What is the CHEAPEST dual DVI card that can handle 2 19in

zenmaster

Splendid
Feb 21, 2006
3,867
0
22,790
I'm gonna build a new system and cant hold out for the mid-range DX-10 cards so I'm looking for something that can get me by for a couple of non-gaming months.

The new system will have Dual 19" monitors and be used for office productivity.

Any suggestions for a reasonably priced Dual DVI card? ( Say $50-$75)
 

zenmaster

Splendid
Feb 21, 2006
3,867
0
22,790
Because I was looking for more intelligent feedback than simply "2 DVI" ports and "PCI Express" which I could enter into NewEgg.

Perhaps they drive 14" monitors fine, perhaps the output is crappy, etc...

Gee, not sure why I would ask in a forum filled with folks very knowledgable about video cards.

And yes, I could look up 2-year old reviews on cards, but then again I dont think I've seen one talk about its testing in dual mode.
 

nobly

Distinguished
Dec 21, 2005
854
0
18,980
Well, pretty much any chip from nvidia or ati that can drive 2 outputs at 1600x1200 ( like enforcerfx said ) will do fine. You just have to real the specs and go from there. Its not often that people rate the image quality on office productivity apps...
We're talking 2D office productivity, so pretty much anything will do as long as it meets your interface req's.

If you wanted to drive 2 3D displays at 60 FPS, then yes, I'm sure this would be a more lengthy discussion, and most probably would be out of your price range.

I got my friend a evga 5500 that worked fine for his 2 monitors - 15" CRT and 19" LCD, but its AGP and it was about $50. (for comparison's sake).
 

kamel5547

Distinguished
Jan 4, 2006
585
0
18,990
Assuming by productivity you exclude heavy graphical tasks (CAD, Photoshop, 3D renderings, etc) You should get by with almost any card with two DVI connections. 19" LCD's (I assume LCD) don't have a high resolution, for 1028x1024 EnforcerFX's selection is probably more than you'll need (asusming IE Office etc.)
 
2 DVI ports and PCI-E compatiblity, coming right up:

That's only got 1 DVI, the other is VGA, it has a SINGLE DVI that is DUAL-LINK.

Now this one fits the bill;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161021

It's HIS (good MFR) and passive (no worries of fan dieing), which are nice.

As long as gaming is not the goal, then this would be perfect IMO.

Just of note, Enforcer may have been confusing his link with the kind that have a dual-DVI dongle, but they have a different display port like this one;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103012
 

zenmaster

Splendid
Feb 21, 2006
3,867
0
22,790
Thanks for the feedback guys.

I'm mostly looking for something to get me by till March when the 8600s come out to replace the 7600s. Whatever I buy now is just gonna end up in my spare parts drawn in two months anyway.

My Office Workstation really needs dual monitors since I'm usually working on more tasks than I have fingers and toes so having multiple full screens up is super nice.

This is reallyonly a backup gaming device if my Desktop Replacement Laptop is acting up. I can live w/o having that ability for a few months. And heck, its nice having your "work" computer unable to do those things. Easier to defeat temptation :>
 
Well you may want to consider the GF7300 series then if you're set on the GF8600 (are you considering the X2600?).

The GF7300 may offer you some options when used in conjunction with your other card, something like physics.

If this is 'backup gaming' then maybe spend a few bucks more (like $20) and get an X1600XT or X1650PRO or GF7600GS all of which can be had for just a few bucks more, and will game much, MUCH better even for a temporary solution.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102060

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814241027

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150170

They are all close in performance with the X1650PRo edging out the other two.

*EDIT*, actually for the price, forget the GS, this GT is cheaper (after $50 rebate) and will likely outperform all the other three above;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143049
 

enforcerfx

Distinguished
Jun 4, 2006
1,540
0
19,780
2 DVI ports and PCI-E compatiblity, coming right up:

That's only got 1 DVI, the other is VGA, it has a SINGLE DVI that is DUAL-LINK.

Now this one fits the bill;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161021

It's HIS (good MFR) and passive (no worries of fan dieing), which are nice.

As long as gaming is not the goal, then this would be perfect IMO.

Just of note, Enforcer may have been confusing his link with the kind that have a dual-DVI dongle, but they have a different display port like this one;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103012

Yes. My mistake. At first glance, it looked like it had another DVI link but I guess the angle threw me off. Out of the 3 GreatGrapeApe selected, I'd go with the 7600GS.
 

skud

Distinguished
Sep 25, 2006
120
0
18,680
i strongly suggest that 7600gt with the 50 dollar rebate, even though you dont play games it is a good solid card to have.