Video Card Upgrade Worthwhile?

[Carbo]

Just received my Dell Dimension 4600 with the 1901FP Digital Flat Panel monitor. I opted for the standard integrated video card. When I was installing the system I noticed I had a choice of inputs for the monitor. The standard blue video cable, or the white DVI cable. With the integrated video card I am using the blue video cable, of course.
My question is will a video card upgrade and using the DVI cable make a real world difference? I mean, I understand benchmark tests might prove this to be a superior setup. But I'm wondering if I will actually see a difference. The machine is for home office use. Strictly internet use, Word docs, emails, etc. No gaming at all.
Opinions on whether or not a $200 or so upgrade is worthwhile for me and my needs.

 

[Acanthus]

Going from VGA to DVI will often produce a large noticable difference.

 

[Lazy8s]

turn it on, plug you monitor in. If it looks fine then don't spend the money. If you say "this display is junk I can't read anything" replace it. I use VGA on a dual-monitor set-up. Would I notice a difference going to DVI? Probably but I've never used DVI before so I don't know what I'm missing. To me it's the clearest, crispest display I've ever seen and as they say ignorance is bliss...

 

[DarkKnight]

Benchmarks won't show a thing because DVI doesnt improve performance, but you will see a noticeable difference in image quality and you won't have to worry about adjusting settings on your monitor (no need to press that autotune button or whatever its called). If you have the money and want to have better image quality, go for it.

 

[Marsumane]

Slightly better image quality but its definately not worth the upgrade if you arent complaning now about how your screen looks.

 

[jiffylube1024]

If you can get a cheap video card upgrade then why not? DVI produces a cleaner, less blurry image and cuts down ghosting effects (and smudging/streaking, if you see any) significantly.

 

[high]

i think it's worth it to use DVI...my very sensitive eyes can see the analog lines on some high response time panels, and it looks godawful

 

[JBT]

Why would this upgrade cost $200? you can get Radeon 9200's with DVI for like 50 now adays. I am sure there are cheaper too but 9200's have good 2D image quality.

 

[JBT]

Here's a nice Radeon 9200 SE for 45 bucks shipped. It should be perfect for what you want.

 

[Carbo]

Thanks for the replies, folks. I didn't realize that video cards with DVI were as inexpensive as they are. I'll live with the montor for a week or so, and then see if I think the upgrade is worth it.