Second graphics card

[RobbieMc]

I currently have two monitors plugged into an 8800gtx, and would like to add a third monitor, so I'm looking to get a second graphics card. My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS4 (Intel P965), which as far as I know doesn't support SLI (only the NVIDIA ones do, right?). My first question is will I be able to get another monitor working by adding a second card even though they wouldn't be running in SLI (basically, is SLI required)? And if SLI is required, do you need to have identical cards, or could I pair the 8800gtx with a 9-series card?

Thanks

 

[myocardia]

SLI requires identical cards (although nVidia has decided to allow SLIing a 9800GTX with a 9800GTX+), but that doesn't matter. If you were to run SLI, you'd be limited to one monitor, to begin with. So, yes, you can use a second card to drive a third monitor.

 

[RobbieMc]

So, just to confirm, I can put in a completely different card, and use it to power a third monitor, but SLI won't work with it?

 

[dguy6789]

SLI is just a method to improve gaming performance. It has nothing to do with using multiple cards for multiple monitors. You'll have no problems plugging in another card and using it to run another monitor.