A video display card is an expansion board that implements a computer’s video adapter: it generates the video signal sent to a display. The term is more precise than the everyday phrase “graphics card,” because it specifies that the adapter is on a separate board rather than built into the computer’s main system board.
What does a video display card do?
The card provides display output by generating a video signal that travels through a cable to a monitor or other display. The video adapter may work with a video buffer, which holds the data used to produce what appears on screen. In character mode, that data can include character and attribute codes; in graphics mode, it can define pixels.
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Is a video display card the same as a graphics card?
In everyday computer terminology, “video card,” “graphics card,” and “display adapter” are often used for related hardware. Microsoft’s Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition (2002) lists “video card,” “video controller,” and “video display adapter” as alternative names for a video adapter. Another reference describes “video card” as a common term for a graphics card or display adapter. In the narrower definition, however, a video display card is specifically the expansion-board implementation of the adapter.
Does every computer need a separate video display card?
No. Video-adapter functionality can be located on the computer’s main system board or on an expansion board, so a separate card is not inherent to every computer. The Microsoft Computer Dictionary states: “The video adapter is usually located on the computer’s main system board or on an expansion board, but it is sometimes built into the terminal.” The definition does not establish current graphics-card designs or compatibility requirements.
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How the terms differ
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Video adapter | The broader function that generates the video signal sent to a display; it may be on the main system board or on an expansion board. |
| Video display card | An expansion-board implementation of a video adapter. |
| Video card / graphics card | Common related terms for graphics or display-adapter hardware; “graphics card” is familiar everyday wording, while “video display card” emphasizes the separate-board form. |
| Video buffer | Storage for data used to produce the display, such as character and attribute codes or pixel-defining data. |
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