Video Processor

In addition to the processor and the memory, the video processor is crucial to the working order of your computer.  As the latter part of the name applies, a video processor is a microprocessor just like the one that is running your computer.  However, the operations that this processor does is much more specific and focused on producing graphical output to a monitor from your computer.

Typically, these video processors have their own dedicated memory, however on some of the more cost conscious computers the video processor shares the main RAM memory with your central processor.  The same memory rules apply to your video processor as to the central processor.  The more memory you have, the better performance you will receive.  While most productivity software does not require intensive graphic performance, the latest and greatest video games can and will use all the video memory they can get their hands on.

As with memory, the Video Processor form factor can vary depending on whether it is being used in a desktop or laptop computer.

     

Nvidia's currently single most powerful desktop card, the 7900 GT. While it has the ability to synchronize with another card of the exact same model and split the work between them, by itself it is a workhouse of unmatched power, capable of rendering today's msot powerful software applications at blazing speed.

With the same prowess that made them a strong presence in the world of desktop video processing, Nvidia® put a foot in the world of mobile computing, producing high quality video processors for a myriad of needs and laptops. Seen here is Nvidia's latest video processor for laptops.