2 video cards for 3 monitors

[Hammerman]

Running a Gigabyte ga-p35-ds4 which has the 2 PCIexpress x16 slots, one running at x16 and the other at x4. In the x16 slot, I have a dual dvi out for my 2 monitors and want to add another video card with hdmi into the x4 slot to run a 3rd, larger monitor so that I have 3 total monitors... Any idea on what I can stick into this PCIe x16 @x4 slot that will give optimal performance on hdmi?
Thanks...

 

[jackstar7]

What resolution for the additional monitor? And depending on what you're doing, it might make more sense to power the larger display from the main card and the two smaller from the extra card.

 

[aigomorla]

depends on how much 3d your going to do on the side monitors...

if your going to do a lot, and i mean like gaming on sides.. then you will need a beefy card.

If its just for spread sheets and youtube type flash video's you could even get away with a USB video card, however they arent recomended for watching movies.

 

[Hammerman]

The center is a 25" HP, not sure of the resolution but I was thinking of running the #2 card with HDMI to it and using the primary card with the dual dvi to power the 2 19" dell monitors on each side of it... I just browse the net mainly, some video/movies. I really play no games at all on them (playstation for that) and would like all 3 to be like one giant work area with tons of windows open....

 

[jackstar7]

What card are you currently using?

It sounds like based on what you're saying that almost any modern card would work for you. Something certainly in the lower-mid range. 6770 would probably be as high as I'd go, for a 450 from team green.

 

[Hammerman]

It is a simple MSI R4670 2D1G/D3 It has dual DVI outs on it...

 

[jackstar7]

Short answer then is another of the same, but I'd just encourage you to pick up a newer generation card as they're typically more feature-rich under the same power and thermal envelopes.

And I still think swapping the cards to have the new monitor (presumably center and dominant) run through your full-bandwidth PCIe slot with the new card would be worth the small trouble.

Anywho, not sure what your budget is, but here's the modern equivalent:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...XFX-_-14150542

If there are other details you can share that will make it easier to find a good fit.

 

[Hammerman]

Thanks for the info.....I appreciate it. Here is the card I was thinking of getting just because it also has cross-fire support of which I am not sure I need...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127436

What other details would help find the perfect fit? And yes, the new, large monitor will be center and dominant and it sounds like putting the new card into the full bandwidth slot would be wise...

 

[Throckmorton]

You might as well just buy a low end ATI card and put all the monitors on it.

 

[Hammerman]

Low end with 3 outputs? (2 dvi & 1 hdmi)

 

[betasub]

Low end with 3 outputs? (2 dvi & 1 hdmi)

You're unlikely to find those three exact outputs on a low-end card, because most of the low-end stuff puts a VGA output in place of a second digital output. Furthermore, you'd need a DisplayPort adaptor (assuming none of your displays have native DP) to turn an ATI card's third output from DP -> DVI or HDMI.

 

[Hammerman]

Yeah, that is what I have found.....it will have to be 2 cards...

 

[jackstar7]

Well, you'll never need Crossfire with that card, but it will certainly get the job done pretty cheaply and it should work fine with whatever drivers you're currently using.

I'd say go for it just as you planned if that's the card you pick.