In computers, video graphics array (VGA) is a standard set of specifications used for color resolution in video display hardware. A VGA chipset is a piece of display hardware that features one or more VGA connectors, which use VGA specifications. VGA technology connects most computer monitors to many video cards, because standard video cards are equipped with VGA capabilities. This type of connector is usually easy to identify by its appearance. A VGA connector has 15 connector points known as pins arranged in three rows, and the female connector is usually blue.
Though many computer users use the term "chipset" to refer to a complete device like a VGA-enabled video card, a chipset is technically only a part of a hardware device, usually one that contains two or more chips. A VGA chipset is a VGA-capable chip board, with usually two or more chips making up the chipset assembly. When it is in use, a VGA chipset is either installed inside a computer or contained inside an external VGA device. Connecting a monitor or video device to a VGA chipset requires a VGA cable, which is sometimes included with or attached to a computer monitor.
A video card is the hardware in a computer that configures it to show graphics, like the picture in the monitor. Video cards have a wide range of picture quality ratings and diverse features. Some motherboards are made with built-in VGA graphics capabilities. The mainboard chip is a large chip inside a computer that houses the processor and handles most of the commands that go through the computer. When a VGA chipset is built into the motherboard, the computer is considered to have an onboard video card. This type of hardware can help lower the cost of building a computer and save room in the computer case for air flow or other hardware.
Like other types of graphics specifications, VGA rules give manufacturers specifications that make VGA hardware connectors the same no matter who manufactures them. While most monitors and many high definition televisions (HDTVs) have VGA connectors, some older televisions have only Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connectors. A VGA chipset adapter can offer a means to bridge between a VGA chipset and a television with RCA cables, enabling the user to employ a standard RCA television as a monitor. Adapters can also be used to make a VGA chipset compatible with other input types like digital video interface (DVI) or Separate Video (S-Video).