I really want a Dual DVI setup. Any opinions about what looks like the best deal right now? What I need:
* Linux compatibility. OK, you can use any of the majors (ATI, Matrox, NVidia)...NVidiia is most desirable here. Despite what the OSS zealots have to say, NVidia rules under Linux.
* Some 3D performance. That rules out Matrox, since their newer stuff doesn't work under Linux, and the older stuff just won't do decent 3D.
* Cheap as possible 🙂
What I've found:
* Dell Workstation Card
My friend got one when Dell had some heinous sale, and it works. Seems to be a Radeon 7500 with Dual DVI. He actually has a spare without a PCI bracket that he can give me due to some Dell fubar.
The problem: setting it up will be a challenge under Linux, and I'll only get 3D on one head on that OS. It also only has 32 megs of memory. The resolution limitation mentioned in the specs is false information - my pal is driving two DVI, 19" monitors on it with no problems.
* PNY Quadro4 200 NVS
64 megs SDRAM, not DDR. Supposed to have surprisingly good performance considering. GeForce 4mx based. Goes for about $160 at Newegg.
This'll work, but just how bad will the 3D be?
* Gainward GeForce4 Ultra/750 XP Golden Sample
No doubt that this will do the job, but the price is a bit steep at $270. I'm sure that the 3D performance will be useable for years, and the Linux part is easy since its NVidia.
Are there any others that I'm missing? Did anyone make a Dual DVI card that, even if on the older side (like an old Quadro or other workstation card), would fit the bill? If the 3D performance beats a GeForce2, which is what I have now, I'm pretty darn happy.
jonathan
* Linux compatibility. OK, you can use any of the majors (ATI, Matrox, NVidia)...NVidiia is most desirable here. Despite what the OSS zealots have to say, NVidia rules under Linux.
* Some 3D performance. That rules out Matrox, since their newer stuff doesn't work under Linux, and the older stuff just won't do decent 3D.
* Cheap as possible 🙂
What I've found:
* Dell Workstation Card
My friend got one when Dell had some heinous sale, and it works. Seems to be a Radeon 7500 with Dual DVI. He actually has a spare without a PCI bracket that he can give me due to some Dell fubar.
The problem: setting it up will be a challenge under Linux, and I'll only get 3D on one head on that OS. It also only has 32 megs of memory. The resolution limitation mentioned in the specs is false information - my pal is driving two DVI, 19" monitors on it with no problems.
* PNY Quadro4 200 NVS
64 megs SDRAM, not DDR. Supposed to have surprisingly good performance considering. GeForce 4mx based. Goes for about $160 at Newegg.
This'll work, but just how bad will the 3D be?
* Gainward GeForce4 Ultra/750 XP Golden Sample
No doubt that this will do the job, but the price is a bit steep at $270. I'm sure that the 3D performance will be useable for years, and the Linux part is easy since its NVidia.
Are there any others that I'm missing? Did anyone make a Dual DVI card that, even if on the older side (like an old Quadro or other workstation card), would fit the bill? If the 3D performance beats a GeForce2, which is what I have now, I'm pretty darn happy.
jonathan
