I am planning my next PC

Since I got PS3, PC gaming will not be the purpose of my new computer(well, occasionally a nice pc game does no harm). So, I would be very glad if I can watch AVCHD smoothly on the pc, and a fast software such as photoshop to deal with pictures or NLE to handle video would be great.

There are lots of options

Nvidia GeForce 8 series? but I don't really want DX 10 anyway...
GF 7 series then?

What about ATI? X1950 looks good and not expensive...
But new HD2900? is it better on HD output?

Nvidia Quadro FX series? FX1500 is affordable, but is it really much better on NLE? what about 2D application such as photoshop? and back to game, is it good to play a 3D game? (oh I am sorry I should not have asked this one... but just for curiosity)

Nvidia SLI/ATI Crossfire? Oh no that's for gaming...

Anyway I will focus on photography/video processing, as well as some sound/music software, and I can't resist nice pc game. (I think a graphic card which is good for NLE should be powerful in every aspects anyway...)

So which graphic card should I get?


Thanks!

[senu]

For NLE,
Im not sure of other applications but Avid Liquid ( Pinnacle Liquid 5/6) is one of the only ones which uses very powerful graphics cards (GPU) processing power for real time preview and background rendering ..
Otherwise Faster HDD, Processing power and more RAM seem to make more of a difference esp for HD

For PS ect I guess any decent spec will do unless you have a 5 graphics with 15 layers all open at the same time... the machine will struggle

Nothing wrong with loving your gaming.. I would rather not mix them though as some NLEs prefer not not share platform with a PC having many background processes..
In the past I used to have dual ( or even multi) boot systems. These days my gaming is much simpler ( no time) or Like you I just use a PS3 now and again

I know Ive been waffling.. but this post isnt "analysing" yours...is it??!

Have a look here
http://www.avforums.com/forums/graphics-cards-internal-video-devices/
You might find something helpful

[MarkE19]

I'm currently getting the specs together for my next PC. I'm just now waiting for the new Intel processors to be released (and the money to appear in the bank account ) before jumping in.

So far with all my research I've found the SapphireHD 2600Pro card and think this is plenty good enough for video and photo editing and at around £60 it wont break the bank.

Mark.