GPU for dual 22" monitors

[Duekay]

Hi every one,

I am trying to find a new video card for my workstation, the current RX2600XT is just not cutting it, too cheap and not diverse for what im doing.
Im looking at spending no more than $700 US and it needs to fit into a Audio Production workstation, It needs to be able to handle a little bit of everything is well (Video, Gaming and 3D design).

The features that it needs to have are:

-Dual-link DVI-I output
-Dual 400 MHz integrated RAMDACs or better
-PCI Express x16
-256MB GDDR3 or better
-256-bit Memory Interface
-ONLY Takes up 1 slot

Thanks
Dave

 

[Ripper3]

Trying to find one that fits only one slot will be hard, since most of the high end cards require two slots, unless you go watercooled.

I think a HD 3870, like the Atomic from Sapphire, that uses a single-slot cooler, or any of the stock cooled 8800GTs would suit you though, they're single slot, and meet all other requirements.
Oh, and there's really no need to list the RAMDAC speed, all high-end cards have had 400MHz RAMDACs for years now, and even the low-end ones have them.

So just look around for 8800GTs mostly, since I believe those will net you the best performance, while the 9600GT is worth a look.

 

[From_Nowhere]

Two 9600GT's in SLI (they scale well), or Two Sapphire Radeon 3870's in CrossFire (they also scale well)

 

[Duekay]

Trying to find one that fits only one slot will be hard, since most of the high end cards require two slots, unless you go watercooled.

I think a HD 3870, like the Atomic from Sapphire, that uses a single-slot cooler, or any of the stock cooled 8800GTs would suit you though, they're single slot, and meet all other requirements.
Oh, and there's really no need to list the RAMDAC speed, all high-end cards have had 400MHz RAMDACs for years now, and even the low-end ones have them.

So just look around for 8800GTs mostly, since I believe those will net you the best performance, while the 9600GT is worth a look.

Cheers man,

Yep im mainly looking for a card thats not going to have any or much compatibility issues (compared with what i have lol).

 

[Duekay]

Would some one be able to tell me what is the diff between the workstation GPU and like Desktop/Gaming GPU

 

[Ripper3]

Workstation GPUs usually have things unlocked that increase the speed of workstation type software. They might be a little slower in games, considering that they use drivers made for stability over speed, but if you want stability, without the larger price tag, you might want to try looking for cards that can be flashed to their workstation counterparts. For example, flashable to a FireGL, or a Quatro a few years back were the X800, and the 6800 parts, not sure which cards can be flashed now.

If you have the cash and don't mind sacrificing speed for stability, then buy a workstation card, but for $700 US, you might be buying a Quatro version of the 8600, or a FireGL counterpart of your 2600, unless prices have come way down.

 

[Duekay]

Workstation GPUs usually have things unlocked that increase the speed of workstation type software. They might be a little slower in games, considering that they use drivers made for stability over speed, but if you want stability, without the larger price tag, you might want to try looking for cards that can be flashed to their workstation counterparts. For example, flashable to a FireGL, or a Quatro a few years back were the X800, and the 6800 parts, not sure which cards can be flashed now.

If you have the cash and don't mind sacrificing speed for stability, then buy a workstation card, but for $700 US, you might be buying a Quatro version of the 8600, or a FireGL counterpart of your 2600, unless prices have come way down.

yea you are right, for the same spec. you are looking at almost double the price

 

[lemonadesoda]

For non-CAD work, ie. music and video production, you DONT need a FireGL or Quadro.

One single slot 3850 is more than you need. It has 2x dual link.

Two integrated dual-link DVI display outputs :

• Each supports 18-, 24-, and 30-bit digital displays at all resolutions up to 1920x1200 (single-link DVI) or 2560x1600 (dual-link DVI)
• Each includes a dual-link HDCP encoder with on-chip key storage for high resolution playback of protected content

Two integrated 400 MHz 30-bit RAMDACs

• Each supports analog displays connected by VGA at all resolutions up to 2048x1536

A single 3850 will drive TWO Apple Cinema 30's.

 

[King Wookie]

I second the 3850.
Will quite easily drive 2 22" monitors, and runs very quiet.
A passive version might be a touch quieter, but needs 2 slots and ups your in case temps.

While my machine is currently mostly a gaming pc, it was built and specced for audio work.
It's only just audible at 1 foot.

