Video Card selection

  • Thread starter Thread starter HMSDOC
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HMSDOC

I would like some help in video card selection....My main computer use is with
using Photoshop with large image files, from 500-600 MB. Though I don't do
much gaming now, I would like this new system to have this ability. I would
also like to have the option to use dual monitors.

My understanding is that the newer video cards( ie ATI 9800) are more aimed at
3D use and gaming. However, since I would like to have gaming ability I am
considering them. Does getting a 'top notch' video card such as this in any
way hinder its performance wih 2D image manipulation...by that I mean are there
other equally or lesser priced cards that would, in fact, handle the display of
500-600 MB still image files BETTER, or is image manipulation such as this such
a drop in the bucket compared to what modern cards can do that any card can do
this with incredible speed and the choice of any modern card makes no
difference from this standpoint? I want to make sure that I optimize the card
for what I am really using it for and allow poorer game use if I decide to do
gaming as opposed to the other way around.

One more question, most of the newer ATI cards have a CRT and LCD output. Are
these cards made to have a LCD to CRT converters used on the output so that one
can use these cards with dual CRT monitors?

Thanks.

Howard
 
HMSDOC said:
I would like some help in video card selection....My main computer use is with
using Photoshop with large image files, from 500-600 MB. Though I don't do
much gaming now, I would like this new system to have this ability. I would
also like to have the option to use dual monitors.

My understanding is that the newer video cards( ie ATI 9800) are more aimed at
3D use and gaming. However, since I would like to have gaming ability I am
considering them. Does getting a 'top notch' video card such as this in any
way hinder its performance wih 2D image manipulation...by that I mean are there
other equally or lesser priced cards that would, in fact, handle the display of
500-600 MB still image files BETTER, or is image manipulation such as this such
a drop in the bucket compared to what modern cards can do that any card can do
this with incredible speed and the choice of any modern card makes no
difference from this standpoint? I want to make sure that I optimize the card
for what I am really using it for and allow poorer game use if I decide to do
gaming as opposed to the other way around.

One more question, most of the newer ATI cards have a CRT and LCD output. Are
these cards made to have a LCD to CRT converters used on the output so that one
can use these cards with dual CRT monitors?

Thanks.

Howard
Click to expand...

Go for the GeForce 4 Ti4200 with 8XAGP 128MB. The one I purchased is an
Inno3D brand with VIVO and supports dual monitors. The connectors ont he
back has one DVI and one CRT connector. it came with an adapter for the DVi
in case you wanted to use 2 CRT monitors so no worries there. Even though
this card is "getting on" in tersm of card age it is still a blinder of a
card for both photoshop and gaming. I am managing all the latest games with
hardly any trouble with this card, and thatis with the eye candy no full. I
also run photoshop and this card has not struggled in the slightest, even
with LSIE. In the Uk you can get oe for about £80 or so if you shop around

Hope this helps

Daniel
 
For 2D work you don't need an ATI Radeon 9800 Pro. I would recommend the
9600 Pro which has beautiful 2D and sells for $199. It should faithfully
serve you and will allow you to play the newest DX9 based games such as Doom
3 and Half Life 2.
 
HMSDOC said:
I would like some help in video card selection....My main computer use is with
using Photoshop with large image files, from 500-600 MB. Though I don't do
much gaming now, I would like this new system to have this ability. I would
also like to have the option to use dual monitors.

My understanding is that the newer video cards( ie ATI 9800) are more aimed at
3D use and gaming. However, since I would like to have gaming ability I am
considering them. Does getting a 'top notch' video card such as this in any
way hinder its performance wih 2D image manipulation...by that I mean are there
other equally or lesser priced cards that would, in fact, handle the display of
500-600 MB still image files BETTER, or is image manipulation such as this such
a drop in the bucket compared to what modern cards can do that any card can do
this with incredible speed and the choice of any modern card makes no
difference from this standpoint? I want to make sure that I optimize the card
for what I am really using it for and allow poorer game use if I decide to do
gaming as opposed to the other way around.

One more question, most of the newer ATI cards have a CRT and LCD output. Are
these cards made to have a LCD to CRT converters used on the output so that one
can use these cards with dual CRT monitors?

Thanks.

Howard
Click to expand...

3D performance usually does not hinder and/or effect 2D at all. As far as
the newest games comes in ... the ATI cards have performed much better with
the new generation of Direct X 9 games over the nVidia cards.

Dual monitor support these days is pretty much standard. The new GeForce FX
cards, as well as the new Radeons all support dual monitors ... usually
involving one DB15 and one DVI-I with an analog adapter.

Personally, I am considering a Radeon 9600 Pro (probably the 256MB version)
.... which runs the new DX9 titles respectably, has dual monitor support via
an analog adapter for the DVI, and is about 1/3 the price of the 9800 Ultra.

2D performance, as far as displaying images is concerned, is really only a
function of the color balance of a certain card ... which all have fine
tuning adjustments for color balance. I really don't think you'll see a
terrible difference from one to the next. (as far as newer cards go)


Drumguy
 
HMSDOC said:
I would like some help in video card selection....My main computer use is
with
using Photoshop with large image files, from 500-600 MB. Though I don't
do much gaming now, I would like this new system to have this ability. I
would also like to have the option to use dual monitors.
Click to expand...

Give up the gaming option and you can own the best 2D on the market in a
matrox G550 for $100. If you insist on gaming you will lose some 2D quality
which if you are manipulating files of that size, you would probably be
able to see. If you really do NEED a game card as well, the nvidia G4 4200
seems OK and does dual monitors easily. The ATI drivers I've played with
using 2 monitors with acted kinda flakey in win2K so wouldn't recomend then
because of that. Plus in my opinion the 2D wasn't that great even though
the 3D is wonderful.
 
HMSDOC said:
I would like some help in video card selection....My main computer use is with
using Photoshop with large image files, from 500-600 MB. Though I don't do
much gaming now, I would like this new system to have this ability. I would
also like to have the option to use dual monitors.

My understanding is that the newer video cards( ie ATI 9800) are more aimed at
3D use and gaming. However, since I would like to have gaming ability I am
considering them. Does getting a 'top notch' video card such as this in any
way hinder its performance wih 2D image manipulation...by that I mean are there
other equally or lesser priced cards that would, in fact, handle the display of
500-600 MB still image files BETTER, or is image manipulation such as this such
a drop in the bucket compared to what modern cards can do that any card can do
this with incredible speed and the choice of any modern card makes no
difference from this standpoint? I want to make sure that I optimize the card
for what I am really using it for and allow poorer game use if I decide to do
gaming as opposed to the other way around.

One more question, most of the newer ATI cards have a CRT and LCD output. Are
these cards made to have a LCD to CRT converters used on the output so that one
can use these cards with dual CRT monitors?

Thanks.

Howard
Click to expand...
++++
You can get an adapter from DVI-crt for the "extra" DVI port, and use
two CRT's if you want. A good option might be to get a new/OEM Matrox
G400 MAX dual-head (they have two CRT video out connections), it's an
incredible card for 2d, fair for 3d; or look for a dual-ouput GF3 AGP
card, any flavor. Reasonable prices and excellent performance either
way.
Earl
 
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