graphics card help

[ifurlong]

I am in need of some advise regarding graphics cards, I am going to put together a new PC system and am going to buy CS, what I want to know is are those really fast cards that the gammers use really good cards in generl or are they a wast of money if the primary use of this computer is to edit using CS. Also any advise and experiance on what you use as far as graphics cards will help, thanks, Ian.

[eric1]

i'd loook into MATROX, like the P750. it's about 275USD. nice graphics,
and does dual monitors. www.matrox.com


eric1

[dn7elson]

I am in need of some advise regarding graphics cards, I am going to put together a new PC system and am going to buy CS, what I want to know is are those really fast cards that the gammers use really good cards in generl or are they a wast of money if the primary use of this computer is to edit using CS. Also any advise and experiance on what you use as far as graphics cards will help, thanks, Ian.

It really depends upon how you intend to use your system as well as the individual components. If you are going to own photoshop CS and play some games on your system, the gamer cards will deliver the higher speed 3D rendering you will need for games.

If you are going to be heavy into photoshop, you will be more interested in a graphics board that delivers superior 2D performance. The Matrox line of video cards have long been regarded as being in the upper end of consumer/general business in this area. Their current flagship is the Parhelia. http://www.matrox.com/mga/products/parhelia/home.cfm

If you don't get a high performance monitor you will not notice nearly the performance from a high performance card. You need to balance your system so that no one component significantly outperforms or underperforms the others.

[ifurlong]

thanks, to be clear, I play NO games, this computer will be used ONLY for CS, I have other comps for the net and things, I will be using the sony 21" monitor and an intell 2.4 cpu and an intell mobo(865 chipset, unless someone gives me a reason not to), thanks

[figment]

thanks, to be clear, I play NO games, this computer will be used ONLY for CS, I have other comps for the net and things, I will be using the sony 21" monitor and an intell 2.4 cpu and an intell mobo(865 chipset, unless someone gives me a reason not to), thanks

I've been told that a "2d" card (not for games) is best for images and office applications. This was from a while back though. I don't think you want a game card.

[ifurlong]

great!, thats exactly what I needed to know. So futher along this line, what effect does the amount of onboard mem have as far as my application, I mean, the 750 has 64, and their new top of the line card has 128, do I care?

[ifurlong]

I think I will get the MATROX 750, it seems to be the best for the money

[figment]

great!, thats exactly what I needed to know. So futher along this line, what effect does the amount of onboard mem have as far as my application, I mean, the 750 has 64, and their new top of the line card has 128, do I care?

YES! the more memory, the more color at higher resolutions/etc. Go for as much as your monitor can use.

(I really like the IIYAMA Vision Master CRT monitors.)

[dn7elson]

great!, thats exactly what I needed to know. So futher along this line, what effect does the amount of onboard mem have as far as my application, I mean, the 750 has 64, and their new top of the line card has 128, do I care?

Usually the onboard memory is extensively used for 3D graphic rendering and shading. 64-128MB should do you fine for 2D work. Make sure that the monitor and graphics card are both able to deliver flicker free (85Hz) at your desired screen resolution.

You might want to look into the benefits of a double headed setup, where you run 2 separate monitors. I use a smaller monitor to handle menus, text windows and toolbars for AutoCAD, Photoshop, etc. with the good monitor handling the graphics. Once you get used to it, you will get used to its convenience real quick.

[ifurlong]

oh yes, two monitors is a must, I am always wanting to read directions or something when doing this stuff

[CyberDyneSystems]

I am in need of some advise regarding graphics cards, I am going to put together a new PC system and am going to buy CS, what I want to know is are those really fast cards that the gammers use really good cards in generl or are they a wast of money if the primary use of this computer is to edit using CS. Also any advise and experiance on what you use as far as graphics cards will help, thanks, Ian.

Ian,

No those super fast Gamimg cards are NOT very good for Graphics work,. at east not 2D like Photoshop

Eric is right on the money... go MATROX!!!!

I have some old 16MB Matrox g-400 cards.. circa 2000,.. they positively blow my Nvidia AWAY!!!!

They are not only much clearer, crisper images,. but the trutht is they are FASTER in photoshop! :)

This "older" model is a bargain...

http://shopmatrox.com/usa/products/datasheet.asp?ID=258

[chris.bailey]

The Matrox Parhelia is a superb card for Photoshop. On my Sony LCD monitor is gives really crisp and sharp text and images and it is very stable. Not great for gaming but Flight Sim still runs pretty well on it

[eric1]

i agree CDS, my new 750 runs circles aruond my ATI. the ATI is a
$500USD card thats supposed to do everything. it does that but not very
well. colors are not that good, and calibrating my monitor did not help.
does anyone know how to hook up a VCR to the PC, and watch movies on the monitor? i tried several things, nothing would go full screen with
a decent picture.

thanks,
eric1

[msnow]

The Matrox Parhelia is a superb card for Photoshop. On my Sony LCD monitor is gives really crisp and sharp text and images and it is very stable. Not great for gaming but Flight Sim still runs pretty well on it

I noticed that the Parhelia also coms in a 256 MB version. Is that overkill or can I use that?

[dn7elson]

I noticed that the Parhelia also coms in a 256 MB version. Is that overkill or can I use that?

For photoshop 2D work I would think that it would be wasted. Better to get more RAM or a larger HD with the extra money. I drive my 19" Viewsonic monitor at 1600x1200x32bit color @ flicker free 85Hz with 128MB. If you were going to do some serious 3D modeling/rendering or serious gaming it might be the beneficial.

[chris.bailey]

The Matrox Parhelia is a superb card for Photoshop. On my Sony LCD monitor is gives really crisp and sharp text and images and it is very stable. Not great for gaming but Flight Sim still runs pretty well on it

I noticed that the Parhelia also coms in a 256 MB version. Is that overkill or can I use that?