Multi Videocards on P965 in Vista (not SLI/Cross)

VooDooAddict

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Jun 4, 2004
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Getting ready to order my new Main Rig ... I was planning to run dual displays for more workspace. I realized I've actually got another LCD laying around and I am toying with the idea of 3 displays.

Anyone out there able to run Vista 64-bit on a system with two distinct video cards?

My thought was a Gigabyte DQ6.

8800GTS on the PCIe x16
7100GS on the PCIe x4

I looked through the notes on Nvidia's latest driver and don't seen any information on this.

(I hope it's obvious that the 2nd video card is not for gaming or SLI.)

Otherwise I'll probably just stick with the Gigabyte DS3 and a 8800GTS
 

Roguestar

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Aug 29, 2006
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No such system exists, to the best of my knowledge. To run more than one graphics card they need to be in either crossfire or SLI, or the motherboard will just run one instead of the other. Why not just use the 8800GTS to power two monitors?
 

lopri

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Jul 27, 2002
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It's actually the opposite, Roguestar. SLI/CF don't work under Vista so more than one graphics card can only serve the purpose of multi-monitors, which will perfectly suit OP's need. (You can even mix NV/AMD cards) Just make sure that currently you can't use 'Span' mode with NV cards and Vista.
 

VooDooAddict

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Jun 4, 2004
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Originally posted by: Roguestar
No such system exists, to the best of my knowledge. To run more than one graphics card they need to be in either crossfire or SLI, or the motherboard will just run one instead of the other. Why not just use the 8800GTS to power two monitors?

I'd like to use all 3 monitors.

I've got 3 DVI monitors sitting here ... I might as well use them.
1 - 27" 1280x720
2 - 17" 1280x1024
I've also got a 4th 19" CRT laying around but that would just be overkill ;)

I know it works under XP with a 7900GT and a 7100GS/7300




Originally posted by: lopri
It's actually the opposite, Roguestar. SLI/CF don't work under Vista so more than one graphics card can only serve the purpose of multi-monitors, which will perfectly suit OP's need. (You can even mix NV/AMD cards) Just make sure that currently you can't use 'Span' mode with NV cards and Vista.

This is what I expected "should" be supported. My main concern right now is the sorry state of Nvidia's drivers and wondering if anyone else had done something similar. Thanks for the tip on Span being unavailable.




....

And yes I know ... a 8800GTS 320MB will be overkill on my 1280x720 display. On the plus side I'll probably be able to run just about anything at very nice AA levels.