Different Parhelia models ??

[Maximilian404]

I am thinking of getting a second-hand Parhelia from eBay, and was wondering what to look out for.

I know that the 4x cards can suffer from banding, so I will try to look for a 8x card.

But are the Retail and OEM versions of the 8x card any different in speed? I heard that the older 4x Retail cards were clocked higher than the OEM ones. So should I be looking out for a 8x Retail card, or would an OEM be fine?

Anything else I should know about?

Cheers

[Mikko]

AFAIK, while they had indeed both Retail and Bulk versions of Parhelia AGP-4x cards, all of the current Parhelia AGP-8x cards are actually retail versions.

Here is a list of part numbers for the current Parhelia cards (Parhelia APVe not included):

http://www.matrox.com/mga/products/parhelia/series.cfm

[Maximilian404]

Thanks Mikko. That's good news.


Now I am wondering whether it's worth me forking out for the 256MB version or if the 128MB will do?

I do a lot of 3D, graphics and CAD works, and use the very highest resolutions for my two 22" monitors. I don't play games so much. Would I need the extra RAM?

[Mikko]

I'm not sure if you can notice any difference between 128MB and 256MB, in most of the situations.

Just remember this:
While you're using TripleHead (only stretched mode available), the maximum resolution per display is 1280x1024. However, you'll get much higher resolutions in DualHead mode. Take a look at this page for more information on maximum resolutions and refresh rates:

http://forum.matrox.com/mga/viewtopic.php?t=10740

[Maximilian404]

Thanks again Mikko.

Unless anybody says different, I'll go for a 8x 128MB Parhelia then.

I have never been interested in the triple head feature, just dual. If I wanted to put a third screen on I'd stick in my PCI G200, which I got on eBay for five quid!