Another which video card thread....

[Bucko]

I'm looking for the best PCIe video card for my desk top computer, however I need a few things. I don't care whether it's nVidia or ATi. This isn't my gaming rig, this is just to run internet on one screen and some sort of media player on the second monitor for watching DVDs or TV while I surf the net.

What I need is:
2x Dvi ports, which should be most cards these days.
Most importantly, it can only take up one slot. So that rules out things like the 8800's etc.
Even my AGP 7600GS in my current rig ends up writing off a PCI slot beside it due to the heatsink and fan.
It's going on a Micro ATX board, so I don't want to waste the PCI slot bedside the video card's slot.

Any suggestions?

[xRyokenx]

You could always get a card from the generation before the 8800s and get a smaller heatsink and just under clock it, that could work.

Sorry I can't think of a card, I don't keep up with all this stuff quite as much as many of the other members, I know what's good and that's about it, lol.

[Bucko]

I know what's good and that's about it, lol.

I'm the same. I'd prefer not to underclock because I want to keep the best performance I can still.

[xRyokenx]

You could always use it for something else, lol... like later on... umm... ****, no Newegg... look online on some sites that ship to Australia and see if they don't have any way to find video cards with two DVI ports.

[Bucko]

I can order what I need locally, I just need the right model card.

[xRyokenx]

Ahh, okay. Just brainstorming here. If there are any computer parts stores around with reasonably intelligent employees, you could take a look down there. Just coming up with some suggestions, lol.

[Luke122]

Some of the firegl cards have 2 dvi ports, and only take a single slot.

[dgrmkrp]

I'm looking for the best PCIe video card for my desk top computer, however I need a few things. I don't care whether it's nVidia or ATi. This isn't my gaming rig, this is just to run internet on one screen and some sort of media player on the second monitor for watching DVDs or TV while I surf the net.

What I need is:
2x Dvi ports, which should be most cards these days.
Most importantly, it can only take up one slot. So that rules out things like the 8800's etc.
Even my AGP 7600GS in my current rig ends up writing off a PCI slot beside it due to the heatsink and fan.
It's going on a Micro ATX board, so I don't want to waste the PCI slot bedside the video card's slot.

Any suggestions?

I would go for a 8600gts.. that's closest to the 8800, but not that powerful... So, something like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814122026) would be cheap and a bit powerful.. or if you have room, this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287)
On the red side of things: a 2600 card, current tech, like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102102)
or an older 1950: this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161061)

These should fit in a narrow space, but I don't know about the length.. Hope I helped..

[Bucko]

or if you have room, this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287)


Thanks for your help. +rep
That one above might just fit in my case I'm using and the heatsink should just clear my northbridge heatsink. I'll have to try and do a few measurements to be sure.

[Crazy Buddhist]

For the uses you are describing this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814122008) would be a great card

2 x DVI, 1 x HDTV/S video, supports high resolutions and only $79.99 US

and capable of handling what you want and more - it's a bargain

[Crazy Buddhist]

I have a great fondness for XFX cards and this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150229) XFX GeForce 8600GT 256MB at $140 US is a beaut.

"Small card silent fan"

"Blew my socks off"

[Imper]

or if you have room, this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287)


actually i had this one and i find the dissipator is really big -.-
i think is better to use one with fans

Greetings and sorry for the bad english 8)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Bucko check out www.pccasegear.com.au or www.msy.com.au both these places have a good range at good prices (more so MSY). As for the GPU, if you want to keep it a single slot an 8500 would be perfect for you.
Here are the 8500's on offer at PC Case Gear:
http://www.pccasegear.com/category349_1.htm

You could even get away with an 8600GT:
http://www.pccasegear.com/category350_1.htm

The XFX Fata1ty 8600GT should to the trick, just over $200.

Hope this helps.

[crenn]

There is a warning before you buy anything from MSY, if you have problems with your hardware, you have to goto the manufacturers directly not MSY.

However, my computer comes from parts from MSY. And I haven't had a problem. I got my Leadtek 8600GT and it's quite good, and it can overclock a little, a 8600GTS is also good (a friend has it)

[The boy 4rm oz]

Went to MSY for my GPU and CPU and a few other thing purely cos they were the cheapest, and dad could pic the order up on the way home from work.

[Bucko]

I ended buying a Gigabyte 8600GT

It's the 512Mb version of this card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125070)

I got it for AU$210 at my local PC shop. I thought it would be perfect, only uses 1 slot, dual DVI ports, no need for a 6 pin power connector.
However it is too tall for the case I want to put it in.
The joy of trying to use a very small desktop case. My 8800GTS would fit height wise, but used two slots and was too long to fit the case and have a power supply in it.
The 8600GT is great length wise, but the huge heatsink on it makes the card very tall, so the top won't go on the case.

Oh well, I'm sure I'll work something out.