Functions of the video processor, why it is needed, in what areas it is used

The functions of the video processor are wider than those used in laptops and PCs. This article will focus not only on conventional GPUs that are used everywhere, but also on professional, narrowly focused equipment.

Let’s start with the basics – what is a video processor

In very simple words, the video processor is used to display and control the image on the
video wall , monitor, led screen, etc. Often, this device is called a video controller – these are synonyms – interchangeable concepts. But it is not enough just to display a picture, it is important that all monitors show a single image and continue each other.
Modern video connectors:

• HDMI;
• VGA;
• DisplayPort;
• DVI-D;
• DVI-V;

The most common are VGA and HDMI.

What is the purpose of the video processor, what functions does it perform?

Why do you need a video processor in different areas.

Splitter function

In addition to working with a video wall, the video controller can act as a splitter. That is, display one picture on a large number of monitors (namely, divide, and not form one display from several displays). Or vice versa, from several computers, display an image on one monitor, but this is necessary if the display does not have enough inputs.

Player for media content

Thanks to the built-in memory, the controller allows you to play videos, music, etc. The power of the built-in processor is enough for video in medium and high quality.

Separate work

If you choose a video processor with a large amount of memory, then you can use it without connecting to a PC. Most models have a clear interface that will allow you to conveniently conduct presentations, etc. in the absence of a laptop at hand.

Varieties of video processors

First you need to separate the video processor from the video card. These are different devices. The video card is used as a part in a PC, but is responsible for similar tasks – displaying an image.

Integrated graphics

Integrated video cards are a crystal (the main part of the chip), which is located directly on the processor chip.

Integrated video card – crystal

The main disadvantage of such solutions is very low power. There are exceptions, for example, the Radeon vega 8. In terms of power, it is equal to cards from the cheap segment, such as the GTX 750 or GT 1030. This integrated video card is installed in the Ryzen G and Athlon series AMD processes. A distinctive feature of these “inserts” is the principle of operation (more on that later).

Complete cards

Discrete cards can already be chosen independently, since they have a separate slot on the motherboard. At the moment, the most popular video card manufacturers are AMD and Nvidia.
Both have a wide range of models. When choosing a video card, first determine for yourself the priority chips in the card, decide on the type of activity, and only then buy. When working with a video wall, you need to select a video card with the maximum number of video ports.

narrowly focused

A separate niche is occupied by narrowly focused video processors. Some of them are used in the field of medicine, for example, EPK-3000 DEFINA. This video processor is designed to display images from the endoscope. For servers, Nvidia tesla series video cards are used. They, like mining ones, do not have video ports.

Principle of operation

Earlier it was said about integrated video cards and their differences in principle. The main distinguishing feature is the access to video memory. Discrete video processors have their own memory, which is often of the GDDR or HBM type (there is also DDR, but it is several times slower). In fact, a video card is a tandem of a video chip and video memory.

Consequences of high power

During operation, both the crystal and the video memory get very hot (including the power phases), so they need at least a heatsink. As a rule, the more powerful the video card, the higher its power consumption, which entails heating.

How integrated cards work

Continuing the topic of integrated video cards, it is necessary to talk about the principle of their work. Since they do not have their own video memory, but they need to draw the image, they use the RAM resource. That is, RAM will serve as video memory. The main disadvantage of this mode of operation is the low speed of operation. Purely physically ordinary DDR4 is not capable of operating at such speeds, to say nothing of older types of RAM.

Service/recommendations for use

During operation, be careful when inserting and removing the cable from the video connector. Video ports often fail due to careless handling. Video processors do not require maintenance unless there are technical problems. Thanks to customized software, you can scale and manage open windows more flexibly.

What parameters to choose, how not to make a mistake?

If you are going to use a video card as a video controller, check if your motherboard has the necessary slot before buying. Also pay attention to the power supply.

ATTENTION: there are 6, 8 or more PIN connectors. They will connect from the power supply to the video card. In the absence of this connector, it is necessary to replace the PSU, because due to a lack of current, unstable operation or even damage to the card is possible.

Pins in the connectors

In the case of a video processor, you need to pay attention not only to the number of video connectors, but also to compatibility with certain software. Be sure to specify this item if you plan to use it without a PC.

Connection nuances

Video walls are often assembled from several monitors. And an interested person may have problems connecting 6, 8 or more video output cables to one video processor. This number of connectors is not provided on most devices, so what to do?

Splitter

HDMI Splitter – a device that allows you to connect multiple HDMI outputs to one port.

That is, all wires from monitors through this device can be connected to one video card connector. Pay attention to the connectors you use. Here is a table of their differences:

Connectors	Signal type	Minuses	Advantages
DVI	Digital	Cable head size	Good quality
HDMI	Digital	The connector is quite fragile.	Version 2.0 can output 1920*1080*60GHZ
display port	Digital	Rare	High quality and low response
VGA	analog	Poor image quality	Cheapness

In the case of computer cards, things are a bit more complicated. Video cards of previous generations were connected to the AGP and PCE ports, but now only the PCE-e port is relevant. There are 4 generations of this connector – 1, 2, 3, 4. The latest – the fourth, is supported by a very small number of motherboards, and then only motherboards based on AMD chipsets.

Questions and myths

Video processor can not work without a monitor?

It is a myth. The video controller is standalone. He can just work. Not connected to a video wall or monitor.

Can I connect a monitor to a laptop?

Yes, but provided that your laptop has a video connector. Simply plug in a monitor and if no image appears, go to the display settings and set the display mode (duplicate, etc.).

Is the image quality dependent on the cable?

To some extent, yes. VGA cables are analog, so the quality is noticeably worse than when connected via HDMI and DVI.

If you need to connect a large number of monitors, use a splitter. But choose a model without a signal selection button, since they are able to output video from several devices to one monitor, that is, you will get the opposite effect (additionally ask the seller). Make no mistake by accidentally purchasing a Mining edition map. There is nothing you can do with it except sell it or start mining.