Which is better, G400MAX or G450?

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

I've noticed the G400 series are no longer considered supported
(production) on the matrox website. Only the G450 series and higher, or the
quad series cards. I'm guessing the drivers won't get any updates.

However some people claim the G400MAX card is better than the G450. Which
seems to make sense.. although most of these people notice the performance
in games.

Would I be better off getting a G450 if I don't game? Or the G400 MAX?

Also, which provides better dvd/video playback performance?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Rick]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.videocards.matrox (More info?)

"intx" <intx@REMOVETHISdespammed.com> wrote in message news:Xns94FFC99E304723948230948325@66.185.95.104...
> I've noticed the G400 series are no longer considered supported
> (production) on the matrox website. Only the G450 series and higher, or the
> quad series cards. I'm guessing the drivers won't get any updates.
>
> However some people claim the G400MAX card is better than the G450. Which
> seems to make sense.. although most of these people notice the performance
> in games.
>
> Would I be better off getting a G450 if I don't game? Or the G400 MAX?
>
> Also, which provides better dvd/video playback performance?

The G400 Max has better image quality and dvd playback
quality (because of its external TVO encoder), along with a
wider memory bus (128 bit vs. 64 bit for the G450). The
only case where the G450 is preferable is if you want to run
a secondary monitor at resolutions over 1280x1024 or at
high refresh rates. See:
http://www.matrox.com/mga/archive_story/dec2000/work_g450vsg400.cfm

G400 driver support isn't an issue with OS's up to and
including Win2003. Longhorn support might be an issue, but
for what these cards cost nowadays it's not as though you're
making a huge investment.

Rick