Few PC questions

[Shawn96VR-4]

I am in the process of upgrading my home server. Unfortunately, I am not a hardware guy at all. My main server is a P4 1.7 with 2GIG RAM and 80GIG 7200HD w/ APG card slot not being used. I basically use this for hardcore development. I have a 19" LCD DVI and want dual 19" LCD DVI. I am anal so I am going to sell the one LCD for matching 19" LCD. I currently have that going to integrated video port on my motherboard so I am a tad behind. I don't do any gaming. I play Flight Simulator 2004 sometimes and watch a few videos online as I surf.

So... I have read that some can't even tell difference between DVI and VGA monitors. In the land of home theatre, that's a huge difference... I am trying to find a videocard that supports dual outputs. I have no idea what to look for. I keep getting conflicting info in regards to that if it has two outputs (dual DVI or one dvi and one avg) that it will ALWAYS output two signals for multiple monitors while other say the specifications will say it. I've checked TigerDirect and NewEgg and I see nothing in specifications that indicate that. How can I be sure? As far as monitors, I am actually inbetween two different monitors (one is DVI and the other is VGA) but most cards seem to have a DVI so I need to consider my options in regards to how I will use that one DVI output. I am referring to VGA->DVI converter or DVI->VGA converter for VGA monitors.

Also, wanted to remove my TV from my office and use a TV tuner PCI card to connect to my time warner cable coaxial. I've read up and down things. Cards seem to be ~$20 but some say the quality and/or remote sucks on these.

Just looking for input.

[nysulli]

check out the evga cards, i've got an older 7800gt that supports dual dvi outputs, but comes with vga adaptors

[mikecentola]

Originally Posted by nysulli

check out the evga cards, i've got an older 7800gt that supports dual dvi outputs, but comes with vga adaptors

I don't think you can get a 7800-series in AGP. I told Shawn to look for a BFG 6600GT_OC card. Erica has one of those and its pretty sweet for the money.

[Shawn96VR-4]

They do DUAL OUTPUT DVI at the same time?

[mikecentola]

Originally Posted by Shawn96VR-4

They do DUAL OUTPUT DVI at the same time?

Yup! The 6600GT has two DVI ports on it. So does the 6800XT.

[Shawn96VR-4]

Because the ports are the same, I assume dual output but is that a guarantee? For instance, many cards have DVI and VGA and they don't all have dual output.

[mikecentola]

yeah its rare to come across a card with dual dvi that doesn't do dual output