radeon 8500 Vs Matrox for 2d only - whats the best?

[aks93]

Im considering a matrox or radeon 8500 purchase. I need the best 2d (im not playing games) I can get and I have a flat panel with DVI.
So guys, whats the best video card for 2d from a DVI?

thanks

 

[vlieps]

I think a normal eye can not distinguish between those two cards in 2d.

But the Radeon is like at least twice as expensive.

 

[chizow]

Yah you probably can't tell as ATI and Matrox are known for excellent 2d. One thing you might want to consider though is DVD playback if you will be watching DVDs. Radeon's are currently the best new generation cards out for DVD playback speed and visual quality.

Chiz

 

[Rellik]

I cannot say which is better in DVI, but compared on excellent crt monitors, (Samsung Syncmaster 700p) the matrox beats the Ati. I have both.

Ati is better in DVD though. You might want to check if there are any DVI troubles with either card.

 

[BaDNaN0TH0N]

matrox

 

[aks93]

Relic - I know its hard to describe, but what difference in image clarity do you notice on your monitor with the matrox vs radeon?

thanks

 

[elkinm]

I have no idea. The 8500 is completely new with a 450 Mhz RAMDAC I think and offers very nice dual monitor support as well as unserpassed performance. I can't imagine I would notice any diference in quality between a Matrox and a regular Radeon escept at maybee the highest resolytions. But I can't say anything about the 8500 though as I can only assume it is better then the first Radeon. The 8500 is also much more expensive. So if you need the best quality at high res (1800x1600) or higher go with the Matrox as it is far less expensive but if you don't need such high res then go with the original Radeon DDR as it has great 2D quality plus the aditional performance, quality, 3D, and the best DVD playbeack and features of the Radeon.

 

[tazdevl]

FYI the Retail 8500 has 400mhz RAMDAC, not 450mhz. GF3/Ti's and the OEM 8500 have 350mhz RAMDAC. Retail 8500's can be had for $225 on pricewatch.