Video card replacement advice --> Need S-video or component

[RedShark]

Summary:
I need to upgrade to new video card and would like 2xDVI + 1xS-Video with HDMI support for the future. What should I do?

Detail:
- I have a 7600GT. 2xDVI + 1xS-Video running 2x LCD monitors + 1x TV via S-video.
- I'd like to replace this card since it's developed some issues.
- I need the new card to support these connectors, optionally with adapters
- Funds are tight and I'm not buying a new TV with HDMI at this time
- It would be nice to get a card that supports HDMI for a future TV upgrade

- Motherboard is Asus P5B with 1xPCIEx16, and lots of PCI slots.
- Corsair 650HX PSU

Option 1:
- Geforce GTX 260 Core 216:
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434

Pros:
- Cost $170 for the card
- Supports all connectors needed
- Simple

Cons:
- Does not include HDMI out unless I sacrifice a DVI port.
- Yesterday's technology GTX 260
- Higher heat/power/temp

Option 2:
- Some newer card that doesn't include S-Video e.g. GTS 450 or something. I don't really need suggestions for specific cards right now--just lump all 2xDVI out + 1xHDMI out cards together.
- Example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130573
* ... or any other similar modern card with 2xDVI + 1xHDMI out.
* The example card is $130.
- Add a PCI card (not express!) with S-Video:
- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130188

Pros:
- Price is still around $200 or a bit less
- Get future proof card with future proof HDMI/HDCP for when I do buy an HDMI-compatible TV

Cons:
- I have no idea how well this approach would work. Two video cards with such discrepant characteristics? I don't want to spend a lot to make this old TV run

Option 3:
- Substitute "Component" with S-Video. My stereo could convert component to S-video so if there are any cards that would do component instead, that works. They all seem to do either both s-video + component, or neither, though.

Option 4:
- Modern card (2xDVI + 1xHDMI)
- Buy a converter for HDMI -> S-Video/Component. These are not cheap--I looked--though I'd be happy to hear more input. It's not a simple wire because of the digital/analog conversion.

I'm leaning toward option 1 but would like some feedback. Would option 2 make more sense?

Thanks

 

[Luxor]

Why don't you use 2 seperate cards... one PCI-E for most of your uses. And then a cheapy normal basic PCI (non PCI-e, just PCI) video card for $35 to run your S-Video needs?? That would also make your other pci-e video card not struggle as much with the all the other applications.

Check this one out by EVGA, its low profile (huge plus in your situation) and EVGA have one of the best warranty, quality and customer service when it comes to video cards.

They have the s-video PCI card for $34 with free shipping... put that in your normal PCI slot and then buy the best PCI-e video card you can for the remaining amount of money you have (I mean your total minus the $35 for the cheapy TV PCI card)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.h...tml-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

The most "bang for the buck" right now seems to be the GTX 460. Its around $180 on sale and it can run most any game on high settings in 1080p res. I recommend saving up an extra $50 if you only plan to spend $150.... the 460 is sweet.

 

[RedShark]

OK, thanks for your recommendation. I think given the price I'm going to go with the two-card solution. Since my current card still works, I'm going to order just the FX 5200, see how it works / get it configured and so forth, and then upgrade my main card.

I've been having a lot of issues with it and at this point I'm simply fed up. Given that Civ5 is out, and the 7600 GT does not even meet the minimum requirement (though it would probably work), I think I have to upgrade.

Thanks again.