Is it worth buying HD3870X2 for non Gaming use?

[James247]

Hi Guys

Any help would be appreciated I need to replace X800 card. Is it worth buying HD3870X2 for non gaming and non CAD use? or is it just a lot of heat and a waste of money?

i.e. Are there benefits to buying the HD3870 X2 for a 3 screen setup (3*1800*1440) but not for games or 3D just a lot day to day use including video/films?

Also I was wondering if these HD3870X2 run hot? the X800 kicks out a fair amount of heat

I only have 1 PCI-E slot so I'm running a Ati 9250 PCI for the third monitor is there a better card for this too?

Thanks

James

[Flewis]

That would be totally unnecessary, for purely desktop use the most basic of graphics cards would be fine, such as the HD3450. Its a media card and will accelerate video playback. You dont need a gaming card to run multiple screens, the desktop provides minimal strain on a graphics card. Im not sure about how to run 3 monitors off of a single gpu tho.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Funnily enough there is an HD3870X2 which does have 4 DVI outputs on it!!

However for non-gaming and non-CAD use it is OTT!

Matrox do make this which enables three monitors to be run off one card:

Matrox Graphics - GXM - Products - TripleHead2Go Digital Edition

However it is very expensive and will cost around £125!!

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

Sapphire HD 3450 256MB DDR2 VGA DVI TV Out PCI-E Graphics Card - Ebuyer

I would personally get a HD3650 or HD3450 as this should be more than enough for light use. The HD3650 and HD3450 also run reasonably cool and use very little power when compared to the higher end cards!

Sapphire HD 3650 512MB DDR2 Dual DVI TV Out PCI-E Graphics Card - Ebuyer

[mediaboy]

I've OCED my HD3650 DDR3 512mb to the max (highest setting) in my system set up (AX78, 2x180mm, 1x80mm, NorthQ UFO HSF and Xclio Coolbox) and it's still running at >40 degrees.

[James247]

Thanks for all the feedback and links. - Looks like I don't need 3870X2
The Matrox Triplehead looked interesting but the max resolution isn't high enough

The 3650 running at <40 degrees sounds great

I've looked up the 3450, 3650 & also found the 3850. Would the 3850 run cooler than the 3650 do you think? (one review site said newer smaller chip size?)

On the Scan site there are quite a few cards variations even within the same card

This one is described as running even cooler and quieter
w ww.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=789610

Is this a good choice? Is there much variation between the cards?

[dfour]

I own one and there would be no point at all.

[pontyjon]

to answer your question, no, not worth it at all, the X2 is a gaming card.