Graphics Please help me find the best setup

I need to upgrade my dad's computers, he uses one for heavy photoshop work and printing (he's a photographer), and one for reading, and general internet use.. He has a 24" Acer LCD connected to the internet one, and a 22" LaCie CRT connected to the imaging one.

He has both monitors on one desk, and a keyboard, mouse and speakers for both computers..

He wants to be able to use both monitors at once for both computers, and to simplify the keyboard/mouse/audio setups.

Both PCs have a PCI-E slot available.

I need help with the following:

• A sub $50 graphics card with one DVI and one VGA output for each PC, fanless would be better.
• A KVM switch, preferably with a hardware button, hopefully under $100

ASUS makes an 8400GS that's fanless with 512mb DDR2 for $22 at newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235), but I'm not sure if the image quality would be as good as the newer cards, the LaCie was a pro level monitor when it came out, still has amazing image quality (he's got the Electron 22 Blue IV), so maybe certain graphics cards are better in this respect?

I want to get a dual monitor setup for both computers using a KVM switch, but it doesn't seem like KVM switches work too well with dual monitors, does anyone have experience here?

 

be easier just to run one rig, dual screen

 

+1 to that

I think your over complicating things. By the fact that the imaging PC has a PCI-E slot, then its not ancient and should be able to connect to the net itself. In which case, just drag the internet browser over to the desired monitor and use it there.

Then sell/re-use the other PC elsewhere.

 

The thing is, he's a bit paranoid about not connecting the imaging PC to the internet... He doesn't want any possibility of getting a virus, spyware, or anything. He literally only has Photoshop CS4 and the printer stuff on that computer, and he's happy that way.

 

ah I see.. I can't really recommend a kvm switch- but these are what the wow hot boxers use http://www.vetra.com/Products.html .. you could always show him how to ghost his machine and get a external backup

 

depending on what kind of keyboard/mouse he has (usb/ps2) and the resolution of the screens, newegg seem to have quite a few KVM's within your budget

i only had a quick look though as im on the other side of the 'pond'!

(and i know what you mean about the whole paranoia about being connected to the net, ah well, if it aint broke, why fix it?!)

 

What about running a virtual machine on the one PC for Internet usage? VMWare or Virtual PC would suffice - then you could deny access to the Internet from the host (imaging PC) but allow access to the guest (Virtual Machine).

 

That still wouldn't cut it, he believes that the only thing that will keep his many terabytes of photos safe is to keep the computer completely isolated.

Instead of trying to change his mind, is there a way to get both PCs to share the same dual monitor setup?... One is DVI, the other VGA. We have USB keyboards/mice on both PCs.

 

did you look into vetra.. they have pretty much everything you'd need- bit expensive but if he wants it they can even make it custom.. those wow multi boxers use that stuff

here's the video switchers (non-relay type) http://www.vetra.com/Videoswitches.html

http://www.vetra.com/802VV2text.html

tell him if he really wants that he has to hang upside down and have them shake the money and dust out his pockets

 

How about this:

Which of these cheap graphics cards are better for my needs?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125251
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235

 

Simplify

All your dad really needs is a two port KVM switch without using the video port. They use to make just keyboard and mouse switches but they were too expensive and basic KVM switches do not need to connect the video port. Plus, it will always be there if he want to switch video.

You can teach him how to use the keyboard hot-keys to switch (keyboard and mouse) from one computer to the other, use the push button or use the "My KVM" software solution from Global Serv so he can send switch commands from the computer desktop.

http://www.globalserv.com/My-KVM2.shtml

Tron-KVM

 

Could you recommend me a specific model?

 

for the cards silent 512 8400gs for 2 dollars more.. not sure what trons getting at.. but what if you networked the rigs together and used remote desktop to access the other computer?