For rendering video, the most critical component a customer should prioritize in a desktop is: * GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):The GPU is specifically designed to handle complex graphics and video rendering tasks. A powerful GPU will significantly improve performance in video rendering applications. * NIC (Network Interface Card):Important for network connectivity but irrelevant for video rendering. * USB:Useful for peripherals but does not impact video rendering capabilities. * HDMI:An important output interface for connecting monitors but not crucial for the rendering process itself. Reference: CompTIA A+ 220-1102 Exam Objectives, Section 1.8: Explain common OS types and their purposes, including hardware components for specific tasks. GPU importance in video rendering documentation.