Can anyone recommend a video card for 3D modeling?

[tuando]

Greetings,

Does anyone use one of the following video card Permedia 3 create ($229),
OXYGEN VX1 ($190), Matrox G400 dualhead ($165), Diamond Viper 770 ULTRA
($180) and 3D Blaster RIVA TNT2 ULTRA ($160)? Which one is the most
suitable for 3D modeling and has the best price/performance card for a low
to mid graphics card. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Jean

[Bleeding Edge]

Out of the ones you mentioned, you left out (perhaps) the best choice. Elsa's Synergy II which is an TNT2 based card with their highly optimized CAD and modeling drivers are hard to beat. They are specialized for all the main 3D modeling apllications, PhotoShop and CAD programs. The drivers alone are worth it.

http://www.elsa.com/AMERICA/WELCOME.HTM

[tuando]

I previously owned a Gloria Synergy and have experienced some problem with it (for instance after erasing entities their image is still present on the screen, I have to do a regen to refresh the screen to make the entities disappear). Also their software included to use specialy with AutoCad program caused more problem that the plain HEIDI driver from Autodesk (I forgot what problem it does cause, since I refuse to use it 6 month ago)
Thanks for your recommendation anyway.

[Bleeding Edge]

The original Synergy was based on the not-so-capable Permedia2 from 3DLabs. At the time, it was the only viable low cost 3D alternative available to graphic manufacturers, such as Elsa. They used this chip as an offering, to provide an affordable solution to highend graphics. The card itself, was one of the first (if not the first) venture by Elsa into main stream graphic products.

It really can't be compared to the Synergy II.

I have installed this card on an NT machine running Autodesk products such as AutoCad, 3D Studio/Viz, Photoshop and other design applications. The Heidi drivers don't compare with the optimized Elsa drivers.

As you know, Elsa has been in the highend graphics market since the very beginning. Their drivers are renowned throughout the industry, as well as their highend products.

I'm am sorry to hear of your previous experiences. It saddens me (although it doesn't matter one way or another) that you have eliminated the Synergy II from your considerations...

Good luck on your purchase.

[tuando]

Thanks for your information and insight thoughts. I probably will give it a try and see if it is any better than my first experience with Elsa. I still have the option to return the product if I don't like it.

[Bleeding Edge]

Yes, yes. By all means.

Good to hear it!

[dawgtuff]

Bleeding Edge-I've looked at your posts since I've been on this BBS,and your good!I mean "really" good!Thanks for all your knowledge...DawgTuff.
PS.For all you junior members,when B.E.makes a post,listen up!