F34R1355 :
@TheGreatGrapeApe: I only said that because if he spend $100 + on and agp today, he will still need a PCI-Ex down the line.
True and that is a consideration, like I said the AGP thing keeps slipping my mind.
The big issue to me is the quality of the TMDS on the onboard, especially since we're talking about higher resolutions that can require dual link DVI depending on the monitor/TV. I would be worried about strafield artifacts on any significant length of cable (IMO DVI->HDMI->TV would suffer the most on anything over 6ft. If using analogue out then the noise of the board itself also becomes a consideration for both cable length and resolution.
When light gaming or surfing I wouldn't care as much, when doing precise work like this I'd be worried about shifting and artifacts.
Does CS3 really use that much? I have only dealt with CS2, so I am not sure on that.
Yeah, but it is dependant on the situation and what part of the app, like I mention for things like 3D, After Effects, texture applications, multi-layer transitions it can even exceed a 256 card and cause chugging (I can never tell if it's my VPU or CPU/RAM that runs out on my laptop, but I've gotten used to it).
The only reason that I said upgrade to an geforce 7 series mobo is because $350 gets a 3800X2 with 2GB of ram, on a Biostar motherboard. Not the greatest out there, but it would be a step up.
True, but I'd say forget the C2D on a PCIe/AGP mobo like the ASRock would be a better transition point IMO, but it's all in the eye of the beer holder. I liked AMD CPUs but right now I prefer the flexability of the intel platform, especially if considering a quad-octo future.
I understand your reasoning, but I really wouldn't trust onboard for this type of work, I'd prefer something I knew has the quality and the overhead. The AGP does suck, but there are solutions for that and I think if he gets an HD2400P he can likely resell it for about the same he bought it for in 6-12 months should he upgrade the mobo, and at least by a replacement HD2400P PCIe if not HD2600P with that money.
Different strokes I guess...