Graphics Card - how powerful do ya need?

[X-Nemesis]

Is there a minimum requirement for graphics cards for 26" and up displays and getting into the HDTVs for pc monitor?

If I was to run my setup with a 30" gateway or Dell would I need a 4870x2 just to use it?

 

[Inverted08]

i run cod4 with 90 fps with a q6600, 3g of ram, and an 8800gt, with all quality at maximum, and resolution at 1900x1200 also running another monitor at the same card. Hope that helps :/

 

[Atmadestruct]

You wouldn't need a 4870x2 just to use the monitor for any normal thing. The big difference you're going to see is in game performance as the jump from 1920x1200(24-29") monitors to 2560x1600(30") will cost you about 30% of your framerate on average. To use an hdtv as a monitor all you need is a graphics card that supports HDCP and then you'll likely be using a resolution of 1920x1080.

Imo if you're considering buying a 30" monitor you'd probably be prudent to stay away from it and just buy a 1080p 32" tv like the ln32a550. You'll save money on the display unit itself and you won't be buying new hardware every 3 months.