could use some video card guidance please

[techiecool]

my system i am building will be a P4 2.4C on abit IS7. I am not a gamer (some thing cheesy like simcity maybe). but i would like to watch an occasional dvd on my rig. mostly do programming/web/Database work. i am looking for a video card. i don't mind spending some money ($40-80) if i would see some benefits based on my use. i guess i would like DVI output. thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Corporate Thug]

gameVE has an albatrin ti4200 128mb for $103. although this is primarily a gaming card, it's a good quality card and gives you a little flexibility just incase you want to play a little bit more advanced games

 

[ponyo]

I would recommend MATROX G550 with DVI. Gorgeous 2d for your work. Nvidia 2d has gotten lot better but still looks like crap. ATI 2D is decent and notch above Nvidia but still can't touch Matrox when it comes to sharpness, clarity, and color in 2D.

You might also want to look at some of ATI's older card. They have good 2D and should be cheap. Stay away from older Nvidia for 2D. Real crappy 2D. Borderline terrible in 2D quality. But they have improved lot with Geforce 3 and 4.

 

[techiecool]

would love to get the matrox,but a bit out of my price range i think. would an ati 8500 or 9xxx series be better than getting the nvidia mx440 (non se) or 5200 (non ultra)?

 

[squidman]

Yes, id recommend the 9xxx series, since the RAMDAC is 400mhz, thus resulting in crispier picture.

 

[techiecool]

i was looking at the 9100 at new egg, but it says "This card will not support a DVI-VGA adapter " about the card. what does that mean?

 

[Schadenfroh]

i think the matrox g450s can be had for 80..... but i am not sure of dvd support with those

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: techiecool
i was looking at the 9100 at new egg, but it says "This card will not support a DVI-VGA adapter " about the card. what does that mean?

DVI-VGA adapter is if you run 2 VGA monitors. One would use an adapter. they are telling you the VGA adapter wouldn't work on the DVI port. If you run an LCD that uses DVI standard then the card will be fine.

 

[Lawranch]

I'm no Dell fan, but here is a nice article about DVI. Dell DVI FYI I tried the DVI output with a new 19" monitor, and couldn't really tell the difference from a nice VGA out. Onr thing I did notice is when windows changes resolution you get a really bad flicker, it is a lot less noticable in analog.