Nvidia GT 640 - four independent outputs?

[Johnmcl7]

I'm looking for the cheapest single PCI-E card that can output four independent displays on Windows XP which looks to be a GT 640 if the specifications are correct - has anyone tried it with one of these cards? I've had a hunt around and haven't found anyone running such a setup although as it's a relatively new card that's no surprise, the AT review card only had three outputs so they couldn't test that either. It's to replace a Geforce 210 based card which claimed to offer quad output but unsurprisingly given the core, it is effectively two displays stretched over the four outputs.

Any advice appreciated,
John

 

[Keysplayr]

I think the reference GT640 has:
Dual Link DVI-I, Dual Link DVI-D, Mini HDMIStandard Display Connectors
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt640/specifications

I think a GK106 (GTX660 only) and GK104 GPU (GTX660Ti, 670, 680 or 690) would be needed for four monitor outputs. For example:
One Dual Link DVI-I, One Dual Link DVI-D, One HDMI, One DisplayPort

Unless you can find a board partner that modifies the reference design to accomodate more than the standard 3 monitors. But it seems (from what I'm reading) that only GK106 (GTX660) and GK104 has 4 outputs.

 

[Johnmcl7]

The Asus GT 640 has VGA, two DVI and one hdmi:

http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/NVIDIA_Series/GT6402GD3/

As you mention, that's one more than the reference design and the AT review states the GT 640 can drive three displays independently but doesn't say if it could potentially drive more. Asus state the card can drive the four displays independently but would like to verify that.

John

 

[ShintaiDK]

I would also only guess on GK104 and GK106 being able to handle 4. But I aint sure.

 

[ZimZum]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161387

Comes with 2 free games, if nothing else you can sell them on Ebay.

You also might be able to get a better deal on something used. Any AMD card from 5xxx series on up can drive up to six displays per card assuming it has the requisite number of outputs. For NVIDIA so far only the 6xx series can drive 3+ monitors from a single card. Each monitor also has to run the same resolution for Nvidia Surround.

 

[Keysplayr]

I'd have to say go with ZimZum's suggestion. That Asus GT640 you linked to shows a D-Sub connection and that's pretty outdated by todays standards.

 

[Johnmcl7]

D-sub is better for mea s the monitors have that connection and they don't have a displayport connection plus I'm not in the US so can't order from Newegg and I can't find AMD cards in the same price range here as the Nvidia 640's with quad outputs. It isn't a personal purchase so the games are of no value and it has to be brand new, I don't want use Nvidia surround as each of the monitors must be independent (rather than one stretched screen which is what's running at the moment). If I'm understanding Nvidia Surround correctly it stretches effectively one output across three screens.

John

 

[ZimZum]

D-sub is better for mea s the monitors have that connection and they don't have a displayport connection plus I'm not in the US so can't order from Newegg and I can't find AMD cards in the same price range here as the Nvidia 640's with quad outputs. It isn't a personal purchase so the games are of no value and it has to be brand new, I don't want use Nvidia surround as each of the monitors must be independent (rather than one stretched screen which is what's running at the moment). If I'm understanding Nvidia Surround correctly it stretches effectively one output across three screens.

Nvidia's Surround is capable of doing what you want. They dont have to stretch the desktop. Do youre monitors have DVI connections? If so I'd go with the card below if its available in your area. Its always better to use the digital connection if at all possible.

http://www.sparkle.com.tw/en/products_detail.asp?ID=58

 

[tweakboy]

More like 2 or 3.

gl

 

[Johnmcl7]

I'm pretty sure Nvidia Surround is not what I want, according to Nvidia it produces one very wide signal to stretch across multiple displays (similar to what the current card does) whereas I need multiple independent outputs. The specs for the cards also mention that Nvidia Surround is limited to just three displays.

The monitors have both VGA and DVI so either is fine, VGA/DVI are preferable over HDMI/DP as it means no adapters/converters are required and the VGA qualiy is fine these days for the purpose. My main concern is whether the core can produce a fourth independent signal or not when as mentioned above, the reference card only has three outputs onboard.

John

 

[ViRGE]

My main concern is whether the core can produce a fourth independent signal or not when as mentioned above, the reference card only has three outputs onboard.

All Kepler GPUs can drive 4 displays; NVIDIA is building 4 display controllers into everything. The only reason you don't see many desktop GK107 cards with 4 outputs is that it drives up the cost on what's a very cost-sensitive product. But if you can find a GT 640 with 4 outputs then you will definitely get 4 independent displays.

 

[Johnmcl7]

Thanks, that was the confirmation I was looking for.

John

 

[ther00kie16]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121643
Newegg users confirm 4 display output. And I believe it was said before Kepler came out that they all would be able to drive 4. AMD can drive 4 as well but requires Displayport or one of those Sapphire flex cards.

Cheapest option would actually be a used workstation card.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compar...nits#FireMV.2FFirePro_.28Multi-View.29_series shows that FireMV 2400 and FirePro 2450 are capable of 4xDVI with max resolutions of 1600x1200 digital or 1920x1200 analog:
http://www.amd.com/us/products/workstation/graphics/ati-firemv-2d/2400-pci/Pages/2400-pci-specs.aspx
Cheapest one is $48 on ebay with the adapters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATI-Fire-MV...eo_Capture_TV_Tuner_Cards&hash=item337d462096