Dual monitors - onboard or dedicated?

[bystander]

I'm currently using a 7800GT OC which has dual DVI ports on a mobo (GA-MA78LM-S2) that has DVI/VGA ports with the ATI Radeon 3000 chipset. If all I'm concerned about is the ability to use dual monitors (2xDell E207WFP, 1680x1050), would I see any difference using either option? I'd like to take out the 7800GT OC because I feel like it's introducing unnecessary noise to my system due to the fan. Would using DVI on one monitor, VGA on another result in a noticeable unevenness? Also I'm not too happy with NVIDIA's control panel and would like to check out Catalyst - is that what my IGP would be using should I decide to go that route? If I should be going down a totally different path, please let me know as well. Your thoughts on this issue is greatly appreciated.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention that there's little to no gaming involved - mostly surfing/e-mails/watching videos.

Thanks!

 

[PCTC2]

That IGP only supports 1 monitor by itself, if my memory recalls correctly. You'll need to keep a discreet IGP, but if you want to keep it quiet and don't need performance, think about picking up a passive low-powered graphics card such as the XFX HD 5450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-469-_-Product
and then this HDMI to DVI adapter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-054-_-Product

 

[dawza]

1. As far as whether you would see any differences with VGA vs. DVI at that resolution, it really depends. My general rule is that if you are running them side by side, you will be able to tell even at 1280x1024, but if you are using them independently, you might be able to initially notice a bit of fuzziness with VGA, but will probably get used to it. Whether or not it will be acceptable to you depends on how picky you are about these things, so there really is no way to tell without trying it.

2. I run dual monitors off of a 690G/X1250 and it is no problem at all for 2D stuff. You should be ok performance-wise. One monitor is used for general desktop stuff (1680x1050) and the other is our HDTV (1366x768 or whatever that weird resolution is). We watch all kinds of video on both with no issues. The monitor runs off of DVI, and the TV from VGA. Edit: If the chipset only supports a single display, disregard this.

3. What is it about the NV control panel that you do not like? I am just curious because you mention no gaming, so what exactly do you need the control panel for? If it is dual monitor control you are looking for, I highly recommend Ultramon or Display Fusion. I have tried both and find Display Fusion to be more polished and cheaper to boot.

4. If you end up going onboard, and are not happy with the VGA performance, you could always get a cheap PCIe x16 fanless card with a digital out for the second monitor. I would get an ATI one just for maximum compatibility (single driver), although from what I have read, Windows 7 is OK with mixing ATI and NV cards.

 

[bystander]

That IGP only supports 1 monitor by itself, if my memory recalls correctly. You'll need to keep a discreet IGP, but if you want to keep it quiet and don't need performance, think about picking up a passive low-powered graphics card such as the XFX HD 5450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-469-_-Product
and then this HDMI to DVI adapter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-054-_-Product

So, in getting the 5450, are you recommending using both the IGP DVI and the 5450's DVI? Or can the 5450 drive both ports at the same time? What's the HDMI to DVI adapter for? Did you mean to link to that one, or a different one? What advantage/s would I get using this setup over what I have now (aside from the card being fanless, of course)?

 

[bystander]

@dawza -
1. That's what my concern is since I'm using the screens side by side.
2. Would have to try hooking both screens up to the onboard ports to confirm if it would even work that way.
3. I came from an older NVIDIA dual setup, and I can't remember off the top of my head, but their previous app allowed you to have more control over where your apps display, taskbar placement, etc. much like UltraMon & DisplayFusion (only you didn't have to pay for it).
4. Looks like that's where I'm heading - got any inexpensive suggestions?

 

[dawza]

How's this for an alternate solution- would you be OK with keeping the 7800GT and spending $20-25 for a fanless cooling solution? The Accelero S1 V2 can be found for $25 shipped when it goes on sale, and will work with a 7800GT. I have one in my low-airflow case and it keeps my 9600GT very cool even under 3D load. For 2D, it should be cake on a 7800GT. That is assuming you have a case that can accomodate the width of the Accelero.

I imagine PCTC2's solution will also work- that is, another fanless add-on card for one DVI output, and the other DVI driven by onboard. I'm not sure how the ATI drivers work (i.e. if they have a unified driver for different GPU series), so that is something to keep in mind when picking a card. I have done multiple GPUs as well as onboard + dedicated (nvidia both times) without any issues.

Regarding the CCC vs. NV control panel for dual monitor control- I have no experience here, unfortunately. I have always used a 3rd party multi-monitor app. Display Fusion had a New Year's sale where licenses were something like 50% off, with even greater discounts for multiple purchases. I picked up 5 for something like $7.50 each. Maybe they'll run a similar deal on some other major holiday this year.