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Video Card Suggestions

J

jetablack4

n00b
Joined
Aug 21, 2011
Messages
5
I pretty much figured out everything I want for my custom build that I will soon be starting and the last thing I need to decide on is my video card. I have been doing some research on cards and have been having a hard time finding what I want for the price (preferably $150 - $300 range). I am not a gamer and I mostly use my computer running various software programs (Microsoft world, excel, outlook), running trading platforms and to view the web for research, so I usually have multiple tabs open - basically a lot of multitasking. I currently have a dual monitor setup with 2 20" widescreens and will most likely add a third to my setup.

The problem I mainly have when looking at video cards is the amount of monitors they are able to support and the types of connections they have. I would like to run a minimum of 3 monitors and would like to have the option in the future to upgrade to 4 monitors. I want DVI connections or DP connections that can convert to DVI. Also, If running 3 monitors I would like to be able to make the center monitor have the task bar and be the main monitor. From my research the only video cards that have these capabilities are workstation video cards, more specifically the Nvidia NVS 450. This card even has the ability to extend the task bar along multiple monitors and allows you to stack monitors (i.e. 2 x 2 monitors). However, this card costs upwards of $500-600 and I am not certain but it may only be a 2D card. As I mentioned I don't play games but I am unsure if I will ever need 3D capabilities for anything.

My custom build will include:
i7 2600K
Asus P8Z68 Deluxe
Crossair DDR3 Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1866 (PC3 15000)
Seasonic 850W X series
Corsair - White 600T Mid-Tower Case
80GB SSD and 1TB HHD

With that in mind can anyone throw some suggestions my way for a graphics card that can accomplish what I am looking for? Again, I like the flexibility of the workstation cards and the fact that they can support multiple monitors but I just don't like the price - are there any mainstream cards that have these types of capabilities? From what I read the reason those cards are so expensive is because of the tech support you get with them as they are mainly intended for businesses.

Thanks!
 
eyefinity from AMD will let you run up to 6 monitors any of them will be more than what you'll ever need a nice AMD 6950 or 6970 is Awesome. All cards are 2d\3d anyway so your really covering all bases regardless of games or not. hate when ppl only look for nvidia BS. AMD's are cheaper and faster and consume LESS power and heat overall and drivers as ppl claim are issues are amd\ati haters...Nice case you got there btw :D happy non gaming :p
 
I believe the 6870 can do 4 monitors. They're many of them under $200. Just about any Radeon HD 5600+ that supports eyefinity will do a minimum of 3 monitors.

I had a 5870 with three 24" monitors. I used the center as my main display with taskbar and shortcuts with the left and right show various things like webpages, outlook, and so on.

For mainstream cards the Radeons are pretty much your only option at his point. If it supports eyefinity at a minimum its going to support 3 monitors.
 
Thanks for the responses - I was just looking at the mid the high end Radeon's with eyefinity and seems like it has everything I would want in a video card (good prices too). Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I will post back if I have any specific questions. Thanks again
 
jetablack4 said:
Will the Radeon 6870 be able to support 3 DVI connections. This card that I am looking at has 2 DVI, 1 HDMI and 2 mini display ports. Can I simply use the 2 DVI ports and use an adapter from the mini DP or HDMI to DVI for the 3rd monitor?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102925
Click to expand...

As it stands you can only use 2 DVI and 2 DP if you want for displays. The HDMI and DVI shared so to speak.

Sapphire has a FLEX line of Radeons that might be able to do it. I have not done alot of research on it.
 
qbanb8582 said:
As it stands you can only use 2 DVI and 2 DP if you want for displays. The HDMI and DVI shared so to speak.

Sapphire has a FLEX line of Radeons that might be able to do it. I have not done alot of research on it.
Click to expand...

So are you saying I cannot use the mini DP to DVI adapter for the 3rd monitor? I would actually need a DP monitor?
 
jetablack4 said:
So are you saying I cannot use the mini DP to DVI adapter for the 3rd monitor? I would actually need a DP monitor?
Click to expand...

You can use a adapter. I'm saying that the card will only output to 2 DVI or 1 HDMI/1DVI.

You can use a passive DP to DVI if the resolution is 1920 x 1200 or less. If its higher you'll need an active one.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.
 
qbanb8582 said:
You can use a adapter. I'm saying that the card will only output to 2 DVI or 1 HDMI/1DVI.

You can use a passive DP to DVI if the resolution is 1920 x 1200 or less. If its higher you'll need an active one.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Click to expand...

Thanks qbanb - I think I am going to go with the 6870 to complete my build. This card should be way more then enough for what I use it for.
 
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