SFF DVI Dream System - is this even possible?

[majestik]

I'm looking to build an SFF system which has four DVI outputs. I've got four screens with DVI inputs and I want all of them to display off a single SFF computer.

I know it's possible to do an SFF with 2x DVI out - I'm wondering if its possible (maybe via SLI?) to have 4.

Any suggestions on which barebones system (aopen/shuttle) and video cards (ati/nvidia)would be greatly appreciated - money is not a concern.

Thanks much.

 

[imported_Kensai]

There aren't any M-ITX or M-ATX boards with Dual PCI-E x16 slots. Thus, it isn't possible.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Hmm... You can put a full ATX mobo into a Silverstone LC02 or 04, both of which are very tiny flat cases (12 inches deep, like a Shuttle).

Use a board with two PCIe 16x slots, and use flexible ribbon-cable PCI Express 16x risers to mount the two video cards. The downside being that you can add no other cards and I doubt you can SLI the two.

Might work..

 

[MercenaryForHire]

What's the useage for this?

If it's 2D-only, just get a Quadro NVS 400, regular PCI, and throw it in any machine that can take a large PCI card. Four DVI outputs. If they gotta be higher res than the Quadro can push (When using all 4, I think you're clipped at 1600x1200) then get a Matrox QID series.

- M4H

 

[gaidin123]

Shuttle showed off a prototype SFF system at Cebit that had dual PCIe x16 slots doing SLI. It sounded kind of uh extreme and they didn't say whether they are planning on selling it or not but it does exist. I'm sure some company will release a dual PCIe SFF at some point but for now you're stuck with ATX.

Gaidin

 

[ShellGuy]

From what i remember SLI can't run 2 monitors at once. Which prob means 4 is a def NO.


Will G.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Are you guys not reading my damned posts?

Pick any SFF with an empty PCI ( Quadro NVS 400 ) or AGP ( Matrox QID ) slot, drop one of the aforementioned cards in it, and you're done.

- M4H

 

[Gorgeous]

Originally posted by: Kensai
There aren't any M-ITX or M-ATX boards with Dual PCI-E x16 slots. Thus, it isn't possible.

It WILL be possible though

Shuttle SN26P

 

[imported_Kensai]

Not for M-ITX boards. They have a maximum of 6.7" X 6.7". I'd love to see someone fit two PCI-E slots and still keep the rest of the board adequate.

 

[piasabird]

Might be hard to keep such a system cool and quiet. I think heat and cooling will be a major issue.

 

[majestik]

Mercenary thx alot, you rock.

I think i'm going to go with the Quadro inside a Shuttle XPC (havent decided on a model yet).

To combat the heat/cooling issues I might go with an Athlon instead of a P4, and maybe add another fan. But if anyone else has any suggestions on better cooling techniques for this card inside an XPC - you have the floor!

Thx again for all the input, really helped me out... cheers!

 

[phisrow]

Other than the usual excitement of SFF cooling, you shouldn't have any trouble. The card in question is a fanless 2D workstation board. It should dissipate less heat than even a midrange gamer's card.