CRT + LCD dual setup...video card?

[snowairg]

I have a 19" CRT and a 19" LCD w/ DVI. I want to run a dual monitor setup. From some quick searches, I've found that I think you can do this with one card with a VGA port and a DVI port as long as it's newer than a GF3 (correct?). I mostly do Photoshop. Games and video editing are done very rarely if at all on this machine. I also want video out and my budget is $100.

Suggestions please to help me focus my research? Thank you!

 

[Lawranch]

You are right about cards newer than the Geforce 3. Most of the current cards have DVI/VGA as an option. Radeon 9000's and up or Geforce FX 5200's. Just be careful when you buy because each vendor makes models with each option. You might catch a closeout deal on a 4200, which is great performance for the price.

 

[Alex]

matrox cards are sweet for that

 

[BoomAM]

If you want 2x LCDs, 1x CRT, and TV out, which is the idea i get from you, then a one of the Matrox Parhelia range will be ideal for you.

 

[snowairg]

Originally posted by: BoomAM
If you want 2x LCDs, 1x CRT, and TV out, which is the idea i get from you, then a one of the Matrox Parhelia range will be ideal for you.

No, just 1x LCD and 1x CRT at the same time (as I mentioned I have one LCD and one CRT).

Thanks all for the replies. I want to get an Nvidia or ATI card.

 

[BoomAM]

If its just the two, then the majority of modern day cards will do fine.
For nVidia, anything from a GF4 upwards, cos GF3s dont do dual display, and for ATI, anything from 8500 upwards.
I`d personally go for the ATI route, they have better IQ, and the dual display support is great.

 

[hans007]

you could just buy a geforce 2 mx or radeon 7000. if you dont need 3d you can save money just buying these older cards, their 2d is just as fast as the latest cards.

 

[snowairg]

I still need nice 3D. I watch DVD's a lot, and you never know when I might start playing games again. That's why I figure Nvidia or ATI will have me covered.

Thanks BoomAM for those numbers. My search is now more narrowed down. Any specific cards around $100 anyone would like to recommend?

 

[BoomAM]

Radeon9000, 9100, 9200.
GF4 Ti4200 (your best bet for 3d speed)

 

[snowairg]

I think I'm going to go with a 9100 Radeon. It seems like I can get one of those for well under $100. Does 64MB v. 128MB matter? Also, what specifics should I look for in this card? Anything to look out for/be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: snowairg
I think I'm going to go with a 9100 Radeon. It seems like I can get one of those for well under $100. Does 64MB v. 128MB matter? Also, what specifics should I look for in this card? Anything to look out for/be aware of?

Thanks!

9100 radeon is a 8500LE


exactly the same chip and clock speeds (well compared to the ATI built 8500LE, 250/250 clocks)

 

[BoomAM]

If you can afford it, then get the 128mb version. It`ll be more future proof.