PCI vs AGP Graphics Cards

For all keen computer gamers, the graphics card is a key element in enjoying the full experience. A bad graphics card can make viewing the game difficult, if not actually impossible, but a good graphics card can mean hours of fun. Whether you enjoy role-play or strategy, shoot-em-ups or world building, the graphics card is an essential partner in the game.

Recent advances in technology have meant that the traditional graphics cards are being replaced by more up-to-date cards, with better graphics and more to offer the keen gamer. The AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), for example, although a trusted friend of many keen players, will be replaced soon with the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) graphics card. Moving from the AGP to the PCI is not necessarily an easy matter, and it can mean rebuilding a lot of your computer's internal workings. The question to ask is how much of a dedicated gamer are you?

Differences Between the AGP and the PCI

The PCI has a parallel bus system which allows information to travel in two directions at once. The PCI is considered to be the high-speed graphics card. The faster the speed of the graphics card, the better the data and appearance of the images; 3D graphics may become standard due to the PCI.

Perhaps the most significant difference between the AGP and its replacement is bandwidth; the PCI graphics card offers more bandwidth for the money. The PCI graphics card is considered to have approximately three times the bandwidth of an AGP. although this is not really necessary, as even in the most graphically enhanced games, the AGP's bandwidth is not completely saturated. This increases the speed of the PCI.

The PCI can also enable the dual-card system, which is again unlike the AGP, which was very much an individual when it came to working with others.

The biggest difference that most PC users will notice is in price: the PCI will cost nearly £300 dollars, making it a very expensive card. While there are cheaper options, most home gamers will naturally prefer the cheaper AGP for the moment.

In real terms, there is very little difference in performance between the PCI and the AGP graphics cards, although top-end card systems may notice a slight improvement. On other systems, the AGP may actually outperform its rival, but they usually turn out to be around equal. The main difference will be in the future, as the AGP gradually becomes sidelined by games manufacturers.

In the future, new gamers may need to build PCI compatible components into their computer. AGP platforms will severely limit these future gamers, as most upgradable software will feature PCI information, rather than AGP. In the long term, the AGP will turn into a cul-de-sac, and not go any further; the PCI will  overtake it, and become cheaper and more widely available. Any keen gamer or computer user should therefore calculate the impact on his pocket by purchasing the current version of the PCI, but also consider the effect on his gaming experience of sticking with an old technology that will quickly be outmoded.