non-gaming vid card upgrade

[seanarmenta]

using the rig to run photoshop cs and other photo/image editing software primarily, as well as office apps and internet.

i ordered this card from newegg:

ASUS EAX550GE 256MB

my rig is running a P4 530 3GHz and 2GB RAM. after reading that a graphics card can actually slow your system down if it can't keep up with your processor, i am having 2nd thoughts and maybe returning the one i ordered and getting a better one.

again, i am not gaming at all. but i just want the most out of my system without plopping down $300+ for a video card. i would also be running dual monitors.

so if the 550GE i got doesn't cut it, suggestions would be awesome.

[pam123]

Don't you need a card with VIVO (video in/video out) ?
If you do then that has to be one of your requirements.

[seanarmenta]

thanks pam. i don't think i need vivo -- i just need the vga adapter for the dsub port, which i think comes with. i could be wrong though!

did more searching at newegg, and found the POWERCOLOR R43CA-GD3D Radeon X800GT 256MB for $165. any input on this card and POWERCOLOR as a brand would be appreciated. here's the link to make it easier:

POWERCOLOR CARD

[SonicVanguard]

If you want to run two monitors, that Asus card will work - as long as you've got a PCI-X slot. 1 D-sub out and 1 DVI out = 2 outs, one will need a converter. The Powercolor card is a good card as well, it will run quite a bit faster than the X550 core in the Asus, and offers the 2 DVI outs - so if you're running LCDs, you're home free.

[seanarmenta]

thanks dave!

i will be running 2 CRT's -- so am i SOL or can i just use DVI to VGA adaptors with the Powercolor?

[glc]

If you aren't gaming, even a X300SE card (as long as it's not a Hypermemory model) will work fine and not slow the computer down.

The card you ordered will work fine, and it does come with the DVI to VGA adapter for your second CRT.

[SonicVanguard]

Originally Posted by seanarmenta thanks dave! i will be running 2 CRT's -- so am i SOL or can i just use DVI to VGA adaptors with the Powercolor?

GLC is right on - the first card you listed will come with a DVI to VGA adapter for your second CRT.