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Are nVidia cards any good for Twin Screen support?

C

CotswoldCS

Senior member
I originally posted this question in the General Hardware section (link) but didn't really get an answer to all of my questions. I was hoping that someone here might be able to help...


I'd really appreciate some advice please...

I currently run two 19" monitors on an ATI 9500 Pro AGP card. One monitor is TFT on a DVI connection, the other a CRT on a DSUB connection.

I plan to replace both the graphics card and the CRT for a new card and second TFT monitor. I play some games so I'm looking for a decent card. However, my main requirement is 2D image quality and the card's ability to handle twin screens. This is essential for the work I do.

I have a few simple questions:

I am familiar with ATI's Hydravision for handling twin screens but have never seen an nVidia card in action with two screens. I assume it can do this but how does the software compare with ATI's for ease of use, features etc..???

Would I be best to go for a Dual DVI graphics card to get the best out of 2 TFTs?

The best card I can find that meets my requirements is an XFX nVidia 6600GT (link)Dual DVI. Any opinions on this card or XFX in general?

 
that 6600gt is a good card for you i think. Nvidia's multi-screen support is better than ATI's imho, it allows for things like desktop spanning which ati didn't last time i tried it. Definately get a dual dvi card. and check out a program called ultramon, its great for managing multiple displays.

-Vivan
 
I'd be a bit weary of XFX. From what I've read their CS is lacking. From my personal experience, out of the last 8 video cards that I bought in the last 6 months, the only one that failed was a XFX. Fortunately it failed out of the box (video glitches when I ran 3dmark03) so I was able to return it to buy.com rather than have to deal with XFX directly.
 
it allows for things like desktop spanning which ati didn't last time i tried it.
Click to expand...

Catalyst drivers have supported both horizontal and vertical span modes for some time now.

Many users do prefer nvidia's nview to ati's hydravision, but both have their drawbacks. Ultramon is a superior multimonitor control software, but its a waste of money if the features you need are already available. I'm fairly certain that if like hydravision, nView will probably do the job as well.

nView
 
I think the nVidia nView is extremely easy to use. I have never used ATI with 2 monitors. I just built a rig for a customer using 12 LCDs running off of an AGP nVidia 5600U and a PCI nVidia MX4200. Works like a champ (@ multi-task/multi-desktop). He uses only VGA connects but video looks fine and 2D pics look normal. I haven't played any games on it though.

I too would suggest a 6600 (GT for gaming) for you but only if you are already going to buy a new video card.
 
I've always been happy with Nview. Also, a dual dvi card would be more beneficial. I've heard mixed things about XFX, some people love em, others don't.
 
Thanks guys!

If I want a Dual DVI card I think I will have to go with XFX. I can't find any other manufacturers in the UK that offer a Dual DVI AGP card. I think a 6600GT card at £150 is a better buy than a 6800 (std) at £200. I don't think the extra £50 will give me any noticeable difference. What do you think?
 
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