New video card

I am building a new computer:
MB P4C800 Deluxe, P4 2.4G/800.
I need video card recommendations.
What am going to do with that computer?
Mostly, software development. So it should be a very good quility for colors, fonts, another words - text quility.
Also my son will sometimes play some games.
What would you recommend?

Thanks

 

[Schadenfroh]

matrox parhelia or one of its derivatives, for its superior 2d. it can also run all of todays games.

 

[vipera66]

barely, and none of tomorrows

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: vipera66
barely, and none of tomorrows

The Parhelia performs about in line with the ATI 8500 something-or-other, so it's definitely not a R350, but it's reasonable, especially if your primary goal is the best text quality in the world, with some light gaming occasionally.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Take a look at the ATI 9500 Pro, or if that is more then you wanted to spend, the ATI 9200. Either would do a good job, with the 9500 Pro having more gaming power...

 

[nemesismk2]

Originally posted by: jliechty

Originally posted by: vipera66
barely, and none of tomorrows

The Parhelia performs about in line with the ATI 8500 something-or-other, so it's definitely not a R350, but it's reasonable, especially if your primary goal is the best text quality in the world, with some light gaming occasionally.

IMO Parhelia based video cards cost too much and don't perform anywhere near what similar priced video cards from ATI or Nvidia do.

The cheapest Matrox Parhelia on pricewatch is $317 and you can get a R9700 Pro for that and I know which I'd pick.

My vote goes with the ATI 9500 Pro as well!

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: nemesismk2
IMO Parhelia based video cards cost too much and don't perform anywhere near what similar priced video cards from ATI or Nvidia do.

Very true, especially in the areas of gaming (Radeon 9700 Pro - my preferred choice, or Geforce FX) or workstation 3D stuff (ATI FireGL X1 or 3DLabs Wildcat VP).

The cheapest Matrox Parhelia on pricewatch is $317 and you can get a R9700 Pro for that and I know which I'd pick.

Yes, unless you need dual DVI for less than the cost of a FireGL ($700), or top-of-the-line analog 2D IQ, or triple monitor support. Otherwise a built-by-ATI card would be my choice, for excellent 3D performance along with second-to-best 2D IQ (as long as dual DVI and triple monitor support are not needed).

My vote goes with the ATI 9500 Pro as well!

Incidentally, I was just considering an ATI Radeon 9500 Pro as well. I need something with good 2D IQ, but also good OpenGL performance, as I'm going to be getting into some OpenGL programming later this year.