Quick DVI vs. VGA (Dsub) input question

[geepondy]

My friend is getting a new flat panel monitor (not sure of the brand). If she is happy with her VGA output connection only onboard video, is there any reason to buy a discreet video card just for a DVI output? In other words, is there a realistic difference in image quality between the two? I've only ever used DVI on my flat panel monitor myself.

 

[Lonyo]

Should be fine using onboard if VGA is satisfactory.
Better to make sure you get a monitor with VGA and DVI input though (some of the really cheap ones are VGA only) just because that way she can use DVI if desired.

There is a difference, but if she doesn't know she probably won't notice any issues.

 

[Sylvanas]

There is a huge difference, I can tell if a monitor is on VGA/DVI in about 2 seconds, the most telling part is text which is more defined and less 'fuzzy' on DVI (and no I'm not embelishing). Part of the reason why I know this is Nvidia does not support my monitor at native res+refresh rate (tried modding the drivers etc, long story- my 4870X2 was perfect with DVI) and I was forced to use a VGA connection for it to work. I could tell immediately on my 24" LCD. If you can find a discrete card real cheap then I'd suggest you go for it, but don't spend more than $20.

 

[geepondy]

No, as I mentioned in another post, I will just give and install my 7600GT for her then if the difference is that discernible. I/she is still not sure what she will get for a monitor. She is on a TN budget but I had her convinced to get the Dell 2209WA but apparently (from hard forums), you can't get it for the low $200's anymore by speaking to a Dell rep.

 

[jiffylube1024]

My friend is getting a new flat panel monitor (not sure of the brand). If she is happy with her VGA output connection only onboard video, is there any reason to buy a discreet video card just for a DVI output? In other words, is there a realistic difference in image quality between the two? I've only ever used DVI on my flat panel monitor myself.

If the screen is 17" or above, I'd strongly recommend getting a cheap discrete card for DVI output. VGA has a noticeable blur to the image that becomes very apparent in side-by-side comparisons. This is especially visible on older LCD's and bigger screens (as well as larger dot pitches).

 

[NoQuarter]

It actually depends a lot on the monitor's controller and length of the VGA cable on how the VGA is going to look, it's possible for it to be as crisp as DVI.