There are many ways to buy a new graphics card, but there are a lot of choices of what and where to buy. Let me explain a few ways to get you in the right direction.
First you need to determine what type of game you are going to play. Is it is a brand new game that requires top end graphics, or an older game that does not require the latest and greatest. Once you have complied a list of games that you would like to play, you need to review the system requirements of each game. Most graphics cards follow a pattern: ATI, Nvidia, and intergrated graphics tend to be numbered. Usually the higher the number the better the card is. So if you have Nvidia 6800 as one and Nvidia 8800 as another the 8800 will be the better card (all newer cards will work if the game recommends a card that is older. i.e. an ATI 4870 will play a game that requires an ATI 4650 just fine.)
Occasionally that will not be the case, but you can view the manufacture’s website to learn about the different names and preformance specs. You will want to take the game that has the most demanding specs and review the ATI, Nvidia, and/or Integrated solution and compare cards the cards against each other. Example, Game X requires an ATI 4650 or an Nvidia 7800. Take a look at both cards. Use sites like Amazon.com, Newegg.com, ZipZoomFly.com, or Google search to compare prices and system needs. Cards can be attached to your computer via: PCI, AGP, or PCIe. If your computer supports PCIe, you will want to get an PCIe card. PCIe is the newest spec and most computers build since 2006 will have a PCIe slot. See if you powersupply has the right adapters. Some cards require a 4/6 pin power connection and you will not be able to power the card if your power supply supports it. If you play one type of game or just one game: i.e. an MMO like World of Warcraft, you might visit that game’s site and see if they have forums. Join the community and ask, “What is a good card at my price range that my system will support that will play this game well?” Be detailed! A great way to form that question would be, “I have a Dell Optiplex 480, and currently I am using the video card it came with. Do you know a good card for about $100 that will run this game?” When asking technical questions provide as many details as possible. That will help get you the best result quickly. Engage the community, if they ask you a question do what you can to answer it. You share a common passion and many people have no problem helpping you out.
In recap: 1. Know the games you want to play 2. Know the system requirements 3. Know your budget 4. Know if your system will support the card (port and power) 5. Don’t be afraid to ask question if you are confused or need guidence! 6. Shop around online. Avoid the Best Buys or brick and mortar stores they tend to have high prices and older hardware. 7. Don’t feel like you have to spend $500+ on a card if the games you play will run fine with a sub $100 card. 8. Buy NEW, avoid cards that are second hand. People can overclock cards to get more preformance, but at the cost of damaging the cards. A lot of times you will not be able to see if the card is damaged from overclocking. If you buy second hand, make sure you have a return or DOA policy that fits your needs. 8. Video cards are always being updated. Find a card that you like that will work for you now. If you can wait, wait, there is always new technology being released, but if you find a good deal take it!
Video card/VGU overheats overtime and causes video to fail. This reflow trick applies to most HP laptop DV models, PS3, XBox 360 and some of the desktops.
Nvidia GT 220 Graphics Card Review 
Shows a Lenovo T400 playing Crysis using onboard graphics and then the newly released ViDock 2 which utilizes a standard desktop ATI 4670 graphics card. This graphics card connects to the computer over ExpressCard and allows you to beef up a standard business class machine (or an aging laptop) enough to play cutting edge games.
In this Video Review I open up a ASUS EN9500GT 1GB / Nvidia 9500GT PCI-E Graphics Card from it’s box and set it up on my desktop. Educational video from http://www.OSGUI.com Tech Show
This is a video Tutorial of How-to Install a ASUS EN9500GT 1GB / Nvidia 9500GT PCI-E Graphics Card into Desktop Computer. I also show how to setup Nvidia Settings in Ubuntu Linux 9.10 64bit Karmic Koala. Educational video from http://www.OSGUI.com Tech Show
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