Display Mode

Understanding CGA, EGA, VGA, and SVGA in the Simplest Way

When studying computers, many students get confused by terms like CGA, EGA, VGA, and SVGA.
These are simply display standards that determine how clear the screen looks.

The main difference between them is resolution.

What is Resolution?

Resolution means the number of tiny dots called pixels on the screen.

Formula:

Resolution = Width × Height

Example:

• 320 × 200 = 64,000 pixels

• 640 × 350 = 224,000 pixels

• 640 × 480 = 307,200 pixels

• 800 × 600 = 480,000 pixels

👉 More pixels = clearer and sharper image.

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1. CGA (Color Graphics Adapter)

CGA was introduced by IBM in 1981.

Features:

• Resolution: 320 × 200

• Supports only 4 colors

• Very low quality

• Used in old computers

Example:
Like watching a blurry old TV.

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2. EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter)

EGA came after CGA and improved graphics.

Features:

• Resolution: 640 × 350

• Supports 16 colors

• Better picture quality than CGA

Example:
Like upgrading from black-and-white TV to color TV.

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3. VGA (Video Graphics Array)

VGA became a very popular standard.

Features:

• Resolution: 640 × 480

• Supports 256 colors

• Clearer text and images

Example:
Like old computer monitors in schools/offices.

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4. SVGA (Super Video Graphics Array)

SVGA is an improved version of VGA.

Features:

• Resolution: 800 × 600 or higher

• Supports thousands/millions of colors

• Best quality among these four

Example:
Like comparing HD to SD.

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Comparison Table

Standard	Full Form	Resolution	Colors
CGA	Color Graphics Adapter	320×200	4
EGA	Enhanced Graphics Adapter	640×350	16
VGA	Video Graphics Array	640×480	256
SVGA	Super Video Graphics Array	800×600+	More

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Easy Trick to Remember

Remember this order:

C → E → V → S

Quality increases step by step:

CGA < EGA < VGA < SVGA

or

Low → Better → Good → Best

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Exam Questions

1. Which graphics card offers the highest resolution?
✅ SVGA

2. Which graphics card offers the lowest resolution?
✅ CGA

3. What does VGA stand for?
✅ Video Graphics Array

So always remember:

CGA < EGA < VGA < SVGA ✅

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