[Bill Kinkle]

Hello,

New to the list hope you can help. I have a dual 450 g4 with 512mb ram and a 40 gig hd. I want to add a second video card to have a dual display. I went to comp usa and they tried to sell me 2 different video cards priced between 350 to 500 dollars. I do not play games I am only using the second monitor to add more room to place menus for photoshop, illustrator and FCP. Any suggestions on what card to buy and abouy how much it will cost? Thanks.

[ddiokno]

Originally posted by Bill Kinkle:
<STRONG>Hello,
New to the list hope you can help. I have a dual 450 g4 with 512mb ram and a 40 gig hd. I want to add a second video card to have a dual display. I went to comp usa and they tried to sell me 2 different video cards priced between 350 to 500 dollars. I do not play games I am only using the second monitor to add more room to place menus for photoshop, illustrator and FCP. Any suggestions on what card to buy and abouy how much it will cost? Thanks.</STRONG>

Hi Bill,
If it is just to use a second display, you don't have to go overkill like the sales people tried to get you to do... you should do fine with any video card (PCI based, since the card that came with your computer is taking up your AGP slot). These card run the gamut from as cheap as $50+ all the way up to over $1000. The price difference reflects many different variable such as video memory, resolution, etc... Here is a link to a good card in the $150 range... it is the ATI Radeon Graphics card. This would be a great card for a pretty good price (I believe there is also $30 rebate on the card).
best of luck,
dave

[Archangel]

Yeah, you can even get cheaper cards if you are just using it for a second monitor with no intent for heavier use. The Radeon is a great card. Stay away from 3dfx cards because 3dfx is dead.

Dual monitors are great. If you have ever worked with two monitors you know what I mean. You can never go back to one and be happy.