Video cards

[zander]

I'm really in the dark when it comes to video cards. Are the more expensive cards really worth all that extra cash? I'm looking for a card to put in a system I'm putting together, and I really don't know if dumping a bunch of cash and sacrificing on something else is the way to go. I won't be playing a lot of games. The system is basically for audio recording and editting but I may also be doing some soundtracks for video. I would really like to run dual 19" monitors (I need more real estate to work with). Any advice would be appreciated, I don't want to throw in a piece of crap, but I also don't feel like blowing a big chunk of my budget on the graphics.

[BigBlue66]

Ok, sounds like you don't need a Radeon 9800 Pro or the GeForce FX 5900 Ultra.

For the work you're describing, a GeForce4 Ti 4200 with dual monitor support should serve you well. You can get some good ones in the neighborhood of $100-$130.

If you have a bit more cash to spend and if you can find it, an ATI Radeon 9500 Pro is pretty good, too.

[malcore]

If you're going to be doing mostly 2D work with a little 3D on the side and wish to save some money without sacrificing quality I would look at the Radeon 9200. Nice 2D quality, dual monitor support, TV-out and close to half the price of the Ti4200. Less than $100(US) anyway.

Great card for your purposes.

Radeon 9200 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=48&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycodevalue=4795)

Seeing that you are in Canada :) radeon 9200 (http://www.vibecomputers.com/index.cfm?loc=iview&if=n&vID=190300)

[saphalline]

I don't want to throw in a piece of crap, but I also don't feel like blowing a big chunk of my budget on the graphics.Common misconception. An expensive graphics card improves your frame rates on 3D games. 2D is handled almost equally between all graphics cards these days, with the only difference being a slight gap in visual quality (which is subjective because I can't tell the difference! :p). Speed isn't an issue with 2D anymore. Onboard graphics could easily handle any 2D chores these days.

The only issue you have is getting the cheapest graphics card you can find that supports dual monitors. That's why malcore made the suggestions that he did (because onboard graphics only support one monitor).

I realize that malcore said this already - just elaborating further. ;)

[zander]

Thanks guys, that gives me some idea. I think that Radeon 9200 sounds like just the ticket.