dual output video card

[Hapless]

I'm upgrading a computer used mostly for web development work and photoshop type stuff, i need a card that will provide fast and good 2d with decent 3d for the occasional gaming stint, the card also needs 2 vga outputs; what card should i get?? i am also running win2k just incase drivers become an issue.

 

[sohcrates]

matrox g450 ! definitely!

i run a g400, but the g450 can be had for the same price these days. SUPERB 2d, i find it has VERY acceptable 3D (60 fps in 1024x768 open gl quake 2) and the dualhead multiple monitor support is excellent. new drivers come out every couple months. you CANNOT go wrong with this card!

 

[kwango]

If dual head 2d in win2k is your main requirement then almost certainly Matrox is the answer. I believe both outputs have independant resolution under win2k which is unique. However, you could wait a while for the G550 to come out which should improve things on the 3d front.

regards MD

 

[Bestill]

If the occasional gaming stint is semi-important to you, then take a look at the ATI Radeon VE as well. The 32MB Radeon VE can be had for $82 shipped. The Matrox G450 runs around $71 shipped for 16MB and $93 shipped for 32MB. (Prices from Newegg.com) Yeah, the Matrox is the best dual display card, but if gaming is important also, the Radeon VE outperformes the Matrox G450 by a factor of 2 and sometimes 3. You can check out some technical benchmarks between the two cards here (It is actually a comparison between all cards on the market today). I hope this helps. Also, if you haven't done so already, check out Anand's articles on Dual Display Comparison, the ATI Radeon VE, and the Matrox G450.