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For a long time, video card was one of most important components of a computer. For do-it-yourselfers, choice of a video card is very important. However, many users don't know that there are two types of video cards: "public version" and "non-public version". So what is a public video card and a non-public video card? What is difference between a public graphics card and a closed version? Next, I will share with you all sorts of related knowledge about public and proprietary graphics cards.

What is a reference video card?

The core of public version of graphics card is graphics card chip; they are all developed by several manufacturers in world (graphic cards mainly include NVIDIA and ati - were acquired by AMD)

When designing a new chip or chipset, these manufacturers must specify specification of graphics card in which they are installed, including operating mode of chip (such as graphics card core frequency, video memory frequency, and video memory specification) and circuit board. Power supply, heat dissipation, and other devices, etc. will allow you to create a prototype or sample card, which is a link to some of board manufacturers below, and those made from these templates and sample cards are public version.

What is a private graphics card?

Non-general graphics card refers to a graphics card not manufactured by graphics chip manufacturer:

There are currently two largest computer graphics cards: NVIDIA and AMD. Take NVIDIA as an example. For same graphics card, NVIDIA factory releases a public version of graphics card. Its OEMs (such as MSI, ASUS) make non-public graphics cards. Usually non-reference video cards have a higher frequency and better cooling.

What is difference between a public graphics card and a custom graphics card?

The public release graphics card is an original design provided by NVIDIA and AMD, including unified standards for circuits, interfaces, materials, and heat dissipation, as well as an agreed graphics card core frequency.

A non-public release graphics card refers to graphics cards that other manufacturers have modified after receiving original public release plan. First of all, you need to understand one thing: no matter how manufacturer modifies it, video card chip in end remains same chip and will not become a new model.

What are pros and cons of public and custom graphics cards?

Advantages of public graphics card: powerful, luxurious materials, unsurpassed stability, excellent electrical performance, powerful overclocking capabilities provided by luxurious materials, fewer motherboard slots (up to double slots), and speed to market.

Disadvantages of public graphics card: The single-fan closed turbo radiator effect is not perfect, and insufficient air volume causes graphics card temperature to be high, and function is relatively simple;

The advantages of non-public video cards: most of them are cheaper than public ones, default frequency is high, heat dissipation is good, product selection is diverse, you can find products that suit you, appearance is beautiful;

Disadvantages of video cards of non-public version: manufacturing materials are relatively ordinary, you cannot use a universal built-in water cooling head.