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[dcwebman]

I am using an HP dc7800 computer that has an Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 @ 2.33ghz. Also using 2 HP LP2065 monitors that are connected via DVI. I have apparently an old video card that can't handle running both monitors at 1600x1200 resolution. The secondary display is the one that has MC running on it all the time and right now I have to resort to a lower resolution just so it would run. I'm missing the extra resolution to use with MC.

Does anybody have a suggestion as to an inexpensive video card that can handle two monitors at 1600x1200?

[newsposter]

You can get a current-generation ATi 38xx or 48xx card with 512Mb or 1Gb of ram in the $100-150 range.

[benn600]

Spend a bare minimum of $100 and get a dual DVI card running on PCI Express.  You'll do fine.  I bought one of the latest and greatest cards several months back and realized the benefit is really only in high end games, which I never seem to have time for.

I ran three monitors for a while.  For them I was using three separate video cards if I remember correctly.  Two of them were under $100 I think.  Three 1600x1200 monitors...a bit overkill.  Now I have a 1600x1200 + a 1920x1200.  This setup is great because due to the physical size (21" + 24") the height is basically the same, so moving things back and forth works well.  Having identical resolution is better but this way, I have widescreen and full screen for the best of both worlds.

[dcwebman]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[benn600]

I forgot to mention that using two monitors from one card doesn't seem as seamless as using a card for each.  The problem is, even with my high end card, if I have to enabled, watching video (DVDs) always seems to have some speed issues.  Having two separate cards would be a pain if you only have one PCIe.  I guess it would be nice to hear other responses regarding my issue.

[NoBS]

You mentioned a HP pre-built, which comes with a bare minimum power supply.
I'm assuming this model has a PCIe slot, but most prebuilt manufacuters are known to cut corners.

Example, mobo has the solder pins for the PCIe slot, but to save a few pennies they choose not to install the slot! 

Even with a better power supply (always recommended) those OEM cases get hot with upgrades (even at stock).

I would still recommend the new ATI 4570 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102805
This card does not require an extra power plug and does excellent 2D @ 1920 x 1200 on two 25.5" LG's.

With S&H this might get up to $75, but the card still has a great bang for the $$.

For heavy 3D video your prebuilt will have heat/power issues.

HTH

[dcwebman]

It does have a PCIe slot but it's the small form factor case so it has to be a low profile card. I won't be doing any 3D since it's for work. I'm thinking about right now:
ATI FireMV 2250 PCIe x16 256MB video card, MFG#100-505175

[benn600]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814195038&Tpk=100-505175

So two of them?  There is only one DVI.

In my limited experience with low profile I was disappointed.  The cards are supposedly low profile but they don't include a low profile bracket in some cases.  So I am using one literally with no bracket.  For the particular case it's okay because the card is well attached and it doesn't get moved around but....  I mean who would go online and try to find a bracket that would match perfectly.  That is like buying a motherboard without the aluminum covering plate for the connectors.  What are you supposed to do??

The pics show that card does include the bracket.

[dcwebman]

It comes with a Y cable for the DVI port to give 2 DVI outputs.

[newsposter]

low profile brackets are commonly available for a buck or so.....

[NoBS]

That video card will not do dual 1600 x 1200.
It will max at "Analog" Resolution 2048 x 1536.
Note the analog in the description, low profile cards will limit your options.

[benn600]

For $130 is sure should do dual monitors.  In my experience it seems like about every card supports two monitors.  Being low profile should not automatically limit your abilities.

It depends if the adapter allows truly two separate DVI monitors.  I'm not sure though.

[benn600]

I looked again.  All the pins on the card indicate that you may HAVE to use the adapter because I think DVI cables have a crosshatch that would not fit in those holes.  So, it is probably a purely dual monitor card out of the box.

[dcwebman]

That video card will not do dual 1600 x 1200.
It will max at "Analog" Resolution 2048 x 1536.
Note the analog in the description, low profile cards will limit your options.

I understand you do not like low profile cards. I can't help it. It's the computer they give me and the computer I have to work with. If you read the ATI product page instead of Newegg's description: http://ati.amd.com/products/firemvseries/FireMV2250PCIe.html
it says "Max DVI resolution 1920x1200 per display".

Thanks for all the suggestions. Now I need to get whatever I decide pushed through purchasing.

[dcwebman]

Just in case anybody was curious, yeah right, I was able to acquire a NVIDIA GeoForce 8400 GS card. Works great and I'm back to full resolution!

[benn600]

Dual monitors are awesome! Enjoy the new found freedom!