VGA Card

You’ll want to purchase an AGP video card, which is better than a PCI video card. Be sure your mainboard has an AGP slot for an AGP video card. The video card will have a connector into which you’ll plug your monitor.

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The video connector will be visible from the back of the PC. Most video monitors use the older analog connector that is common with CRT computer monitors.

AGP video card

Notice the black blob of spikes. That’s a heatsink to help draw heat away from the card. Some video cards will have their own fan which gets power from the AGP slot. You can identify AGP cards because the back of the card has a little notch to help secure it.

Newer video cards often have two monitor connectors—one for use with CRT monitors and the other a digital connector for use with LCD monitors. While many LCD monitors support the older analog connection, if you plan to use an LCD monitor, it’s best to choose a video card with a digital connector.

I’d recommend avoiding mainboards with built-in video connectors. It’s better to use a video card.