NVIDIA Quadro FX 3450

Advantages: Good all round OpenGL performer. Great software app support too.
Disadvantages: 512Mb of RAM shows when using heavy scenes with lots of textures

...I decided to join the Nvidia camp, and buy a 'professional' card, as opposed to a gaming focussed card. I work in the field of 3D using various 3D packages (Maya etc) and some 2D packages. OpenGL performance is key, and the need for ZERO time lag when doing delicate 3D manipulations of geometry is essential. I went for a brand new mid range card. meaning a good price (just over 300 pounds), yet with great performance. Check out this Nvidia comparison chart to see where the card sits in its product family http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO11761.html Having used it extensively for over a month now, this card is stable, reliable, and very easy to get up and running. The latest Linux driver is perfect in every way for my uses. Wireframe/shaded views are great, the tiniest bit of slowdown occurs in highres textured mode. Fully recommended.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: This GFX card brings out the best in games.
Disadvantages: I havn't really found any disadvantages yet, but I will let you know as soon as I do.

...This graphics card works great on games such as Morrowind and Half Life 2, the graphics become almost realistic. For example, the water in Morrowind looks very realistic with ripples and light shining from the surface, and when it rains you see this effect on the water as it would do in real life. This graphics card has OpenGL compatibility which most games require these days in order to play them. By having 128mb memory it won't take up all of your PC's memory thus giving your computer better performance. If you ever need to update the drivers or have any help NVIDIA has it all on their website for free. With NVIDIA graphics cards you are able to adjust the colour settings on your computer this improves the overall quality of graphics on your computer.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Dual Display, Great Driver Interface
Disadvantages: Drivers Out Of Box Dont Work, Adjustments have a small learning curve.

...The card itself works great once you fiddle with the settings, I learned early on that when the computer asks to be restarted its wise to do so. The drivers that come with the card create a lot of problems, and it is just easier to grab the latest drivers from nvidia's website. The settings must be done in a special order to avoid the machine wanting to reboot several times before getting decent resolution options. The card does manage to play most older titles such as "GTA3" and its opengl support is adaquate with a fast enough machine. Its a good card after it has been tweaked, but I would advise getting a geforce series if you want the dual monitor functionality.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful