Dell Precision/ which graphics card?

[quanttrade99z]

Hello

I'm about to buy another Dell Precision and need help picking the graphics card.

I have one of those big Dell screens, and need to pick a graphics card which will support it.
(Dell 3008WFP 30 inch)

As I recall, I think I need Dual DVI... but not sure.

The computer is for office applications, but it would be a nice bonus if the graphics card could play some games it (but it doesn't need to be cutting edge). The most important thing is sharp text, fast, etc.

Also, it would be nice if it could support dual monitors... (but the second monitor would be regular size, i.e. 24 inches or so)

Thank you!

Here are the choices:

4.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 5800, DUAL MON, 1DP & 2DVI [add $3,600]
1.5GB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 4800, DUAL MON, 2DP & 1DVI [add $1,419]
1.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 3800, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $900]
768MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 1800, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $490]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 580, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $120]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DP [add $410]
512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DP, 4DVI [add $410]
256MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 295, DUAL MON, 2 DP [Included in Price]
1.0GB ATI FirePro? V8700, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $1,239]
512MB ATI FirePro? V5700, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $490]
256MB ATI FirePro? V3750, DUAL MON, 2 DP & 1 DVI [add $100]
Dual 1.5GB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 4800, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $2,938]
Dual 1.0GB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 3800, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $1,900]
Dual 768MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 1800, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $1,080]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 580, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $340]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DP [add $920]
Dual 512MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 420, Quad Monitor, 4DP, 4DVI [add $920
Dual 256MB NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 295, QUAD MON, 4DP [add $100]
Dual 1.0GB ATI FirePro? V8700, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $2,578]
Dual 512MB ATI FirePro? V5700, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $1,080]
Dual 256MB ATI FirePro? V3750, QUAD MON, 4DP & 2DVI [add $300]

 

[Slugbait]

I was unaware that they had re-branded FireGL. Anyway...

As I recall, I think I need Dual DVI

For HDPC, you would probably be correct. However, scuttlebutt is that the 3008WFP is not HDCP-compliant with dual-link DVI. So unless you're hooking it to your TV...no.

it would be a nice bonus if the graphics card could play some games it (but it doesn't need to be cutting edge)

Every choice you listed is bad.

The computer is for office applications

Every choice you listed is wrong.

Do you know what these cards are for?

 

[cbn]

These are all workstation video cards (which have extra features beyond the regular desk top Graphics accelerators).

Can we ask what you plan on doing with this PC? The reason I am asking is because for some reason a workstation video card seems to cost way more $$$$ for the equivalent amount of performance.

But if you really need the extra features of a workstation video card then I guess there is no way to get out of paying the extra money (which looks like in some cases is thousands of dollars more...ouch)

 

[cbn]

Every choice you listed is bad.

Every choice you listed is wrong

Well from a money standpoint you are definitely right. Seriously how much extra money would a 285 GTX cost if it had workstation features? Are we talking $1000 more? (A $350 card becoming a $1350 card)

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: Just learning
Seriously how much extra money would a 285 GTX cost if it had workstation features? Are we talking $1000 more? (A $350 card becoming a $1350 card)

Nobody knows. It's never been done before.

 

[brblx]

what 'office applications'?

those cards are for CAD and 3D work.

 

[Arkaign]

Define 'Office Applications'. If nothing involving OpenGL and professional modeling apps, then you need to say none of the above and grab a 4870 or whatever.

 

[cbn]

Originally posted by: Slugbait

Originally posted by: Just learning
Seriously how much extra money would a 285 GTX cost if it had workstation features? Are we talking $1000 more? (A $350 card becoming a $1350 card)

Nobody knows. It's never been done before.

I just looked at the specs and briefly noticed a GT200 core was used in the Quattro cards, but it looks like the memory is higher.

Do you know what else is different about them?

I can't imagine the extra cost would be worth it for a regular desk top user?

 

[cusideabelincoln]

I think what's different about workstation cards is 1) marketed towards a different audience (business as opposed to home users), 2) Support directly from the manufacturer to make sure the cards work with the intended applications, and 3) whatever extra hardware and features they throw on the card. 1 is probably the biggest factor, followed by 2, and finally 3 for contributing to the higher prices.


Looks like the default card [Included in Price] Quadro NVS 295 does not support 30" panels through DVI but does through DisplayPort. So you would need to avoid this card if your Dell doesn't have a DisplayPort connection. Although I believe Dell's site confirms that it does have a DisplayPort connection. So the standard, cheap, Quadro NVS 295 will probably work fine for you. Although I wouldn't expect to play many games.

 

[qbfx]

As brblx pointed out, unless you're using CAD or 3D there is absolutely NO difference noticed between workstation and consumer cards. I think the biggest difference is drivers and extended support as cusideabelincoln mentioned.
In fact these different drivers seriously cripple gaming performance.

Bottom line is, unless you're drawing/modeling something REALLY "complex" in say AutoCAD/3DSMAX, there is absolutely NO need to spend that much on a graphics card. I'd rather purchase a second 30 incher and more memory.

 

[cbn]

I looked up the Quadro FX 3800 and 4800 series cards and noticed they have the GT200 192 core in them........which is good....but then look at the price of them?

Why not just have Dell Ship the Precision with the stock card and swap in a GTX 260 216 core for under $200 later on?

The 216 core of the GTX 260 is already better than the 192 core of those very expensive workstation cards while being a lot cheaper to boot.

P.S. Almost all GTX 260 cards have dual DVI outputs to run dual monitors so this shouldn't be a problem either.

 

[vj8usa]

Why are you getting a workstation? You're paying, way, way more than you should if you're getting this for routine stuff like word processing, web browsing, or gaming. Heck, even Dell's own description of their Precision line makes that clear:
"Dell Precision workstations are ... specifically designed for graphics-intensive professionals in engineering, product design, animation and digital imaging."

Unless you'll be doing something that needs workstation hardware, stick with something like a Vostro or Inspiron (assuming you want to get a Dell).

 

[bamacre]

Take it from me, get the cheapest card they offer, and replace it yourself with something like a GTS 250.