We invite you to participate in Micro Center's exceptional growth opportunities by contacting us about your product(s). Please complete our online application form. We guarantee a timely response from our buying team.
How much is the GPU market worth? ›
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) market size is estimated to be worth USD 22940 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 35800 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.7Percent during the review period.
Can you trade in electronics at Micro Center? ›
Trade-in Value Lookup
Only GPUs from Micro Center qualify for our Trade-in program. A product evaluation is required; only functional devices are accepted.”
