Multiple cards in Vista

[ItsAlive]

Hey, this is the first time I've messed with using more than one video card, and unfortunately it has to be in vista x86. I was just wondering if anyone could help me with the setup? I have a couple questions.

1. Im installing 2x 6870s and 1x 5770, would I need to install all the cards and then run the drivers? Does it matter?

2. Im not going to be running crossfire at all so hopefully that makes things a little simpler, but can I output to 2 different monitors on each card at different resolutions for each monitor?

3. Any tips on how to streamline the setup so that I dont run into any terrible hangups?

Thanks in advance to all you wonderful techies!

 

[footballrunner800]

I think everything should be fine as long as its from the same manufacturer. Vista only lets you run one video driver. Install all 3 cards and run the latest catalyst and you should be fine.

Why not run 3 monitors on each of the 6870's? Get a displayport to VGA adapter for the third monitor and that way you free up one space on your mobo.

 

[ItsAlive]

well Im going to be bitcoin mining with this rig so I wanted to run all the cards in it if possible. Im waiting on some resistors to come so I can make some dummy plugs for the cards, but they wont be here till next week.

EDIT: I'll try installing the cards first then run the driver like you suggested. Thanks!

EDIT2: Well I installed all 3 cards and installed the drivers, but it said the driver couldnt be installed on one the cards cause it was incompatible. It was one of the 6870s that wouldnt install. Got any ideas where to go from here?

 

[nenforcer]

EDIT2: Well I installed all 3 cards and installed the drivers, but it said the driver couldnt be installed on one the cards cause it was incompatible. It was one of the 6870s that wouldnt install. Got any ideas where to go from here?

Try taking out the 5770 and use just the 2 6870's and see if it recognizes both and then try enabling Crossfire.

Then add the 5770 last.

I'm running 2 X 9800 GT in SLI and then I added a third GT 240 for PhysX in Vista x64.

You should have any trouble with the ATI cards and the bitcoin software can detect the 3 cards separately.

 

[betasub]

Im not going to be running crossfire at all so hopefully that makes things a little simpler

Yes, that's simpler & you can troubleshoot using any two cards - the source of problems with recognising one card in a three card set-up could be an issue with an individual card, or with the PCIe slot.