Do i need to get a new video card to take full advantage of my new Dell LCD? Currently connected by D-SUB to Dell-installed GeForce MX 420.

Also, what kind of video card do I need, and what's the cheapest way to get it? Is there maybe some adapter type thingee that would allow digital input while still using the old video card?

TIA

I figure that several of us currently have this question...

Does the MX420 have DVI port?

it has an s-video and one that looks like d-sub, that's it. unfortunately, or maybe i'm stupid, but i think it only has d-sub as far as i can tell from looking at the cables the monitor came with

Interface Types: Analog (DB15), S-Video Output, TV Out. that be it

A DVI out is a 24 pin connector, and has 4 small pins to the left of those.

no, tried to stick it in all the ports, no luck

seriously though, after doing some websearching, it looks like the MX420 doesn't come with a DVI port.

so on to question 2: do I need DVI output, and what's the cheapest way to do it?

ok, so you dont have a DVI port, which means you arent fully utilizing your LCD display (Im pretty sure it is digital and not analog). Ill get to looking for a good card.

How about a Radeon 9000?

MWave has a 9000 PRO DVI 64MB AGP for 76$. Very good reseller ratings.

conclusion: don't get a new video card yet if you don't need one, cause $76 is a lot of money to throw away (esp. when I have $526 in rebates pending after yesterday's ram and table at OD)

That's the card I have right now. Very happy with it. Has CRT, DVI & S-Video connectors.
Came bundled with:
1) an S-Video to composite out adapter if your TV doesn't support S-Video
2) a DVI to CRT adapter
It may have also come with an S-Video &/or composite cable, I forget (I throw all extra cables into a box )

I was reading through the manual this past weekend and the card supports dual monitors.
What is supported:
CRT + CRT
CRT + DFP
CRT + TV
DFP + TV
CRT + DFP + TV
What is NOT supported:
CRT + CRT + TV
DFP + DFP

$76 is a decent price. Goes for $99 in the retail stores (CUSA, BB, CC, etc.).

i have the 1800FP connected to my desktop via DVI through an ATI AIW 8500, and connected to my laptop via D-sub via an ATI 7500, there is a minor difference, not really worth forking out the dough to upgrade you video card unless its broke.

or

if you want dual-display

thanks alan, you pretty much spelled it out... since it doesn't look like there's any immediate benefit from digital vs. analog, i'll wait for a card that will support a dual monitor digital setup

EDIT: ^affordable (or more properly, cheap as hell AR/pm/ac or something)

here you go



$111.50 + ship with TV out