Graphics Card for non Gamer with 3 displays

[camber799]

The graphics card decision seems to be the most difficult of all the system component choices. Your input on chip, memory, size, manufacturer, etc. is appreciated.

Purchase Date: Now

Usage: Web developer/marketer: HEAVY web, multitasking, multiple apps open, VirtualBox with Linux guest, etc. Little to no gaming.

Current GPU: None - nwew system

PSU: Corsair AX1200 (Overkill, I know

Other system specs: i7-3930K , Corsair H100, Windows 7 64 Ultimate, Corsair Obsidian 650D, Intel 520 SSD - system drive (120, 180 or 240gb-haven't decided), Corsair Dominator 16 GB (4 x 4 GB Quad Channel) DDR3 2133 MHz (PC3 17000), LG Blue-Ray/DVD burner, LG DVD burner, 3 Samsung Displays (sizes vary but middle is 23" and sides are currently 19 but may change), mobo will likely be Asus Rampage IV Extreme, P9X79 Deluxe, or P9X79 WS.

Preferred website: Open Country of Origin: US

Overclocking: Maybe SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in future

Monitor Resolution: Displays will eventually be replaced but ceter is 2048 x 1152 and sides are 1280 x 1024 (again, these will be replaced at some point). All 3 are DVI but who knows what the new ones will be.

Cards considering: I'm confused. I like the Sapphire Flex concept but the cards don't seem to be availabe on New Egg or Amazon. I've been going around and around and can't determine whether 1gb for my application or 2gb. Which chip, etc. Not gaming seems to make it more challenging to select. There isn't a standout card from a reviews perspective.

Budget: $200 +/- ~$50


Thanks, I look forward to your recommendations.

 

[ricardois]

That would be a hell of a gamer system if you add a 7970 or a 680 there.

But since your priority is web development there is really no need wasting money on a gamer card, I think you could also bought a lot of cheaper components that you have there that are mainly for gamers enthusiasts. but anyways in that price range i would go with a:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150599

it is a card that will run some games also, but mainly it supports the 3 screen you need, DVI/HDMI/Midi display port, it will also allow you to mess around with a lot of visual stuff without problems.

 

[po1nted]

Great recommendation. Yeah, anything from AMD that supports Eyefinity would be excellent for you.

 

[camber799]

@ricardois - Many thanks for the recommendation. That looks like a nice card. I'm curious though. I see that the XFX Double D Black Edition has only 1 DVI port. I know I can get a DisplayPort adapter to convert the HDMI to DVI. How would the 3rd display work with this card?

@po1nted - yeah, I have been looking at Eyefinity cards. Seems a good fit.


Here are some of the cards I've been finding along with some comments on each:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102987&Tpk=Sapphire%20Radeon%20HD%206950%202%20GB
Ugly but seems to do everything I need at a reasonable price. I can get it for $229 shipped.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948&Tpk=SAPPHIRE%20AMD%20Radeon%20HD%206870
Less chip and memory than above and lower price isn't enough to make it a factor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125357&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20ATI%20Radeon%20HD6870
Looks interesting but again, not as much memory or chip as #1. Lots of complaints about heat issues.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125353&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20ATI%20Radeon%20HD6850
cheap at $139 after rebate. lots of good reviews. some complain of heat issues but to a lesser extent than above.


I really like the Sapphire FleX concept but the only card I seem to find is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102938
Don't know if it can touch any of the others in terms of resources/performance.

Right now I'm leaning towards your option if you think the 3 displays can be handled and my option #1 above.

What are your thoughts?

Many thanks!!

 

[ricardois]

If you're not gaming, there's no reason to get anything other than a Radeon HD 7750 or 7770 - they're relatively inexpensive, use very little power, are very cool/quiet, and support 3 screens out of the box.

agreed, just for @Op info performance wise, the 7770 is equivalent to 6850 but it uses less power and also is based on the new amd architecture already.

camber799 :
"I see that the XFX Double D Black Edition has only 1 DVI port. I know I can get a DisplayPort adapter to convert the HDMI to DVI. How would the 3rd display"

HDMI
1 x HDMI

DisplayPort
1 x Mini DisplayPort

DVI
1 x DVI

you can use each one of those to plug each display. depending on what inputs your displays will have, there are always converters etc... and yes this card works with eyefinity alone and very well.

 

[camber799]

Ah! And it looks like it's PCIExpress 3.0 also! This is a done deal.

One last question: The newegg photo shows that it includes the HDMI > DVI adapter also. I assume that I'd need a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter for the third display. I see the two below but their resolution is lower than the capabilities of the card. Not sure if they are the correct ones either:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882579046&Tpk=b087b-006b
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812607036&Tpk=b087b-005b

Do you have a better suggestion for a good adapter?

Thanks again!

 

[ricardois]

Ah! And it looks like it's PCIExpress 3.0 also! This is a done deal.

One last question: The newegg photo shows that it includes the HDMI > DVI adapter also. I assume that I'd need a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter for the third display. I see the two below but their resolution is lower than the capabilities of the card. Not sure if they are the correct ones either:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882579046&Tpk=b087b-006b
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812607036&Tpk=b087b-005b

Do you have a better suggestion for a good adapter?

Thanks again!

yes looks like this is correct, if all your screens have DVI connectors, this will do the work, yes it is PCI 3.0.

the adapter looks good, and will work normally at your monitor resolution, you should only run into trouble if you need to run 120hz because this is Single Link DVI, but for normal use you are ok

 

[camber799]

Hmm. The dual link adapters are 90 to $100. I was originally think that it might be better to get a more expensive card but in thinking about it I'd be in the same boat. The second DVI port is typically single anyway. So I suppose one of my side displays could have a lower resolution than the center and the other side. I guess that would work.

 

[camber799]

Best answer selected by camber799.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey