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Video card recommendations

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shahgols

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Hello everyone,

I am putting together a new computer at monarchcomputer.com. I am not sure what video card to choose for Photoshop purposes. I am not a gamer, so I don't need a video card with fast FPS speed. Which one the following would you recommend? Also, if you like a video card that is not on this list, please let me know what it is. Thank you!
  • ATI (HIS) Radeon 9250 256MB DDR/AGP-8X/TV-Out/DVI
  • ATI (HIS) Radeon 9600 256MB DDR/AGP-8X/Dual-DVI
  • ATI (HIS) Radeon X1600 Pro IceQ 256MB DDR2/AGP/AVIVO/DVI-DL
  • EVGA Geforce 6200 256MB DDR/AGP/TV-Out/DVI
  • eVGA GeForce 6600 256MB DDR/AGP-8X/TV-Out/DVI
  • EVGA GeForce FX 5500 256MB DDR/8x-AGP/TV-Out/DVI
  • Matrox Millennium G550 Low Profile 32MB DDR/AGP/Dual-DVI
  • Matrox Millennium P650 Low Profile 64MB DDR/AGP/Dual-DVI
  • PNY Geforce 6200 256MB DDR/8X-AGP/HDTV-Out/DVI
  • PNY Geforce 6600 256MB DDR/8X-AGP/HDTV-Out/DVI
  • PNY Verto Geforce 6200 128MB DDR/8X-AGP/HDTV-Out/DVI
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Give me your criticism, or I'll take it from you:
http://www.pardonmypixel.com
 
I would probably go with a Matrox 650 PCI-E with 128 mb or an Nvidia Quadro 540 FX. Monarch computers has both of these cards. The reviews are good, and the quadro is used by Boxxtech.com who make high end systems. I will probably be picking one of these for my new computer soon. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
 
Hi Khaled,

I am planning on purchasing the HP F2105 21" LCD monitor. Do you think that the video card will be able to handle the resolution that this monitor requires? I am not even sure that this is a valid question, but figured that I should ask rather than not ask and be sorry later. Thank you!
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Give me your criticism, or I'll take it from you:
http://www.pardonmypixel.com
 
Yes it handles up to 2200 dpi.

Again if you read the article The more real estate the better, either get a 24 or 2 19"
New egg has all the tech details on the max resolution.

good luck

khaled
 
If you're still in the process of choosing components, I'd strongly suggest that you choose to go with a PCIe motherboard instead of an AGP one. Going along that line, I generally recommend that you base your graphics card choice on your motherboard choice. There are many motherboards that use either an NVidia or ATI chipset. Using a matching video card often means fewer drivers to install/update and may allow for additional manufacturer specific features.

2D quality is pretty good across the board. Your monitor resolution is small enough that you don't need to worry about your graphics card. Just make sure it has a DVI connector or two and you'll be good. I'd suggest buying the most recent generation graphics card that fits your budget.
 
Thanks Khaled. I will buy this video card.

Unfortunately I don't have the capital to invest in a 24' or 2x19'. So I am thinking of getting a 19' now and adding another one in a few months. Thanks for that hint as well.
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Give me your criticism, or I'll take it from you:
http://www.pardonmypixel.com
 
Matrox - why low profile though? They are GREAT 2D cards for Photoshop, not so great for gaming. Not all video cards are created equal for color fidelity and non-distorted screen display, and Matrox is always the Best, though Nvidea is closer than they used to be. My opinion, for what it's worth.

Bryan Burris
Nikon Junkie
 
As far as 2D quality goes it all depends on your current and future monitors:

For analog (VGA) quality either on CRTs or VGA LCDs Matrox> ATI> Nvidia.

For single normal size DVI LCD any mainstream card with DVI is OK.

For dual DVI LCDs - any Dual DVI, ATI often has a price advantage here.

One LCD plus one CRT - Matrox or ATI with both DVI and VGA.

Big 30 inch monitors require Duallink DVI, two of those would need dual Duallink DVI card. In both cases ATI has a price advantage...

Obviously if you are also doing 3D modelling or using applications dependant on OpenGL like Combustion or Aftereffects then Nvidia comes into play BIG time.
 
Per the link below, PS CS2 benefits from a graphics card with 128mb of RAM or more

http://www.adobe.com/support/techdocs/331412.html

My recommendation - if the system can be built using PCI Express, do that. PCI Express is faster than AGP.

Personal recommendations - if you can get a dual core system, get it. Also, get 2 gigs of RAM. Personally, I'd go with an nVidia based card vs. ATi. I've seen too many ATi cards c*r*a*p out and their drivers can be iffy. I've used both EVGA and PNY - both will provide a good image. Get one with DVI out if you ever plan on upgrading to a flat panel monitor.
--
'Work is for people who don't know how to surf'
 
Chazbo said:
Per the link below, PS CS2 benefits from a graphics card with 128mb
of RAM or more
Click to expand...
Adobe seems to be the only people out there who think so. I've seen the link too but like everybody else I've yet to hear of a reason why it would be beneficial.
 
Just a followup that klinikl is correct. I swapped out an nVidia 5200 128mb card and put in my "old" Matrox G400MAX.

What's interesting is that Bridge loads a LOT faster and there's a marked improvement with Photoshop loading. Go figure.

I switched as the G400 provides (in my opinion) a better image over nVidia.
--
'Work is for people who don't know how to surf'
 
I actually own a G400Max and still use it in my second machine. It's image quality is indistinguishable from a DVI LCD. Really sets a standard for analog output.
 
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