Minimum Required Components on a Video Adapter Every discrete video (graphics) card must include which of the following components to function?

Introduction / Context:
Graphics adapters render frames and store them in a frame buffer before scanning them out to a display. Identifying essential components helps when diagnosing failures or comparing specifications across cards and integrated solutions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A discrete video card outputs images to a monitor.
• It must at least store the pixel data that composes a frame.
• Terminology: “CPU” generally refers to the system processor, not the GPU.

Concept / Approach:

Every traditional video card requires memory (VRAM) to hold the frame buffer and textures (even integrated GPUs borrow system RAM). While modern cards also include a GPU, older very simple adapters still needed some memory for the frame buffer. CMOS is not a standalone requirement on a graphics card.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Spec sheets for any discrete VGA/SVGA/modern GPU list memory capacity; without it, no frame buffer exists to drive a display.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

CMOS is a technology type, not a required separate component. “CPU” is not present on all video cards; they have GPUs or simple controllers. “All of the above” is too broad; “None” is incorrect because RAM is necessary.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating “CPU” with “GPU,” or assuming integrated graphics rules apply to discrete cards without VRAM.

Final Answer:

RAM