128MB Dual Video Card

[ghostface]

So I'm a dumbass and didnt know that I could order my Dell E510 to come with a 128 MB Video card with VGA, DVI, and TV-out slots. Now I need some advice on something.

Is it worth it to get a card that has 2 DVI slots instead of 1 VGA and 1 DVI? If so can you recommend one that is under $200 if possible or the best one that is the cheapest?

Really annoyed that I messed up this order...

[MrMoo]

Yes. The video quality will be lower when you use the VGA connection. The signal will have to be converted from digital->analog->digital. Whether this degrades the signal too much for you, is something only you can decide.

The card you get depends on the supported card type of your system. If it's AGP I'd try the ATI Fire GL 4 (http://www.ati.com/products/firegl4/). I just picked one up on ebay for $41 shipped. I'm not positive that it supports two screens at 1600x1200 digital but everything I read made me believe it would work. If you want, send me a PM in a week and I should know for sure. If you're interested in playing video games, I wouldn't recommend this card.

[MrMoo]

Update on this. The Fire GL4 does not appear to be able to drive two displays at 1600x1200. Don't buy this card.

[astroglide]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130250

avoid (unfortunately cheaper) xfx cards for now because their current 6 series appears to have issues with power regulation and blowing chips off the card.

if your second monitor is mostly for poker, i wouldn't bother with it.