Best dual monitor video card?

[Deskstar]

With the pending release of the 9800Pro and the Asus Ti4200 dual DVI, and current video display adapters on the market, what would you recommend for the top three dual monitor video cards (to run a pair of 18" LCDs at 1280 x 1024)? Price is important, but 2D image is more important. (My Ti4400 analog display is not working correctly, so a new card is indicated). Gaming is a diversion, not mainstream use for me. Still I like to have good gaming benchmarks.

 

[mcveigh]

matrox parhelia for 2d quality.

then ati 95xx/97xx series
then nvidia

 

[everman]

How about the Matrox G 550? I think they run around $100 as opposed to the parhelia's high price. (although parhelia can do 3 monitors, G550 is dual)

 

[MercenaryForHire]

It's a tough call between the 9800 and the Ti4200, but if I were you I'd go for the dual DVI. You'll appreciate the dual-digital power & clarity, and since gaming is more of a diversion than a mainstream use, you'll be more than satisfied with the Ti4200. Plus, you can se Span mode to enable hardware accelleration on both monitors.

Second place goes to the Radeon, with third going to ... well, there isn't really a third competitor. The Parhelia is just way too overpriced to qualify here, and 3D performance is even worse.

- M4H

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: everman
How about the Matrox G 550? I think they run around $100 as opposed to the parhelia's high price. (although parhelia can do 3 monitors, G550 is dual)

I ruled out the G550 when he requested "decent 3D performance".

Sorry Matrox - you make great 2D CAD/CAM cards and excellent dualhead, but your 3D just plain sucks.

- M4H

 

[jtcartboy357]

Go with a Wildcat VP series I believe you can find the VP 560 for roughly $190
If not interested in that I have always heard that the ati has better 2 monitor support than nvidia
but I have heard some very good things about the asus 9180VS

 

[Markfw]

If the parhelia is too much money and the 550 is too bad 3d wise (probably too slow), then ATI is the way to go. I think every review site out there gives them the lead in 2d. I love my 9700 pro.

 

[SUOrangeman]

PSSSST!! Over here!

-SUO