Looking for a videocard / monitor upgrade.

[Vogel515]

I'm planning on upgrading my entire system in the very near future and I have a pretty good idea what I want for components for everything besides a video card/monitor.

Currently, I have a Nvidia Ti4200 supporting the Dell 1900FP at 1280x1024 and a CRT at 1024x768. I would really like to upgrade the CRT monitor as well as the video card which desperately needs to be retired.

I do quite a bit of photo editing, database development, and gaming all of which having 2 monitors makes a lot better. Could someone please recommend me a video card (or two) that will give me quality video.

Is there anything additional I have to consider if I plan on putting a TV tuner into the computer as well so that I can watch TV when I'm not using the computer for work?

 

[BassBomb]

Give us your other system specs so we can see what would be good to suggest.

I would suggest a 20WMGX2 (provided you can afford it) + use your Dell as the 2nd monitor. However, you might not like the completley different pixel pitches. 20WMGX2 is not as tall as your 19" but has more vertical pixels.

It has a built in TV tuner which you would like, watch tv on it while doing work on 2nd monitor? This way you can skip going through your PC.

 

[Vogel515]

Currently, my configuration is a bit outdated.

Intel P4 2.4ghz
512 RD-RAM
Ti4200
Windows XP professional
120gb Western Digital Harddrive

I plan to upgrade to something along these lines
C2D
1-2gb ram
Windows Vista ~ though based on what I've read I may stick with XP Pro for awhile.
No idea on a video card...

I like the idea of having the TV tuner built into the monitor, but would that still allow me to record and store shows / movies?

Pretty much, I have my computer in my bedroom. I use the computer when I work from home for database design, web development, and picture editing. I also enjoy playing the occasional game, I'm not looking at cutting edge games, I'm still playing games from 10 years ago though the ability to play newer games would be nice.

I'd also like the ability to use the computer as a TV for those nights I want to watch a DVD from bed.

My overall budget is going to be about $1300, so I suppose $600 on a monitor may be a bit out of my price range.

 

[BassBomb]

heh,

ok then.. so something more along the lines of 8800GTS 320 (video card), and look for a 20.1" widescreen LCD. The 22" ones all suck for color accuracy, so you really really do NOT want to look there.

TV tuner in monitor means you won't be able to record and such, so then a TV tuner in your pc would be a good idea.

 

[Vogel515]

Alright, I've heard good things about the 8800GTS 320. Thank you. I will look into 20.1" wide screen LCDs.

I'm good with criticism so feel free to tell me if I'm nuts trying to squeeze this in on my budget. Or were you laughing at the fact that I play games that are 10 years old?

 

[BassBomb]

laughing how my suggestion was way out of your budget

i kindof went crazy when i bought mine :S most expensive thing ive ever bought