Display Mode

Name	Full Form	Year	Type	Resolution	Colors	Why Called Adapter / Array	Key Differences
CGA	Color Graphics Adapter	1981	Adapter	320×200 / 640×200	4 or 2 colors	Separate video card adapting CPU output to display	First color graphics standard for IBM PCs
EGA	Enhanced Graphics Adapter	1984	Adapter	640×350	16 colors	Improved adapter card with more video memory	Higher resolution and colors than CGA
VGA	Video Graphics Array	1987	Adapter / Array	640×480	256 colors	Uses video memory array and video adapter card	Became long-time standard for PC graphics
SVGA	Super VGA	1989	Adapter / Array	800×600 up to 1600×1200	256+ colors	Enhanced VGA cards with larger memory arrays	Higher resolutions and extended color support
XGA	Extended Graphics Array	1990	Adapter	1024×768	256 to 65K colors	Advanced adapter for higher resolution displays	Used in higher-end PCs and workstations