VGA And Digital Output Questions

[Robert11]

Hi,

Just got a new HP Pavillion desktop.
Has the integrated graphics.
Probably should have read the specs a bit more carefully, but didn't give much thought to the graphics, as the PC will be used mainly for internet surfing, text documents, and some Excel.

Some, but a minimal use for viewing photos and very light and rare gaming. Really a small amount.

Anyway, I was surprised to see that the PC didn't come with a dvd digital spigot.

Am thinking of perhaps adding a low cost graphics card that would provide a digital output.

a. PC is now connected via VGA to a new LG Monitor.
Frankly, the picture, to my old eyes, looks absolutely beautiful. Sharp, great colors, etc. Really nice. Sure do like LG monitors compared to others I've seen.

Hard to believe it would be "much" better with a digital hookup, but...?

Realize this is subjective, and I don't know how anyone could even express an answer to this, but would a digital hookup likely provide a "meaningful" improvement in picture "quality" ?

If it would really be much better, I would consider doing it.
Worth doing in your opinions ??

b. If so, what would be a good and reliable low cost basic card with a digital output (Brand and Model ?)

c. The inside of my new HP is a mess. Most non-professional wiring hookup I think I've ever seen. But it all works, and not too thrilled about messing with moving wires around, etc. How hard is it to install a card ? Do they go in what I guess is called a PCI slot ? True ?

Does the main board connector that the card would go into provide all the power and other connections, or do I have to find a loose dangling wire inside the case that has a spare connector on it for the power to the card ?

Any "gotchas" or things to look out for in doing ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[IggyAZ]

From one ole fart to another . LOL
You wouldn't see much of a difference to your eyes.
Now if you plan on buying a new 23" HD widescreen LCD monitor for video and photo editing I would say go get a digitial video card. I f you don't plan on any upgrades int he near future I'd hold off spending the money.

I do some HD video editing and photography so I wanted a little more brightness and clarity. 1920x1080
I upgraded to a 23" widescreen HD monitor which was digital input.
Luckily my old video card had both VGA and digital outputs.

This is what I have
ASUS NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT
Samsung SyncMaster 23.1" Model 2333

 

[Robert11]

From OP:

Hi,

Thanks for info.

Will probably just stay with the VGA, unless I get ambitious and want to play around with something new.

I'm still fairly good with the differential equations, but getting all of the new HP PC
up, running, and configured is a real challenge.

Regards,
Bob