For someone who doesn't play games, what's the best card?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flor
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Flor

I don't play any games but I do a lot of Photoshop work with large
files. I'm looking for a good all-around video card. I don't
necessarily need things like DX9 support or even 128MB of memory, but
I do need a DVI port and, if possible, video in. I probably don't use
the 3D features of my current Ti200 at all. The card I'm looking for
will go into a new homebuilt PC and I'm trying not to overbuy although
I want the best quality. If I could get away with a fan-less card
that'd be great.

Thanks for your help!
 
what about TV tuner Video out/in? would you need something like that?
If not and your Motherboard you have/your getting has an option for On board video, that should suffice. This would depend on your
intended usage.
 
Flor said:
I don't play any games but I do a lot of Photoshop work with large
files. I'm looking for a good all-around video card. I don't
necessarily need things like DX9 support or even 128MB of memory, but
I do need a DVI port and, if possible, video in. I probably don't use
the 3D features of my current Ti200 at all. The card I'm looking for
will go into a new homebuilt PC and I'm trying not to overbuy although
I want the best quality. If I could get away with a fan-less card
that'd be great.
Click to expand...

Might try to find a good deal on a previous generation ATI Radeon
All-inWonder card. The 8500, for instance, has all the video in and out you
want with great image quality. If you can't find one of those, or the price
isn't right, anything from 9000 to 9600 would work. After that you're in
overkill if you don't play games. Check the specs, but the standard Radeons
mostly have DVI, multi-monitor and TV-out. To get video in, you need one of
the AIW series.
 
I don't need a TV tuner but video-in would be great for occasional
vidcaps.

However, I was just told that the Matrox cards (G550, G650) are among
the best 2D cards, although they don't have video in. That's something
I could probably live with if the 2D image quality is in fact very
good.

Does ATI make cards with the emphasis on 2D rather than 3D?

Thanks.
 
Flor said:
I don't need a TV tuner but video-in would be great for occasional
vidcaps.
Click to expand...

Depends on the source as to whether you require a tuner or not, s-video in
should be enough for most people.
However, I was just told that the Matrox cards (G550, G650) are among
the best 2D cards, although they don't have video in. That's something
I could probably live with if the 2D image quality is in fact very
good.
Click to expand...

They are reknowned for their 2D quality.
Does ATI make cards with the emphasis on 2D rather than 3D?
Click to expand...

Not as far as I know, but 2D quality is very good on my card (Crucial 9800
Pro)

I run 1600x1200@85Hz on a Sony G400 and the image is pretty sharp.

Ben
 
On 25 Sep 2003 15:42:04 -0700
I don't need a TV tuner but video-in would be great for occasional
vidcaps.

However, I was just told that the Matrox cards (G550, G650) are among
the best 2D cards, although they don't have video in. That's something
I could probably live with if the 2D image quality is in fact very
good.

Does ATI make cards with the emphasis on 2D rather than 3D?
Click to expand...

No. For what you're describing the Matrox G450eTV would probably be
your best bet in a single board. If you have a DV camera with an NTSC
input that can pass what appears on that port through to its firewire
port you may find that a more satisfactory solution than an analog
capture board, though.
 
DaveW said:
Since you don't play games, get an ATI Radeon 9600 Pro.
Click to expand...


The 9600 Pro is an excellent gaming card. He can get something for 2D only
that has better video quality and is quite a bit cheaper than a 9600 Pro.


Too_Much_Coffee ®
 
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