What card for.....

[Dropmachine]

What I need is a card that will run 2x 24" LCD, which is what I currently have with my 8800 GTS. However, i'd also like to get HDMI out, so I can run it to my TV and watch bluray movies streaming from the box.

As the HDMI cable is going to a reviever first, then the TV, what i need to know is...

1. Will the Computer send out sound through the vid card for HDMI too?

1. Will it be a problem running both those monitors, then a tv at 1080p?

1. Any problem running a 25 foot HDMI cable?

So...what card should I get?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Sound: The Radeon HD cards will output sound over HDMI. If you look to get a Geforce card, it will need a S/PDIF pass-through for sound to be delivered over HDMI, so your motherboard or sound card needs S/PDIF headers or output.

And, I may be wrong, but you will not be able to run all three monitors at once with most video cards, unless you get a card like the Sapphire HD4850X2. You may just want to invest in an DVI/HDMI switchbox.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Just to clarify, are you looking for a card that can drive three monitors at once? That is, two 24" LCDs and also your TV?

I did a search on NewEgg and found a card that has two DVI ports and and HDMI port, but I can't tell if it's able to actually drive three monitors at once or not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814140097

The company's product page is no help either.

You might be better suited by just getting a second video card with HDMI.

 

[Dropmachine]

I am not too concerned if it will do them both at the same time, as I will either be at the computer (dual 24s) or watching TV. I just want to have my PC be able to drive both. Really, I'm just tired of trying to stream media through the bloody xbox, and it won't play anything. This also gets me a bluray player.

 

[ther00kie16]

Impressive list of outputs on the Zotac 9600gt dp.
Want to take a risk with an open box item?

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
Impressive list of outputs on the Zotac 9600gt dp.
Want to take a risk with an open box item?

I didn't know they make cards like this.

 

[Dropmachine]

Thanks for the replies so far! Much appreciated.

The problem with that Zotac card is that it takes up 2 slots, and would be not-so-hot on games. If I am going to give up two slots, the card better kick ass like nothing else before.

I was looking at the Nvidia cards, but it only seems like the ultra high end ones have HDMI out. ANyone have any idea if some of the middle cards (260, 280) have HDMI out?

 

[s44]

Nvidia cards won't do full lossless surround audio over HDMI -- just SPDIF. You need ATI's 4XXX series for PCM over HDMI.

(Note that it's reversed with integrated chipsets: ATI no go, Nvidia yes.)

If you only have a 2-channel setup, though, it won't matter.

 

[Dropmachine]

Good call adding that in. I did forget to add that I do indeed have a kickass surround system attached to the tv, so the sound would be key. I didn't even think of that.

ok, so! What I need is a setup that will drive 2x24" monitors at 1920x1200, needs excellent gaming performance, and I would like HDMI out so I can connect it all to a TV so I can watch movies and rock games over there too.

geez at this point it might be cheaper to just buy a second box and put it beside the tv...

 

[ther00kie16]

well, there's the 4850x2 at $260 (2x512mb gddr3 though). 2x1gb gddr5 was oos when u first posted at $250 after $50 rebate. now it's $295 after $15 rebate. boo.... At $295, maybe just get a 260/4870 and a low end radeon.