DVI Output - GeForce3 vs. Radeon 8500

[NiteRaven]

I just ordered a Planar CT1904N 19" LCD monitor. I'm looking for a graphics card with the highest quality DVI output possible to take full advantage of this monitor. I've narrowed my selection to the GeForce3 (Ti 200 & 500 included) or Radeon 8500. This is some information I've gathered so far:

Radeon 8500 Website: "Features 165MHz integrated TMDS transmitter to support DVI up to UXGA (1600x1200) resolution"

Post by Nvidia webmaster on this forum: "The Geforce 3 Ti200 model with dvi output would make a great card. The TMDS (Transmission Minimized Digital Signal) transmitter outputs at a much higher MHz than the Radeon 8500 translating into a much cleaner and powerful video signal sent to your flat panel, especially at higher resolutions without the jitter effect that some other cards experience. Our TMDS on the Geforce 3 supports up to 1600x1200, although your display I think only goes up to 1280x1024.We also do extensive testing of flat panels including Planar with our transmitters. Enjoy."

Leadtek WinFast Titanium 500 TD offers only 1280x1024 resolution with it's DVI output.

There seems to be some inconsistencies between what the Nvidia webmaster said and the specs one of the best GeForce3 Ti 500 graphics on the market. I'm hoping some of you have experiences with either one, or can find some more data to help me make the best decision possibles. Thanks for your time!

 

[John]

Odd, my Hercules GeForce 3 (original) does 1600x1200 thru the DVI port no problem. I know the Herc TI500 will do the same. I had a Dell 2000FP running @ 1600x1200 no problem. Check out Hercules & PNY for GF3's.

 

[Raspewtin]

i got them both and compared them head to head on 18.1" Planar to decide which one to keep, and found the gf3 to look a lot better, with less artifacts as well (speaking only of DVI)

 

[NiteRaven]

Raspewtin, which GeForce3 card did you buy?

 

[Raspewtin]

the Gainward GF3 Golden Sample . cannot really comment on the relative merits of the Gainward to other GF3 boards b/c this is the only one I have had.

 

[NiteRaven]

So do you think the TMDS transmitter used is up to the maker of the card or would Nvidia have standards in place to ensure a minimum level of quality?

 

[Raspewtin]

"So do you think the TMDS transmitter used is up to the maker of the card or would Nvidia have standards in place to ensure a minimum level of quality? "

interesting question. i am pretty sure a seperate Silicon Images chip is used for DVI on the GF3 (not sure if that name is right) so i guess it would be possible that different cards have diff chips. I don't really know, but I don't think Nvidia really has any strong standards on their boards since some have very bad RF filters, slower RAM, etc. They have gotten better I have heard about quality standards.

 

[Madtripper]

If you want high end graphics, why would you get an LCD monitor??? LCD is nice if your deskspace is limited but if you want the top-0-the line graphics output, stay away from them.

 

[Gunbuster]

Madtripper: have you seen a Planar LCD in person?

 

[Yoshi]

I already have a FG3 TI 200 with DVI output, and my Planar 18.1 is on it's way. Cannot wait to tell ya how it looks.

 

[NiteRaven]

Yoshi, which GF3 Ti 200 did you decide to go with? I will probably order a GF3 tonight, but as to which one.. I don't know yet. No one has given me a compelling reason to go with the Radeon 8500 yet.