Decent twin-view video card for graphics work

[KCjeeper]

Have a friend that asked me what video card would be good for doing graphics design on two monitors. I have never even seen this, so I really don't have any idea what is good or how it works.

I looked around at some of the vendors, and what they seem to have is VGA and TV-out. Is this the only way to get twin view, or are there cards with 2 VGA ports?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Matrox, Nvidia, and ATi all have cards that support dual monitors (which is different than cards that just have a TV-out). If your friend is doing 2D graphix work I'd suggest the Matrox G450 or G550. If he's doing 3D work I'd suggest a GeForce based card w/twinview.


Lethal

 

[lifeguard1999]

I have used the Matrox 400 dual head (meaning 2 VGA outs) at work. It does well, but is limited in resolution on the second head. That is, do not expect a dual 1600x1200 (3200x1200 total) across the two screens. Nor will it do any 3D work. Cost: ~$95

At home I have the Radeon 8500 which has VGA out and DVI out. There is a dongle included with the DVI out so that you can attach another VGA monitor to it. You can get a dual 1600x1200 (3200x1200 total) across the two screens with this card, though I have not tried it. Sorry I only have one monitor at home. It will do 3D work just fine. Cost: $203 from Dell.

I have not tried NVidia's twinview, so I cannot comment on it.

Edit: Changed 450 to 400. Sorry about the goof.

 

[Priit]

lifeguard1999: Matrox G450 2nd head has 230Mhz RAMDAC that can do 1600x1200.

 

[Superwormy]

Matrox G400 or 450 is great for dual monitor, definitally the best software and drivers and such.

ATI Radeon VE has THE WORST DRIVERS EVER and I really can't reccomend that.

ATI Radeon 8500 I really can't comment on never used it.

Nvidia Geforce2 MX TwinView seems decent, but I'd rather have Matrox unless you play games on it too.

 

[rbV5]

Don't forget the Radeon 7500, Great 3d/2d dual head. ,Newegg lists OEM for $137 shipped and refurb for $105 shipped.

Would make a great graphics design workstation card, can support multiple monitors in several configurations and excellent gaming as well for a nice price.