2/12/2007 4:07:44 PM

Hi, we are looking to get a new projection computer and our leadership prefers to go with a name brand computer due to support options. I am considering a Dell XPS 710 stripped to the bare minimum under BYO. What I was wondering is what high end video card would be recomended. Preferably under $300. I have seen that there have been issues with the Nvidia cards so I was leaning twards a ATI. Any sugestions on the video card and or a computer.....mainly the video, would be much appreciated.

Greg

2/12/2007 4:20:10 PM

You should be able to get a really good card for under $300. If you go ATI, get a Radeon X1600 or higher. X1800 or 1950s would probably really smoke. Get the 256MB or 512MB version (not 128s, even if they are available). If you see a suffix of SE, run away, quickly. SE cards are made from chips that didn't pass the test to be put into a pro level card.

I don't think the nVidia issues are huge, but I'm not near as familiar with those models. Make sure and get a GeForce card, not one of their higher end workstation cards.

Both manufacturers have their supporters and detractors.

The SSP System Requirements has some specifics that may be helpful.

Good luck! We bought a video card with our Dell and ended up throwing it out as useless (an SE card).

2/12/2007 4:25:04 PM

I have seen the system req. and have my eye on some cards, but am hoping to get an idea of what other think before we make the jump and regret it later. What we get they would like to last at least 3-4 years.

Greg

2/12/2007 4:27:36 PM

We got an ATI Radeon X700 Pro 256 MB PCI Express 16, which roughly maps to their current X1600, as I understand it, and we are very happy with the performance.

2/16/2007 7:20:17 PM

We have a 256MB X800 (or 850) GTO, and it does very well. The machine does some wierd things with certain animations that may be due to the older card, but it runs very well for the most part.

2/20/2007 5:24:47 AM

You're interested in a Dell XPS 710 (you might want to give the 410 a look, too) which probbly means you'll be getting Vista. Note that Vista uses DirectX 10. Upon perusing some sites I noticed not very many video cards are DirectX 10 capable yet, I did see a card from nVidia, but I don't think I saw one from ATI yet. While it is almost certain DirectX 10 isn't required by SSP at this time, who knows what the future will bring...

2/20/2007 7:03:36 AM

Of course, SSP is not supported on Vista yet. So if you get a machine, make sure you have a choice of running WinXP for a while.

2/20/2007 6:19:32 PM

I considered the Dell 410, but we want a system that is going to last a long time since we are not into upgrading often. Our sound board is probably well over 14 years old as well as some of the other equiptment. The church's idea is that if it works, leave it alone till it has to be replaced.

Greg