Where to buy PCI Express graphics cards

PCI Express graphics cards are an integral part of most modern computers. For anyone who is serious about gaming, photo or video editing, then the use of such a card can be very beneficial. This article shall be looking at where to buy PCI Express graphics cards.

What are they and what are the benefits?

A PCI Express graphics card (officially abbreviated as PCIe) is an expansion card that slots inside your computer to give it increased functionality in terms of graphical power. It supersedes older video cards such as AGP, PCI and PCI-X. PCIe cards can range in price from just a few tens of pounds to those that are aimed at the professional market which can be priced in their thousands.
Benefits of a PCI Express graphics cards Gamers using desktop systems benefit from the video quality that is afforded with PCIe. As cards become ever more powerful, this in turn inspires the developers of games to try and create even more rich and realistic (or not so!) environments. This can help to bring games alive, such is the quality of images and colours. As more and more online video content is now offered in 1080p high definition quality, the need for a powerful graphics card to handle the amount of data involved is of paramount importance and this is where PCIe comes into its own. Not only that, but it is certainly advantageous in regards to editing high definition video too.
Deciding factors when choosing which card is best for you There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when buying a PCIe graphics card. Of first importance is your budget. Secondly, you have to decide what you are going to be using it for. If you're planning on playing the latest and best graphically intensive game with the settings at maximum, then be prepared to hand over plenty of cash. That said, cheaper models of cards may still be able to play the latest games at a decent frame rate once the game's settings have been tweaked here and there.

Where to buy

There are a number of places to buy PCI Express graphics cards. Here are just a few:
Dabs.co.uk It offers a wide range of cards from budget cards to highly expensive ones that are used by the professionals.
Play.com There is large selection on offer here and delivery is free on everything.
Froogle.co.uk It is a price comparison site that lists many PCIe cards.