 

[Urbklr]

I would recommend the Sapphire 3870(Non-Atomic)....There cheap, and faster than the 3850.
Here

 

[Duekay]

I would recommend the Sapphire 3870(Non-Atomic)....There cheap, and faster than the 3850.
Here

Cheers, so would you recommend a Sapphire HD3870 over a 8800GT

 

[Urbklr]

Cheers, so would you recommend a Sapphire HD3870 over a 8800GT

If you don't mind spending the few extra bucks, the 8800GT would be perfect.

PS: That Sapphire there is a dual-slot, look for the single-slot one.

Edit: A 9600GT would be fine too, and save you a few bucks.

 

[msoriano61]

ATI HD 2900 XT 512bits 1GB GDDR4 [Diamond Viper]. It's fireGL V8600.
Make a mod driver or flash bios.
The best option and video capture

http://www.newdisk.cn/?wesley8

 

[Urbklr]

ATI HD 2900 XT 512bits 1GB GDDR4 [Diamond Viper]. It's fireGL V8600.
Make a mod driver or flash bios.
The best option and video capture

http://www.newdisk.cn/?wesley8

He needs a single-slot

 

[msoriano61]

He needs a single-slot

space slot?

 

[Urbklr]

space slot?

2900XT's are a dual-slot card...he needs a single-slot.

 

[Duekay]

2900XT's are a dual-slot card...he needs a single-slot.

So would if i were to go for the 8800GT what make would you go for (a bit more cost for a few extra features would be nice).

 

[Urbklr]

So would if i were to go for the 8800GT what make would you go for (a bit more cost for a few extra features would be nice).

Go with either a single-slot 3870, or a 8800GT....All reference 8800GT's are single slot. Both will do you fine.

 

[echo75]

i personally use the 8800GT for my 22" monitor and it runs like a dream at resolution 1600x1090

 

[Urbklr]

i personally use the 8800GT for my 22" monitor and it runs like a dream at resolution 1600x1090

That's an odd resolution...Do you mean 1680x1050?

 

[Ripper3]

If going Nvidia, then EVGA, XFX, BFG and Palit are the best to choose from, but I haven't had an Nvidia for a while now, so don't take my word for it completely.
XFX has double warranty, so it's good for re-sale value, since you can sell the card on, and it will still cover the second person for warranty.
BFG has a lot of overclocked cards, and the extra speed is always nice.
EVGA has the step-up program, so if within 90 days you wish to upgrade, you just pay the difference between the card you bought, and the upgrade, so if there's a new single-slot Nvidia you want within 3 months time, you can get a cheap upgrade.
Not sure about Palit, since I've never had one, but people seem to love Palit on here.

There's a lot to choose from, and if you can't decide between them, just go for the card that has a game bundled. If you don't have Assassin's Creed, and like that sort of game, then it's a good game, either that or Call of Duty 4, they seem to be offered up by a few companies in bundles.


If you're gaming on dual monitors, you might prefer to disable one monitor, considering that you'll be looking at the centre of the screen a lot of the time, it's hard to concentrate on the centre, when it's split between two monitors. I guess you probably knew that, but just in case you didn't, thought I'd mention it.

 

[Duekay]

If going Nvidia, then EVGA, XFX, BFG and Palit are the best to choose from, but I haven't had an Nvidia for a while now, so don't take my word for it completely.
XFX has double warranty, so it's good for re-sale value, since you can sell the card on, and it will still cover the second person for warranty.
BFG has a lot of overclocked cards, and the extra speed is always nice.
EVGA has the step-up program, so if within 90 days you wish to upgrade, you just pay the difference between the card you bought, and the upgrade, so if there's a new single-slot Nvidia you want within 3 months time, you can get a cheap upgrade.
Not sure about Palit, since I've never had one, but people seem to love Palit on here.

There's a lot to choose from, and if you can't decide between them, just go for the card that has a game bundled. If you don't have Assassin's Creed, and like that sort of game, then it's a good game, either that or Call of Duty 4, they seem to be offered up by a few companies in bundles.


If you're gaming on dual monitors, you might prefer to disable one monitor, considering that you'll be looking at the centre of the screen a lot of the time, it's hard to concentrate on the centre, when it's split between two monitors. I guess you probably knew that, but just in case you didn't, thought I'd mention it.

Thanks man, just been playing COD4 on the PS3, mint game. Im going to track down Assassin's Creed soon is well.
Thanks again man

 

[Mussels]

Two 9600GT's in SLI (they scale well), or Two Sapphire Radeon 3870's in CrossFire (they also scale well)

when using SLI or crossfire you are limited to one screen. No SLI or crossfire solution will work for the OP's original intention of two 22" screens.

I too would suggest an 8800GT... works fine on my TV, and my 22" LCD at 1680x1050.