Bob Knowlden said:
Dual-link is entirely different from having two DVI ports.
http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html
For example: I have a 7800GTX card, with two DVI connectors. According to
its maker (eVGA), one of them supports dual-link, but the other does not.
I don't know whether anyone makes an X850XT that actually includes a
dual-link port, even though ATI claims that it's possible. Dell only lists
the 7800GT, 7800GTX, and a couple of Quadros (intended for CAD
workstations) as supporting their 30" 2560X1600 LCD display:
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/monitor_3007wfp?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
Here are the Display Features as per:
http://www.ati.com/products/radeonx850/specs.html
a.. Dual integrated display controllers
b.. Dual integrated 10 bit per channel 400 MHz DACs
c.. Integrated 165 MHz TMDS transmitter (DVI 1.0 compliant / HDMI
interoperable and HDCP ready)
d.. Integrated TV Output support up to 1024x768 resolution
e.. YPrPb component output for HDTV display connection*
f.. Single and dual link external TMDS transmitter support for high
resolution and/or multi-monitor DVI configurations
g.. Compatible with ATI's THEATERT video decode and capture devices for
VIVO (Video Input / Video Output) configurations
It appears there is only one TMDS transmitter; didn't the datapro link state
that two are needed for dual-link? Also, the sixth bullet says "external
TMDS transmitter support...". This seems to indicate the need for
additional hardware to achieve dual-link connection. One other thing, if
you check ATI's comparo page here:
http://apps.ati.com/ATIcompare/
, all three of the 850 cards (other than the crossfire) have N/A next to
Dual-Link DVI under the Display Support category. So, in conclusion, my
short answer to the OP's first question is... "no".
As far as the sound from one of these things... I have the X850XT PE and
can assure you that it is (by far) the loudest video card I have ever owned.
I never had a GForce 59XX series card (known as dustbusters, leafblowers,
etc...) so I can't say if this is a universal truth. HTH