Best "2D-only" video card

[rbV5]

teh G550 is more then capable, it will run dual 1600x1200 displays just fine

Analog it will, digital i will not. 1280x1024 Max Digital.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Cryption
Has Nvidia started using comparable TMDS transmitters? Or is their DVI output still considered subpar?

I don't really know but if Tom's Hardware article is any indication, Nvidia on-chip TMDS has gotten better but is still subpar to ATI. MSI 6800 on-chip TMDS displayed 1600x1200 using reduced blanking interval while it's external Silcon Image TMDS transmitter chip passed full DVI compliance at 1600x1200. Nvidia partners can choose which external chip to use but on-chip is built-in by Nvidia.

 

[batmanuel]

Since the current ATi cards have the TMDS integrated into the actually graphics chipset itself, shouldn't the DVI quality of an off brand ATi card be equal to that of a Built By ATi card? This is assuming that the manufacturer uses the ATi TMDS, but the THG article seemed to indicate that most of the ATi card makers tend to use the onboard transmitter. The cheap Sapphire X300 I bought for my wife's new PC to drive her new 2005FPW seems to have a very nice and crisp DVI output (although the VGA leaves a bit to be desired - at least with a 20" flat panel), so I think you are actually pretty safe with most of the third party ATi cards.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: batmanuel
Since the current ATi cards have the TMDS integrated into the actually graphics chipset itself, shouldn't the DVI quality of an off brand ATi card be equal to that of a Built By ATi card? This is assuming that the manufacturer uses the ATi TMDS, but the THG article seemed to indicate that most of the ATi card makers tend to use the onboard transmitter. The cheap Sapphire X300 I bought for my wife's new PC to drive her new 2005FPW seems to have a very nice and crisp DVI output (although the VGA leaves a bit to be desired - at least with a 20" flat panel), so I think you are actually pretty safe with most of the third party ATi cards.

Yes but for someone who wants to take zero chance, Built by ATI is the safe choice. Personally I don't care as long as I get a signal.