Need a card for Dual Screen work

[CotswoldCS]

Hello

I'd really appreciate some advice please...

I currently run two 19" monitors on an ATI 9500 Pro AGP card. One monitor is TFT on a DVI connection, the other a CRT on a DSUB connection.

I plan to replace both the graphics card and the CRT for a new card and second TFT monitor. I play some games so I'm looking for a decent card. However, my main requirement is 2D image quality and the card's ability to handle twin screens. This is essential for the work I do.

I have a few simple questions:

I am familiar with ATI's Hydravision for handling twin screens but have never seen an nVidia card in action with two screens. I assume it can do this but how does the software compare with ATI's for ease of use, features etc..???

Would I be best to go for a Dual DVI graphics card to get the best out of 2 TFTs?

The best card I can find that meets my requirements is an XFX nVidia 6600GT (link)Dual DVI. Any opinions on this card or XFX in general.

 

[stevty2889]

I am using a gainward golden sample 6800GT with dual DVI, and dual 17" Hitatchi LCD's. I also have an Ati9600 AIW that I have used the hydravision with, and I find I like the Nvidia multi-monitor settings better. I am currently using it in dual view mode, allows me to play a game on one screen, while doing whatever else on the other screen.

 

[CotswoldCS]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I found the information you gave useful.

Nice card btw! I don't really want to fork out for a 6800GT or Ultra. I can afford either a 6600GT (approx UK £150) or a 6800 [non GT] for UK £200. Not sure between the two.

Can the nVidia software run one application over two monitors ???- I find this useful with my ATI card when editing movies etc.

 

[Matthias99]

Can the nVidia software run one application over two monitors ???

Yes, although you don't really need *any* software to do this. Windows handles multiple displays just fine by itself (unless you need 3D-accelerated windows or overlay video to span the monitors).

 

[CotswoldCS]

I appreciate what you are saying Matthias99 but ATI's Hydravision software makes working with two screens much better. For example, the Right click and "Move to monitor 2" is invaluable. Although Windows can cope with two screens this extra software makes it that little more useable, wouldn't you agree?

BTW does nVidia have an equivalent to the Right click and "Move to monitor 2" - or anything similar???

 

[Deskstar]

Nvidia does place an icon in the desktop tray that allows you to select either monitor one or 2. I must admit that I may not be answering your question as it was asked. For instance, in Dualview, in order get to monitor 2, you just move your mouse to that monitor. I assume that the ATI ahs the same capability, too. Since I never change my monitor settings, selecting out either monitor individually does not make it onto my radar screen. YMMV of course.

 

[CotswoldCS]

No, the Hydravision software allows you to do something really useful. Let's say I'm browsing the web for example and I want to compare two pages. I can right click on a link and have it open on the other monitor. I then have two web pages on two screens. This is very useful if I'm comparing prices etc.

If the nVidia cards can't do anything like this then I'd be tempted to buy ATI again, despite the drop in 3D speed. Mind you I can't seem to see ANY ATI cards with Dual DVI!!!

 

[Matthias99]

I appreciate what you are saying Matthias99 but ATI's Hydravision software makes working with two screens much better. For example, the Right click and "Move to monitor 2" is invaluable. Although Windows can cope with two screens this extra software makes it that little more useable, wouldn't you agree?

BTW does nVidia have an equivalent to the Right click and "Move to monitor 2" - or anything similar???

Meh. Sounds useless to me. I can drag my windows around just fine, thanks.

Ultramon generally beats the pants off both ATI and NVIDIA's software if you like goofy little things like that (for instance, having an independent taskbar on each monitor that dynamically updates).

 

[ribbon13]

Thanks for the software advice.. never heard of 3rd party multi-monitor software.

Too bad it probably doesn't work with Geoshell or Black Box

 

[Deskstar]

If you expect to have 3D on both monitors, be aware that not many games support dual monitors. I do recommend the dual DVI out video cards. It eliminates any worries about picture quality due to VGA conversion.

 

[CotswoldCS]

I don't really need to run 3D stuff on both screens although it would be great if I could play a game on one screen and have Outlook running on another. My current card (ATI 9500 Pro) doesn't allow me to do this.

I would really miss the Hydravision software if all the nVidia has is the built in Windows support. Does anyone know if there is any nVidia or 3rd party software that can do a similar job to ATI's Hydravision????