Powerfull VC usefull for movies and photoediting or just gaming?

[22hertz]

Im going to be picking up a NEC 20MWGX2 LCD monitor for use with CAD CAM some other engineering programs, watching movies and photoediting.

Do I need an expensive video card to do all this or would a $100 card be plenty?

Not a gamer by the way, unless you count pinball

 

[imported_blacken]

8800GTX!
JK
100$ will buy you all you need... for pinball [phh]

 

[22hertz]

haha I was considering the 8800gts

Which card for around that price would you recommend?

I was looking at this card which seems to be popular.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130062

I dont know a thing about video cards so Im open to suggestions that would meet the requirements I mentioned. Just keep it under $400

 

[imported_blacken]

That will do what you want and more - it's actualy what I was going to recommend. Good price too.

 

[xtknight]

Yeah the 7600GT is pretty good for what you're doing. If you ever want to try a game or something a midrange card like that gives you the chance to do. It also includes a newer NVIDIA chipset which provides for great dual DVI transmitters. The 7xxx series seem to have great DVI output bandwidth.

I would recommend this card instead actually (it has dual DVI unlike the eVGA you linked):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143049

Trust me, you will want dual DVI sooner, not later. The newer (~$100) cards actually contain video acceleration too which may be useful for movies. Better than paying $70 for something barebones that doesn't do any of it. This card is a good value.

 

[Lord Banshee]

umm... engineering application!!!! what kinds ? Those cards the other listed will be ok but not very good at many "3D" CAD programs so i am not sure what you are doing.

I guess the better question is are you using this engineering applications to make money and if so and they are 3D i suggest you buy a quadro. The best one for the money i think is the quadrofx 3500.

but if these applications are schematic or math like and not 3d then the listed card will work fine.

BTW a 100 dollar card would not even rotate a model i have done for work smoothly i suspect maybe this field is new to you?

Let us know specifically what you want to do and what programs you want to use i would more than happy to provide my opinion

But if you are on a budget than the 7600GT is a great card for a 100 bucks

 

[SexyK]

If you're planning on watching HD content you may want to read this before making a decision.

 

[22hertz]

Im just looking to get a "get by" card for the CAD and CAM programs. Yes I want to experiment with 3D but I just need it to work, doesnt have to be fluid..just work

I have some Allen Bradley software I need to run smooth but I dont think it will stress any recent card.

Playing movies smooth is a must. Dont think HD is important for me right now. By the time it is important Ill probably be looking to upgrade everything again anyway and will buy accordingly then.

I would be willing to pay more for an efficient card, with a fan that doesnt screech from a company with a reputation for quality.
Any other suggestions?

Oh, what is dual DVI?