Dual monitor video cards: Which is best?

[sleepykumar]

I have two dell 17" flat panel displays but no computer (don't ask). I want to buy a dell (i know I know they're overpriced and all but I don't have the skill or confidence to do this myself) and want to know what video card to get. The default choices are nVidia GeForce2 GTS with TV out. It doesn't seem like nVidia cards will work, so I assume I will just need to go out and get another card on my own. I know at work (we have two panel setups there) we use the Matrox G450 but I wonder if there's something better now. Also it seems from their website that the card comes with one 15 pin input and one DVI input, but for some reason at work there seems to be identical 15 pin connectors (no adapter used).

I do a lot of spreadsheet and internet stuff and want to be able to have like 20 windows open at once but no 3d gaming (for now). Also, I want to be able to view dvd's on the screen.

Which card is best? I'm looking to spend around $100 unless there is a real advantage to spending more. Is there a real benefit to dual DVI support? And are my monitors even digital? (I assume they are - how do I confirm?)

Thanks for your collective help!!

 

[nortexoid]

uh, as far as i know, the only consumer-level (i.e. non-professional) video card w/ dual DVI out is the Matrox G550...nothing else has dual DVI.

next on my list would be the ATI Radeon VE - one DVI and one analog (VGA - 15 pin) out

the GF2 GTS does not support dual monitor configurations (unless u put two cards in your machine)...only the GF2 MX does (called twinview)

and then the G400 and G450 both support dual monitors too (but not dual DVI as far as i know)...

if u don't care too much about 3d perforrmance, then the matrox dual head cards offer the best dual monitor configurability hands down

 

[CStroman]

I believe the R8500 supports dual monitor.

 

[sohcrates]

can't beat matrox for dualhead support, stability, and GREAT 2D!

 

[Quetzalboat]

Twin view and DVI feature and good 2D quality? Choose from this rank :
1. ATI FireGL4 128MB DDR for 2D/3D and CAD & digital content creation => $ 1,759
2. ATI FireGL3 128MB DDR for 2D/3D and CAD & digital content creation => $ 1,355
3. ELSA Synergy III NVidia Quadro MXR 32MB SDR OpenGL pro 2D/3D app => $ 310
4. Matrox G550 Dualhead 32MB DDR => $ 92

 

[sleepykumar]

Thanks folks!!
I guess the Matrox 550 is the only (reasonably priced) game in town. A couple of more questions.

1. What are benefits of DVI vs. analog out, and are the standard Dell 17" flat screens analog or digital?
2. I saw that it's $92 at new egg, but it's listed as an OEM without cable or DVD software. Will that be a problem?
3. Does "OEM" imply any other differences vs. retail?
4. What will I need to make sure I get from dell when I order my computer?
5. Do I tell them to ship without any video card?

Thanks as always!

 

[AA0]

If you want gaming in the future, go with a Radeon 8500. It has one DVI, and one CRT output, but it comes with a device to make both DVI, or both CRT. The 7500 also has the same features but costs less. If you want the adapter, you should buy the retail version, as OEMs may or may not include it.

If you want DVD, go with ATI also. I can't remember if Matrox has any DVD support, its been too long since they've been a contender.

 

[rbV5]

The 7500 or 8500 radeon do not support dual DFP displays, the adapter is for DVI>VGA not the other way around. Matrox has excellent DVD support.