Matrox G550 "upgrade" worth it for 2D??

[dudleydocker]

This is for my daughter's PC. I finally got her a decent Trinitron monitor for her and was considering improving the graphics end of things. The PC is a BH-6 running a P3 700@1000 nicely, 256 MB Crucial PC133. Current video card is a Creative Labs GeForce 2 32 MB DDR. She does little to none as far as gaming.

Saw a G550 in FS/FT for $75 and wanted to know if the Matrox fans (I know there are some of you out there! thought of this potential swap.

Thanks.

 

[HokieESM]

Actually, if she doesn't do ANY intense 3D, I would highly recommend finding a used G450... they should run you a little cheaper (I picked up a used one for $50).

The 2D quality (especially at high resolutions with a good Trinitron monitor) is MUCH better than the GF2s in my opinion. Especially if she types a lot of papers or does any layout.... the 2D is remarkably crisp.

Best of luck!

 

[LED]

For 2D...the Matrox will smoke that current card...BTA so will ATI. $75 will bring in a nice card if you don't need dual monitors...if you do then get a nice PCI 2Der (ie.ATi, V5500) and add it to the current set-up...don't wanna kill a deal so it's your choice. I would take it if comparing the 2 then buying but to spend $75 on a 32MB dual monitor card just for 2D and give up my AGP slot...no thanks

 

[mastertech01]

I like the G450 better than the G550. I have had intermittent errors from the G550 that I never got with my G450 even with the latest bios flash. Of coure it may have something to do with the G550 I have being a Dual DVI with the analog adaptor cable. The G450 is a great video solution and you can do a lot of gaming on it as well.

 

[Markfw]

Ditto on the G450. Just be aware that the 3D in Games like WarcraftIII or better like UT2003, etc.. will run like a slide show. If 2D is what you want the 450 is great and shouldn't cost you too much.

 

[BuckNaked]

You might want to check this link out G400... I picked up two of these and they were new in box for an OEM... Matrox G400 for $18.95 each.... The 2D is execellent and might be just what your looking for at a very good price....

Dave

 

[dudleydocker]

I've compared the 550, 450, and 400....and I still can't get a handle on what the major differences are! What exactly would a $50 450 have over a $20 400, or a $75 550, for that matter?

 

[Markfw]

Well, After looking at the G400 picture, it doesn't have dual head, but the G450 does. The one thing that is really good for, is if you want to watch a DVD, and send the output to a TV. The matrox cards come with the dongle, so all you would need is an RCA cable to go to the TV-in, and your daughter could watch DVD's on her TV in her room ! (assuming you spoiled her like I do my son)

 

[dudleydocker]

DVD's would be nice but she has no DVD-Drive.

Based strictly on 2D performance, what gains are to be had with a 550 vs. a 450 vs. a 400?

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[Macro2]

I have a 21" sony G520P being run by a G450. Sure I could have bought an gForce or a ATI but for the graphics I use it for...graphic arts, it's superb. I think the 550 has a little faster Ramdac. If you can get one for 72 that's what I paid.

 

[Jhhnn]

The 450 and 550 have more "features", and better dvd support. For your purposes, the price on the g400 makes it a no-brainer- excellent 2D card, highly recommended. I'd check the Matrox site for WinXP or Win2K drivers, if one of them is the o/s you're using....

The 400 actually has better 3D than the other two, iirc- Anand's archives should give you a better perspective about the differences in the cards....