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Most cost-effective double monitor system?

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Propose new build with two monitors using 2-3HDD on RAID1 based around the AMD 955 chip.
My existing Samsung Syncmaster 193v (discontinued) has a D-sub connection and there's nothing wrong with the screen so I'm loathe to part with it for no reason. On this basis for the main monitor I'm looking at a DVi-1 connected item up to 20" - preferably non-widescreen ('cause I like the extra depth that '16-9' doesn't provide).

I'm also undecided which AM3 mobo to get. (I've already ruled out the MSI 790FX GD79 'cause it don't leave enough room over the RAM for my intended Mugen 2 cooler) So.....

Can I go the HD4870 route and power both off the one card using a VGA adaptor for the older screen?
Or get two HD4850 cards and work the screens independently?
Or get a mobo with integrated HD3300 graphics?

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790GX can do dual monitors on that integrated video HD3300 just remember the golden rule:

1 digital
1 analogue

Toms actually did a dual and even quad LCD monitor set up on its more docile cousin the 780G actually hehe
http://www.tomshardware.com/review [...] 785-6.html
Maybe something cheap like Biostar TA790GX A3+ for a pure AM3/DDR3?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138141
Not too bad clocks for a cheapo AM3 mobo either!
http://www.xtremesystems.org/FORUM [...] p?t=222156

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by batuchka on 05-18-2009 at 04:53:46 PM
Reply to batuchka

We meet again! I confess I was more inclined to go for the Asus M4A79T mobo on that occasion. But have since learned that both boards were designed exclusively for the AM3/DDR3 platform, share the same TDP and, at least here in the UK the Blackstar is £30 cheaper delivered. But there is just one UK Blackstar supplier it seems. I know, I only need one board! Still my heart wants to go for the ASUS together with a Sapphire HD4870 card.

But following your latest post it's finally sunk in that I can add add a series 4800 graphics card - the Sapphire HD4870 1GB (£155 delvd) or perhaps the SAPPHIRE HD 4850 1GB (£132 delvd) and get a dual screen system using my old monitor as the second screen.

 

Eureka! I hear you say.

 

So,
Blackstar, 955 cpu and Sapphire HD4870 1GB or
Blackstar, 955 cpu and Sapphire HD4850 1GB
or would you suggest an alternative Sapphire card!!!


Message edited by Viperone on 05-18-2009 at 06:00:34 PM
Reply to Viperone
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Most cost-effective double monitor system?
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