pci or pcie x1 card

[John Smith]

I just bought a new computer with only one pci express slot and I want to
use 3 monitors. I thought the motherboard had an onboard video card but I
was mistaken (bare bones through mail). So I'm stuck with only using two
until I get another video card. I have Vista 32 and 64 bit OS (dual boot).

My question..... I don't play games so can I buy a relatively low priced
(won't say cheap) PCI video card that will work fine for my 3rd monitor? And
it won't slow down my computer?

Or, I'm thinking of this as well, could someone recommend a low priced pci
express x1 video card? I'm looking at a 'HP-COMPAQ - NV GF 8400GS 256MB
DH-PCIE X1 VIDADPT SBY' that seems to be OK from what I've read.

Thanks a lot for any feedback.

 

[the wharf rat]

My question..... I don't play games so can I buy a relatively low priced
(won't say cheap) PCI video card that will work fine for my 3rd monitor? And
it won't slow down my computer?

If all you need is a desktop any (well, almost any, a riva 128
is probably too old PCI card will do. What I like to do for those
situations is pick up pulled obsolete high end cad workstation cards
like Quadros or Matrox's and stick them in. They usually give better
2d and sharper images for a desktop but can't do games at all.

In fact, you still can't beat a plain old matrox g200 for text.
They run about 5 bucks each, too.

 

[John Smith]

rat, thanks for the reply. I went ahead and ordered the pcie x1 video card.
I probably should have waited and taken your advice and got a pci card,
though. As long as I get a decent picture and it doesn't slow the computer
down, I'm happy.