Dual monitors - Which card do I choose?

[Hagelin]

I'm about to build a new system here, and I've been reading about dual monitors. Since I'm going to be using it for webdesigning and some coding, it would help a lot. Other then that I'll also be going some gaming and watching DVD. What I want is 2 monitors and, if possible, TV-out at the same time.

I was thinking about getting the Matrox G450, but I've read som reviews and wasn't impressed. Instead I'm thinking about using two cards. If anyone can give me som recomendations I'd be grateful.

 

[smp]

I hear the Elsa Synergy III is good news.. it has dual monitor capabilities, but I think it's pretty pricey. I think it's a GeForce engine, but I'm not too sure wether it's a double or a quad.. I am in the same boat though, I do web stuff, and I'm not looking for a game card, it's hard to find reviews on cards that would be good for graphix apps. Of course, the Elsa line, and the oxygen cards are amazing for the 3DS max stuff, but they are far out of my price range. I am thinking of going with the Geforce II MX, I hear that it is dual monitor capable as well. Not sure though, somebody please clarify.

 

[Gatsby]

From what I read, if dual monitor capabilities is your highes priority, get a matrox card.

Geforce Twin view cards are faster overall but they do not have all the nice features of matrox card. Also, I always remember hte matrox people extolling the fact that they have some of the nicest 2d around.

I don't know what features a matrox card has but for your primary uses this should be better.

Personally, I would get a DVD decoder card for video out for DVDs. Its nicer and has better sound outputs.

Gatsby

 

[Rendus]

If you just want dual monitor support, and aren't worried about gaming the G400/G450 DualHead is the way to go. Matrox is probably the best 2D on the consumer market right now, and has always been very high up there.

If you're looking for gaming performance, and OK 2D, you'll want a GeForce2MX TwinView.

 

[Hagelin]

What are the pros and cons of using a matrox dualhead or geforce twinview instead of using two cards? I was thinking of buying some kind of geforce with tv-out and use some old pci card i have. It sure is nicer to be able to watch those dvd's on the tv...

 

[hoang473]

you could go with a g450 agp and a v3 3000 pci w/ tv out although I do not know if certain games will allow you to use a secondary graphics adapter in 3d.

hoang

 

[Rigoletto]

Don't get the G450.
The matrox range doesn't have hardware motion compensation for DVD.
The bandwidth is terrible on the G450.
Unfortunately, the fast 3D cards are AGP nowadays, and the G450 is also AGP. Guess what?- big problem. Check out Asus's range, they have somethings you'll love.

I tell you what though, my V3 2000pci gives superb image quality and lots of resolution modes.