PCIe x16 graphics adapters...

[Dr Mordrid]

Looking for one and besides the Matrox APVe (multi-head & HD out) I've also been looking at the Chaintech AE6800 Apogee (GeForce 6800 PCIe 256MB). I see 'em around for about $200 and then read this review;

http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=0&id=1673

Obviously I'm interested in dualhead at least, 1080i HD output, desktop image quality and clarity for video editing.

Comments?

Dr. Mordrid

[Jammrock]

I've been looking at the GeForce 7800 GT myself. Plenty of 3D power, plus hardware MPEG-2 and with NVDVD you can get a high quality HD video scaler ... from what I've read, the best one on the consumer software market. They are a lot pricier than the 6800, but I figure it will last me longer and is SLI compatible for the future. Though I'm waiting for the Crossfire to be released from ATi before I decide on which multi-GPU system I choose.

For about the same price you can get an ATi X850 XT. They are about the same game wise and 3D acceleration (depending on the game) wise.

[Dr Mordrid]

Don't give a whit about gaming, but care a lot about bang/buck and 1080i HD output.

Dr. Mordrid

[UtwigMU]

Note that APVe doesn't have 64-bit drivers yet and you as a person who tries new things/betatests might not like that.

If you need PCIe card, a 6600 or 6200 might also do, provided they meet other requirements.

[Jammrock]

Don't give a whit about gaming, but care a lot about bang/buck and 1080i HD output.

Dr. Mordrid

Ah yes. Well, the 7800-series does have HDTV output that's supposed to be better than average, especially if you are playing back DVD. Here is what I'm refering to:

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/building_high_definition_home_theater_pc_htpc/page4.asp

Read that page and the next.

Jammrock

[dZeus]

Keep in mind that nVidia cards currently seem to have problems playing HD res video problem-free in VMR9 mode except in VMR9 renderless exclusive, which is rather restrictive for stuff like player menus and stuff.

Lots of info about this on the AVSForums' HTPC forum.

[Nowhere]

btw Doc, how's the new system coping with PCI-hungry RT X?

[Dr Mordrid]

btw Doc, how's the new system coping with PCI-hungry RT X?

Haven't had time to test it yet given the MSPro 8 beta schedule. Maybe this weekend if I'm lucky.

Dr. Mordrid