need good 2D video card for photography

[Bob122]

I thought if anyone could help me, the guys on this forum probably could. Looking for a good graphics card with dual monitor capability, primarily for use with photography. I found the Matrox Parhelia 512, which looks like a pro card for 2D. Are there any other cards out there I should consider? I almost forgot to mention, I do not need a gaming card. <BR>Thanks in advance.<BR>Bob

[Colin]

Hey Bob122, welcome to PCStats! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"><BR><BR>Hmm... THe Matrox Parhelia is way overpriced if you ask me and unless you need triple monitor support in one card, I would get something else. All Matrox cards have good 2D image quality, if you can find an older G450 or G550 I think it would do the job just as well honestly. <BR><BR>What are you doing exactly with your computer?

[Avid6eek]

MATROX G450 32MB DDR 4X AGP - OEM.......$84<BR>MATROX G550 32MB DDR 4x AGP- OEM........$95<BR>POWERCOLOR ATI RADEON 7500 64MB SDR DVI+TV+CRT AGP RETAIL......$53<BR><BR>All those prices come from <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com">NewEgg</a> and all those cards have free shipping. The reason I added the Radeon card in there is because ATI's cards offer better image quality than nVidia cards. Also in the settings if you change the card to run at "best image quality" as opposed to "best performance" the cards will run even better. I think the Radeon 7500 would be the best card for you. Unless you have an extemely expensive graphics monitor, you will see no difference. The ATI is a retail card instead of OEM and it has 64MB of onboard RAM. I know the onboard RAM isn't important for 2D, but Windows XP, and Longhord also stress your Video Card so I feel 32MB may be to little.

[Bob122]

I guess I should have mentioned I have a good monitor, it’s a pro series Viewsonic (PS790) and I’ll probably buy a second monitor. I’m just building a computer primarily to be used for digital photography (Photoshop 7.0). I might get into some video sometime later. I’ll probably need good color and resolution, etc. I have no budget restrictions, but do not want to absolutely just waste money. In other words, I don’t mind spending a fair amount as long as I’m getting something for it.<BR><BR>With my lack of tech knowledge, I tend to get more than I need. It usually costs more but I end up having fewer regrets later. The Matrox website makes their Matrox Parhelia look like it blows away the others (for my use), but I cannot get the same specs from other web sites to do my own comparison.<BR><BR>Having a little more info, do you guys still recommend these very reasonably priced cards? And by the way, thanks for your earlier replies.<BR><BR>Bob<BR>

[Avid6eek]

I think I found an even better card for you. The ATI OEM RADEON 9000 Atlantis 128MB DVI TV out. It's a mroe up to date card, and it comes with 128MB of onboard RAM for $88 with free shipping from <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.newegg.com">NewEgg</a><BR><BR><img src="http://images2.newegg.com/productimage/14-102-255-01.JPG">

[Colin]

Bob122 I'm not the best <b>2</b>D adviser, if you were looking for a gaming card that would be much easier... I do know that RAMDAC is the most important thing to consider get something that is running at least 350 MHz. <BR><BR>From what you said you need, I don't think you have to get a Parhelia... Yes 2D image quality is good, but their older G450 or G550's can do the job just as well. My uncle is a semi professional photographer who edit's his own pictures in Photoshop as well and he's using a G450. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

[Avid6eek]

Who ya gonna trust, the guy who is a <b>Freak</b> (even says it under his name...speed "freak") or the guy with an amazingly beautiful god I wanna stick it in her ___ ...well, lets just say hot chick as his pic.

[Colin]

The freak knows all... Well in terms of computers kinda I guess... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

[Bob122]

Hey guys,<BR> I think you’re both right. Either the Matrox G550 or the Radeon 9000 128 would probably do the job, and I will seriously consider them.<BR><BR> I know I’m nuts, but I’m still considering the Parhelia as a possible 3rd choice. And then there’s the Radeon 9700 pro. If I were to want the ‘best’, I assume the Parhelia would be the best for 2D? Although the Radeon 9700 just seems to blow everything away for gaming (according to tomshardware.com), would I assume it’s not quite as good for 2D Photoshop work as the Parhelia?<BR><BR> Well thanks guys, I gotta get some rest. It’s late here.<BR>

[Colin]

Well the main advantage of the Parhelia is it supports <b>three</b> monitors while the other cards only suppot two. <BR><BR>I find that the IQ of the Radeon 9700 Pro is excellent. With a 400 MHz RAMDAC, the image is very sharp!