Matrox video cards - really that good?

[monsterr]

It seems like many around here like Matrox video cards, despite the fact that they are really expensive. Do they have better desktop picture quality nowadays? I havent had a Matrox card since the G400 - and when I upgraded to a GeForce 2 MX400 I cant say I noticed any difference in 2d quality at all.

[flautista]

I use matrox 450 dual head, no problem at all quite perfect

[rune_sm]

Hey...

As I see it there is really no difference..... I have the Connect 3D Radeon 9200 card, and it's really perfect (running 2 monitors).
I think that Matrox-addiction is a thing from the older days. But thats just my opinion. There are one of the only video-card manufactureres (in Denmark anyway) that makes dedicated dual-video cards. But theres really no differences if you get an adapter for the video-cards with a digital out instead of a second screen-output.

The connect 3D Radeon 9200 card is a dualhead too, and it's third the price of a Matrox... try it!!!

but thats just my opinion
- greetings - Rune

[da BaSsTaRd!]

i had a matrox g-450 and i hated it. not enough memory, sluggish scrolling, forget about games... the parhelia should be better now, but look at the price! jeeeeezzzz...

stick to ati...

[gerax]

The quality of Matrox cards is a proven thing.

The fact that you need or don't need the features of some of Matrox products' is another thing: currently Matrox is the only manufacturer I know that has a triple head video card (Parhelia or P750) that allows for dual head + TV out, and in my case (working for video post and music) that feature was a true godsend. I'm running a P750 on my system and previously I had a G450: both worked flawlessy from day one without any issues. The image quality and the feature flexibility are great.
I don't mean that Matrox is the only or the best manufacturer, if you need a simple dual head video card an ATI or other will work fine, and if the price is lower, better.
I'm comfortable with what I bought, their products are high quality and the tech service has been very helpful in trying to work out the issue with Pro Tools about TV out.

Hope this helps

L.G.

[lemix]

Matrox...Smatrox
Been there, done that...
If you don't need three head, the cheaper Nvidea will do great for PT. I'm using an OEM 9200 w/128 mB of Vram. It drives all kinds of monitors just fine.

...I hear music...
cheers,

[Bastiaan]

I have a matrox g450 dualhead. No problems. Ever.

[lemix]

Yes, Bastiaan

So do I. They are solid. What I was referring to is, if one needs to spend more $$$ for a Matrox just to use it in PT, why ?

[Remon]

Matrox's main competitive advantage is multi-monitor applications. Video NLE, audio post and financial services industries are their main market. These applications don't require super powerful graphics processors and loads of video memory but they do need multi-monitor. As a result you'll find Matrox cards aren't quite up their on the cutting edge as far as specs and performance but they are stable and do what they do well. A reason to consider other cards would be if you're doing 3D animation, otherwise Matrox is a reliable bet.

[Bastiaan]

Lemix,
i am sorry if you thought i was disagreeing with you. I am not. I am just pointing out that my Matrox is performing great. But i bet there are less expensive choices out there that perform great aswell.