Dual Monitor

[ruffilb]

I have two monitors, a samsung syncmaster997df, and a gateway FPD1730. I also have two 6800GT's in SLI mode. Is it not possible to run two monitors while using SLi? I only want one to basically be a desktop, while the other (the samsung) be my primary monitor, run all my games, etc.

Is this not possible? Running 76.45 nVidia drivers, my setup didn't like the newest ones (BSOD'd on non-safe-mode startup.)

Thanks,
Ruff_ilb

 

[SGtheArtist]

I have no experience with SLI however I would think that the Primary card that outputs the final image to the display could run dual displays & the drives would see it. Give it a try.

Just plug the additional monitor to the spare video port on the same card with the current video cable.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Unless nvidia fixed the issue, last time I read about dual monitors with SLI, it didn't work.

I think you had to disable SLI and then dual monitors would work... but that was a couple months ago probably, so it might not be an issue anymore.

 

[ruffilb]

Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
I have no experience with SLI however I would think that the Primary card that outputs the final image to the display could run dual displays & the drives would see it. Give it a try.

Just plug the additional monitor to the spare video port on the same card with the current video cable.

I did this.

 

[SGtheArtist]

Well then, there you have it 😀

Another option to consider would be to put a simple PCI video card in just for the second monitor. However, I dont know how that would effect the SLI setup.

I know that's not what you want to do though.

 

[ruffilb]

Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
Well then, there you have it 😀

Another option to consider would be to put a simple PCI video card in just for the second monitor. However, I dont know how that would effect the SLI setup.

I know that's not what you want to do though.

Yea, that would be Über-wierd, and probably a bitch to set up as well.

Well g'damn, too bad it doesn't work, thanks guys. 🙁

 

[SGtheArtist]

I wouldnt get too down about it I ran Quad 19" CRT monitors at one time. It's a cool concept but (usually) you have to disable the other monitors before you run games.

In addition you have to really be doing a LOT of multi-Tasking for it to payoff, otherwise your just burning 130 Watts per monitor (which really heats up the room quick!). It maybe worth looking into a widescreen display as it would give you a little more screen space compared to a 4:3 monitor.

Of course, your whole idea was that you had a spare monitor & figured you'd use it since you have all those display ports available.

So, I'll just shut up now 😛

 

[ruffilb]

Well, I always this girl IMing me that I really want to talk to, but I want to play games as well. I just got excited about the concept and thought I'd give it a try, now I'm pretty disappointed. But yea, I'm glad I didn't go out and buy another monitor 😉

 

[SGtheArtist]

When playing CS some people have AIM up and whenever someone IM them it takes the focus off of the games (whether they want to go to IM or not) and it usually interupts their game. Just what I've heard.

 

[ruffilb]

Well, considering that I'm either playing CS:S or Iming, it would be a nice option to have both. Especially if I'm doing something like grinding in WoW, which doesn't require skill, or waiting out a round after I've died, another monitor would be a huge boon. Not to mention that I can always turn it off if I want to concentrate

 

[Kaiser__Sose]

Originally posted by: SGtheArtist
When playing CS some people have AIM up and whenever someone IM them it takes the focus off of the games (whether they want to go to IM or not) and it usually interupts their game. Just what I've heard.

very true.. and you would have to leave the game to type the im then go back to the game after.

 

[ruffilb]

I already go back and forth via alt-tabbing, can't be too different.