Passive Video Card / AGP / Dual DVI / Video Editing

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rx2
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Passive Video Card / AGP / Dual DVI / Video Editing

Post by rx2 » Tue May 10, 2005 8:11 pm

Hi,

I am looking at getting a new graphics card as the one I have at the moment sounds like a 747 and only has a single DVI output. I am looking for a card that has the following :

1. 2*DVI outputs for dual monitor setup
2. Passive cooling ie. No fans on the card! (I like my quiteness)
3. Excellent color representation
4. AGP 8x

I am going to be using it for video editing and compositing (After Effects). Good openGL support would be nice but not essential. I might use it for the odd game here and there....

I have had a look at some online shops and it is a minefield with products.

Any suggestions, or a heads up on cards that would meet my requirements ?

Cheers

Robert

rei
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Post by rei » Tue May 10, 2005 10:45 pm


rx2
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Post by rx2 » Tue May 10, 2005 10:54 pm

Hi rei,

yes ideally dual DVI. I already have two DVI LCD's :-)

rei
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Post by rei » Tue May 10, 2005 10:56 pm

it's hard to get fast cards in agp with dual dvi AND vivo.

i think your only option is to get a golden sample gainward geforce fx 5700 ultra with dual dvi, rip off the heatsink and bolt on a really cool, nearly silent zalman vf700.

the vivo + dual dvi are all high end + pcie cards

also depends what your gaming expectations are and what you play.

rei
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Post by rei » Tue May 10, 2005 10:58 pm

unless video -in isn't a requirement and all your source video is from DV/firewire or something.

6600gt agp cards are the sweet spot for low-mid range performance gaming, the msi -VTD line has video in but all 6600gt agp cards can't easily be modified for the zalman due to where the bridge chip is and how they screwed around with the board layout.

i don't think any of them are dual dvi either from cursory glance.

the pci-e x800xl msi vivo board is nice and dual dvi, but it's pcie.

agp is slimmer pickings i guess.

the_smell
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Post by the_smell » Wed May 11, 2005 1:11 am

You could go for a Matrox Millenium P650, it seems to fit the bill.

rx2
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Post by rx2 » Wed May 11, 2005 2:43 pm

Rei,

Sorry when I said for video editing, I didn't mean it had to have video in. I transfer everything via firewire, so video in is not a requirement.

the_smell,

Yes the Matrox P650 is pretty much on top of my list..... it seems Matrox are the 'old-hand' in dual monitor requirements. Well it seems there are not to many alternatives in the Nvidia range that are AGP...

Thanks for everyones input

Robert

pipperoni
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Post by pipperoni » Wed May 11, 2005 3:17 pm

If you're willing to go back in time, this 9600 has dual DVI, and you can easily replace the HSF with small passive heatsink (as ATI branded 9600s have passive heatsinks).

rei
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Post by rei » Wed May 11, 2005 3:33 pm

i used to be a matrox fanboy but i'd stay away from anything with matrox on it with a 10 ft stick. driver support is spotty and the company is on the decline.

get an old 9600 dual-dvi and strap on some silent/quiet cooling to it for much better overall game/everything performance.

the_smell
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Post by the_smell » Wed May 11, 2005 3:39 pm

Didn't spot that, my bad - a 9600 would be a better option if you want better support. Although the Matrox may well have better quality 2D, if the drivers are up to scratch :)

rei
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Post by rei » Wed May 11, 2005 4:14 pm

matrox fanboys nowadays are masochists judging from the MURC site and forum. matrox consumer graphics has pretty much split up with most of their staff cut, many have gone to ATI.

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