Graphics Cards?

[lomereed]

I'm working on building a new computer and I'm probably going to buy the knew MSI k8N Diamond motherboard and I am completely disgusted with the current prices of ATI and Nvidia graphic cards. I was wondering if there were any other options. Are there other manufacturers that produce quality graphic cards. Do any of them support the Dual PCI capabilities. If so, what are the differences in them and the ATI and Nvidia cards, and why the hell are those two companies hogging the markets?Yeah, I don't need personal philosophies like the first answer. I need facts please.

[Stravos]

I've had very good experience with Nvidia - spend the extra money to get the newest and best nvidia graphics card - and keep it for a long time, instead of getting crap.

[sandw686]

If by dual PCI you mean SLI and Crossfire then no. Both companies have a huge range of prices to choose from...$40 to over $1000. Intel and AMD hog the markets too... why because they are the best and most compatible.Any graphic card like a processor will be HUGELY overpriced when first released then decrease fairly rapidly as time goes on. You need to find the price point that you want with the best performance that you are willing to pay for.If ya don't want to pay for a graphics card, then a Biostar 6100T motherboard with integrated graphics is only $65.If you go here and pick "chipset manufacturer" you will see that there are a small handful with price ranges the same as ATI or Nvidia.http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=48

[gearspec™]

There are SIS and Intel Extreme Graphics,Matrox. None of these are good (except matrox,its good for making games but not playing em). You definetly Need ATI or Nvidia. The only reason they are hogging the market is because they are providing good performance and the competition is giving a decrease in price. Once only Vodoo Ruled.Try ATI X1900.hell, get two of these or two of Nvidia 7800GTX and Run 3D MARK 2006 Advanced Edition. You will be shaken to your CORE by graphics.If you don like em, then dont buy the original Nvidia or ATi Card. Try Other brands like MSI , Xforce etc. They put some technology of their own to the actual Nvidia or Ati chipset that make em work even better than the Original Manufacturer's one.