What video card to use

Forum Graphics & Displays : Graphics Cards What video card to use

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

Message edited by durnt on 05-16-2010 at 02:34:14 AM

Reply to durnt

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.

Reply to tstng

tstng is correct; if you want to run 3 displays off a single card, you will be using a display port

------------------------------ defeating idiot fan boys since 2008.
Reply to ct1615

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

Reply to 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.

Message quoted 2 times

Reply to durnt

durnt wrote :

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

that's pretty much the going rate for them

------------------------------ defeating idiot fan boys since 2008.
Reply to ct1615

durnt wrote :

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

Reply to virrze

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/Prod [...] -_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102864
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 102858-L0F

Message edited by durnt on 05-20-2010 at 11:09:16 PM

Reply to durnt

anyone?

Reply to durnt

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.

Reply to virrze

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?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to durnt

durnt wrote :

1) the MSI overclocks well but there is not a major difference compared to other cards and most manufacturers have their own overclocking software plus 3rd parties like rivatuner
2) correct
3) correct, the two cards offer similar performance

------------------------------ defeating idiot fan boys since 2008.
Reply to ct1615

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.

Message edited by durnt on 05-21-2010 at 05:32:39 AM

Reply to durnt

the 5830 but its not worth the price most places ask for it

------------------------------ defeating idiot fan boys since 2008.
Reply to ct1615

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