any suggestions on sound card and video card?

**khanhdom** · 10-02-2005, 10:40 PM

Hi, I haven't been up to date on computers and I want to know what are some sound cards that has the 5.1 feature and also what video cards allow 2 screens? I dont need the video card to be hardcore just have inputs for two screens. Thank you

edit: I looked at the store section and looks like I could solve my 2 screen problem with the vga y splitter cable

**khanhdom** · 10-05-2005, 02:05 PM

anybody with some suggestions on the soundcard?

**dorgan1983** · 10-05-2005, 02:17 PM

yes but your also looking at splitting the signal strength as well, with a Y splitter, if you need the screens to display the same thing better of getting a card that does video out and a screen that accepts video in and cloning the displays.

**lez** · 10-05-2005, 02:41 PM

any sound card with the cmi 8738(mx or lx) chipset without spdif should give you 5.1 (aka 6 channels), I use one in 4 channel mode with a filter off the front channels to drive the sub.

If you can find one, and live with the big box, a matrox marvel has 100% dogs nob 2nd channel TV out.

Nothing beats that card for TV out stability, and thats a challange to all those who think they know better.......

just my 10$.........

**JasonWW** · 11-14-2005, 07:59 AM

Can anyone recomend a video card that has true dual display output? (not just clone)

I know the MX4000 has dual RAMDACs, but I don't know if it can display one image on the VGA and an extended screen on the Composite out?

**lez** · 11-14-2005, 08:04 AM

Old matrox marvel

Stability on 2nd output that was never beaten or improved upon. xp drivers are an issue though.

I use one and would never change to anything with lesser ability, Ie anyother brand, only one to come close is ati.

Downside, bloody huge card and even bigger cable breakout box.....
(but you get a free tv tuner)

**JasonWW** · 11-14-2005, 08:18 AM

I'm a big fan of the Matrox cards. I use a G550 on my home setup. They are great.

I considered getting one for the car PC, but they are about $110. I don't really need 2 VGA's but a VGA and a composite for an extra cheap screen later on is a good idea in my mind.

Where could you get a Marvel from? Used?
I found a G200 with the breakout box and a G450 ETV. DO you have the G200?

**Goofus** · 11-14-2005, 08:41 AM

I don't have any specific card recommendations, but Nvidia dual monitor software is much more flexible than the ATI software. I'd look for the cheapest GeForce card you can find w/ dual vga out.

**JasonWW** · 11-14-2005, 08:42 AM

Lez, I think you have the G400?
How does it handle video and curent applications?
Can these older cards support the widescreen monitors like 800x480?

I saw your thread:
Matrox Marvel g400 tv xp driver

Basically you used the Wn2000 drivers, huh?

**JasonWW** · 11-14-2005, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Goofus

I don't have any specific card recommendations, but Nvidia dual monitor software is much more flexible than the ATI software. I'd look for the cheapest GeForce card you can find w/ dual vga out.

I'm trying to find info on them. I found some MX4000 cars from Asus and Chaintech with a VGA and DVI outputs. I know you can get an adapter to go from DVI to VGA. That's how my Matrox is. I just couldn't download any manuals on either of those cards to see how the dual view works.

What card are you using?

Will the cheaper cards display 2 outputs?