What video card to use

[durnt]

I am currently running a geforce 260 gtx video card (2 dvi outputs and a svideo). I like the card but i seem to have run into a problem. I recently purchased a 40" hd tv and was looking forward to hooking it up to my current dual monitor setup via hdmi cable (current setup is 1 monitor that uses hdmi thats converted to dvi while the other monitor uses dvi). In its current state, i can either use monitor and tv or dual monitors. I was hoping to get a 3 display setup going. My current card wont support and it my board doesnt have any additional pci-e slots so i cant get an additional 260 gtx.

I was contemplating buying a Sapphire Radeon HD 5830 ($205 after rebate on newegg) as it is an overall upgrade for graphics and it supports up to 3 displays. With this possible solution comes another issue. In order to use more then 2 displays, the card requires you to use a displayport for a 3rd display.

Here is where i need advice. Should i use the Radeon HD 5830 or look for another card that doesnt require displayport. If i stick with a card that requires displayport, does anyone know where i can get an adapter (apparently it would require an active adapter unless the vid card can output hdmi or dvi through the displayport which i havent had any luck locating). My spending limit is $300.

EDIT: not sure if it matters but i want to run my tv and 1 monitor at 1920x1200 resolution and the second monitor at 1680x1050 resolution

 

[tstng]

Not really sure bout this as I am not quite familiar how Eyefinity works (so please don't blame me if i'm dead wrong), but I think all HD5xxx support 3 displays the same way, meaning no matter which HD5xxx you chose you still need a display port.

 

[virrze]

5830 is not worth it, for a little bit more get the 5850 which is a much better performer, or spend a little bit less and get the 5770 which is fairly equal to the 5830

 

[durnt]

I dont really agree that spending $349 on the 5850 is a "little bit more" then spending $205 on the 5830, but <shrug> to each their own. Maybe i'll get the 5770.

Are there any cheap active displayport adapters? The only option i've found costs about $100, which is rather ridiculous IMO.

 

[virrze]

I dont really agree that spending $349 on the 5850 is a "little bit more" then spending $205 on the 5830, but <shrug> to each their own. Maybe i'll get the 5770.

Are there any cheap active displayport adapters? The only option i've found costs about $100, which is rather ridiculous IMO.

Oh sorry, my bad, i meant 2 get the 4890 or 5770, depends on you

 

[durnt]

Well...not even the new new nvidias can use more then one display =(
they are getting more ports, but like the radeons, can only support 2 displays (besides the stupid displayport that is). I guess i will resort to buying the overpriced adapter.

how does the 5770 compare to the geforce 260 gtx?

Also, anyone have a preference between these cards?:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490&cm_re=5770-_-14-127-490-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102864
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102858&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051810&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051810-_-EMC-051810-Index-_-VideoCards-_-14102858-L0F

 

[durnt]

anyone?

 

[virrze]

The 2 sapphires are basically the same, if you wanted 2 overclock definitely get the 1st 5770, otherwise either 1 of the sapphires are good.

 

[durnt]

just to double check some of the facts:
-The MSI version is better for overclocking(since it comes with personallzed overclocking software i assume)
-The 5770 supports Eyefinity which will (with the ridiculously overpriced active displayport adapter) will allow three seperate desktops or 1 very wide extended desktop.
-The 5770 will perform on par (or better) then the nvidia 260 gtx

That sum it up?

 

[durnt]

Alrighty, thanks for the info. I haven't used an ati card in over 10 years (had a really crappy drivers and support), but since it is apparently the only way to get 3 monitor support with 1 card, i might as well try it again.

EDIT: out of curiosity, are there any upgrades to the 5770 that are less then...$250. I kinda found out my friend is upgrading and want to 1 up him >.> I dont know what he is getting yet though.