2 Different PCI-E cards in one system?

[imipenem]

Is it possible to run 2 differnt video cards in one system? At work I use SolidEdge (3D modeling/drafting/design) and GibbsCam (CNC programming/manufacturing software). SolidEdge performs best when I use a Quadro based card but Gibbscam runs slow with my Quadro FX3450. In the past I've used a 7900GT with Gibbscam and had excellent results. I'm considering upgrading from my current AMD3700+ to a C2D based system with dual PEG. Could I install a 8800GTS for Gibbscam and keep my Quadro for SolidEdge? Disabling one and enabling the other depending on the software I'm using or is this a totally ridiculous/impossible idea?

Thanks

 

[jkresh]

You should be able to run both, though it would make things easier if you ran them on different displays (unless you want to reboot to switch which software). I suspect that both solidedge and GibbsCam will want to use the primary graphics card/display for work so you would have to switch which one was primary before switching apps but that would be easier then disabling/enabling and better for the cards then constantly plugging/unpluging the dvi/vga adapters... Though if you can find the budget you might simply be better off getting a new more powerful quadro and running both on it.

 

[imipenem]

I am running dual Dell 17" Ultrasharp monitors, so I can select my input. I could use the VGA connections on my monitors for 1 card and DVI connections for the other card. Then I wouldn't have to unplug cables all the time. I've never run a dual GPU system, so how do you swap between primary & secondary cards?

Thanks

 

[Nathelion]

why don't you just hook up one card to one monitor and the other card to the other monitor? then you switch which display is the primary one (in windows, it's super easy) and run your stuff.

 

[imipenem]

That is a good idea. But Solidedge and Gibbscam are like Photoshop and have numerous toolbars/edgebars that I move to my secondary monitor to maximize the workarea.

 

[tersome]

You can probably get away with using two KVM switches. DVI KVM switches are pricey, however.