Matrox G550 Dual-DVI
One of the reviews that had the most postivie feedback and requests for more information
was the Matrox G450
review I did some time ago. To be quite honest we were surprised by the number
of our readers who thought that a video card that suited their work needs was
more important than a card that suited their gaming needs.
Matrox recently contacted us again with the release of their Millennium G550 Dual-DVI.
What is Dual-DVI and why should anyone consider it? The answers are quite illuminating.
|
Features |
The
Board |
- AGP
2X/4X
- 360 MHz
RAMDAC (primary display)
- 230
MHz RAMDAC (secondary display)
- 32MB
DDR memory
- Dual-RGB
and Dual-DVI output
- Up
to 1280x1024 with Dual-DVI output
- Up
to 1600x1200 with Dual-RGB output
|
|
First
Impressions
The very
first thing that struck me was just how small this video adapter is. I own network
cards that are larger! Matrox has gone very far in making their products small
while incorporating a very wide array of features. The next thing that struck
me as odd was that the core of the video card is cooled only with a heatsink that
is very reminiscent of the ones that came on Intel's 486 processors. One
feature that contributes to the G550's diminutive size is that it only uses two
memory chips which on the review board were made by Samsung. We are accustomed
to seeing four or more memory chips on video cards and obviously going with this
more expensive memory solution has allowed Matrox to have a more clean PCB.
Consipicuously
missing from the card are a TV out connector (you can order a special cable for
that connector) - or a normal 15 DSUB video connector! While the regular G550
easily accomodates dual analog monitors the G550 Dual DVI is specifically engineered
for the higher end market that requires output for dual digital display. What
is particularly nice about this arrangement is that Matrox sent my evaluation
unit with a cable that converted the single digital output to dual DSUB outputs
for use with analog monitors or LCDs. Also included in the box was the Dual-DVI
cable that splits the DVI output of the card for two displays. This gives the
G550 Dual-DVI the ability to support upgrades in display devices later on. Previously
you'd have to buy a card that was engineered for Dual-DVI output from the get
go. Good work Matrox!
