Can an Nvidia SLI board drive 2 monitors instead of 1?

[GustySoul]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of investing in a 2-monitor solution, but am sort of new to multi-monitors. Anyone out there with some thoughts for on the following points?

If I have to 2 high-res monitors, (1680x1050 or 1920x1200), can they both be driven by a single video card with 2 DVI outputs? I wasn't sure since the combined resolution is much higher than the "max" resolution of the video card.

Also, can an Nvidia SLI boards have 2 separate PCI-E cards drive 2 separate monitors, instead of using both to drive 1 monitor?

Finally, anyone have any personal preference regarding 2 1680x1050 panels or 1 1920x1200 panel - thinking of taking advantage of the current Dell LCD deal.

All input appreciated

Thanks!

 

[sniperruff]

i think if there are 2 DVI's then both will work, no?

 

[AmdInside]

Most graphic cards today are dual monitors. Simply look for one that has two DVI connectors on it such as the Geforce 6 or Geforce 7 family. While you could run two PCI-E graphics cards on an nForce4 SLI board (SLI Disabled), the only advantage it would give you in dual monitors mode would be to give you the ability to calibrate two different monitors using a monitor hardware calibrator such as the Gretag Macbeth Eye-One Display. This is important to graphic design, photographers, etc. who require exact color reproduction.

 

[GustySoul]

Thanks sniperruff & AmdInside

That helps alot! - I wasn't sure if the total monitor resolution has to be less than the max or not.

Looks like I'll just have to look for a nice 2-DVI video card if I go the dual-monitor route.