2 monitor setup - Lightroom - and Z68 ??

Greetings -

I've built a half-dozen or so systems over the years,
but I've never really grokked video. Still don't.

My current goal: a Sandy Bridge system that can (ultimately) support 2 monitors.
I don't game (a character flaw perhaps attributable to my upbringing).
The most taxing use will be Lightroom & other photo editing.
I also record my tunes, so fewer fans is better.

I don't mind spending $100-$200 on a card or two -- but not if I don't need to.

It seems that high-end cards benefit one's gaming experience -- but what about photo editing?

1a) If I opt for a Z68 motherboard, do I even need a video card ...

1b) ... or perhaps, strictly speaking, I don't need it, but performance would suffer without it?

1c) in which case, should it better to get a P67-based motherboard?


2) If I need (or should get) a video card, is 512MB of RAM enough?
(Again, I don't game.)


3) For my purposes, any performance benefit to 128-bit over 64-bit?

4a) For a (future) second monitor, could one use the Sandy Bridge/Z68 video
(assuming that I've correctly understood what I've read), and then add
a modest (< $100) card for a future additional monitor?

4b) or do I need to find a board that will accommodate 2 video cards
(or a card that will accommodate 2 monitors)?

Insight most welcome.

Thanks kindly,

- Richard