New Build - Need assistance selecting a video card for audio recording computer

[meblumen]

I'm currently building another computer out of some spare components I have lying around. RIght now the system is going to consist of:

AMD Athlon XP 2600+ "Barton", 333MHz FSB, 512K CPU
ASUS "A7N8X" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset MOBO
2 Sticks of 512 RAM (can't remember if its PC3200 or something lower)
2 80 gig WD Harddrives
Antec Case w/350 watt PSU
Lite-On CD Burner

I'm going to disable the onboard sound and use a special soundcard I already have which is specifically designed for audio recording. I'm going to be using XP Pro and the programs I will most likely run will be Cubase SX, Reason, ProTools LE, WaveLab and maybe Ableton Live. The computer will never be used for anything else such as playing games or surfing the net, strickly audio.
Although I don't have two spare monitors at the moment I will probably in the future purchase another one so I need the video card to be able to support dual display. Price isn't too much of an issue but I don't want to go overboard. I was looking at the ABIT ATI RADEON 9200SE Video Card and reading some of the reviews and it seems like it would fit my needs but I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to picking out video cards and consequently would like to know if I need something better for my purposes or if this will suit my needs and if so are there any other cards around the same price made by other manufacturers that are better designed. Thanks in advance for the help.

[kram 2.0]

Almost every card out right now is dual head. Heck, a ATI Radeon 7000 would even do...though I wouldn't recommend it. Try to go with a 128-bit card though if you can't, it's not a big deal.

kram

[OLLY89]

Ig your Thiniking of getting the ATI Radeon 9200 Well then get it. But Do Not go Lower then that Or you can Forget about Playing the Games and Forget about the Fashion soo Get the 9200 Pro not SE or something Higher.

[meblumen]

Is it really important to upgrade to the 9200 Pro because the price is double what it would cost for me to get a 9200SE card and I don't plan on using the computer for games or anything but audio recording?

[Smidget]

Originally Posted by meblumen Is it really important to upgrade to the 9200 Pro because the price is double what it would cost for me to get a 9200SE card and I don't plan on using the computer for games or anything but audio recording?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...106-143&depa=0

You could also probably go to a local radioshack and find these cheap (if you local

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by OLLY89 Ig your Thiniking of getting the ATI Radeon 9200 Well then get it. But Do Not go Lower then that Or you can Forget about Playing the Games and Forget about the Fashion soo Get the 9200 Pro not SE or something Higher.

No such thing as a Radeon 9200 Pro...the Radeon 9200 is good enough . Really, any card would do since you didn't mention games to be a major component of your computer usage.

kram

[Smidget]

Originally Posted by kram8806 No such thing as a Radeon 9200 Pro...the Radeon 9200 is good enough . Really, any card would do since you didn't mention games to be a major component of your computer usage. kram

He did indicate he would be investing in two monitor display down the line though. Which is why I replied with the above.



I should also add; Unless you burn them to CD, you may have to hook up the audio only pc to the internet to update your audio software\hardware

[OLLY89]

Originally Posted by kram8806 No such thing as a Radeon 9200 Pro...the Radeon 9200 is good enough . Really, any card would do since you didn't mention games to be a major component of your computer usage. kram

What The Hell Ha I cant belive you have never Herd of a 9200 Pro There is My friend got 1 the Other Day soo Plz dont tell me that you havent herd Of The 9200 Not having a PRO because they do and Now you now that They do.

[meblumen]

Thanks for the help, I really appreicate it. I have one question, the matrox card smidget suggested was also brought up in another post I had going, the matrox card is only 64 MB DDR RAM card while the ABIT card has 128MB DDR RAM, I always assumed more ram was better but the matrox card is more $ so which card is better, why and is it really worth it to shell out the extra cash for the matrox card? Thanks again for the help.

[OLLY89]

Na MATROX Never herd of anyonbe have a MATROX before seriously come on go for a better Brand more Real and Hearable Brand ATI RADEON is the card or Nividia Ok so take the ATI9200 128mb and yes it's Not worth getting the MATROX the my Point of View.

[Smidget]

Yeah get the other one if it is cheaper. I just wasn't aware of it. I just bought one for someone's secondary audio PC which needed dual display and to be built that same day. If both are dual display go for the cheaper one, seems like a trustable name.

[Yuanji]

Originally Posted by OLLY89 Na MATROX Never herd of anyonbe have a MATROX before seriously come on go for a better Brand more Real and Hearable Brand ATI RADEON is the card or Nividia Ok so take the ATI9200 128mb and yes it's Not worth getting the MATROX the my Point of View.

that's not true. Matrox has pretty much the best 2D cards you can get. they are ideal for non-gaming comps. if you want to game, ATI and NVidia are the ones you get.

[SonicVanguard]

Originally Posted by meblumen I'm going to be using XP Pro and the programs I will most likely run will be Cubase SX, Reason, ProTools LE, WaveLab and maybe Ableton Live.

Quite a hefty mix of audio applications. Those packages alone cost more than your computer - and by a long shot. On top of that, you've got three that are pure overlaps - CubaseSX, ProToolsLE and Live are all multi-track editors - none of which work with the other.

Quite an amazing rig you'll have there.

And get the Matrox card - can't beat them for dual (or triple) displays. Or...you could get a 3DLabs Wildcat Realizm, you've got top of the line audio applicationz, why not get a top of the line dual head video card?

Dave.

[OLLY89]

Originally Posted by Yuanji that's not true. Matrox has pretty much the best 2D cards you can get. they are ideal for non-gaming comps. if you want to game, ATI and NVidia are the ones you get.

Ohh Ok then well i thought he wanted to Game I was going to say What The hell His using a 2D Card to play Games but If his going to use it for something else well then He should Buy it otherwise ATI or Nvidia Will Do you mate.

[Smidget]

I find Abelton Live quite a different beast from Cubase. Though that's only from watching it in use. cheers either way.

[OLLY89]

No Problem mate.