are video cards the same as graphic cards?

Well, simply put, yes. But a video card to me means a simple way to get data to my monitor while a graphics card is a more highend video card for gaming and better resolution.If your computer monitor isn't showing data and you just want a cheapo video card, you can get one for around $40 from Walmart or Best Buy. If you want something on the higher end you could pay hundreds. You also need to determine if you need PCI or AGP.