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SLI technology = running 4 monitors

I

imported_KuJaX

Platinum Member
Hey,

I have a client that wants an FX-55 machine. Basically, he has four 2405fpw's that he wants to hook up to this new machine. I thought of running dual 6600gt dual DVI pci-express video cards in SLI mode. However, I am not so sure this is the correct application. Here is what I am planning on building:

FX55
Asus a8n-sli deluxe
2gb crucial ballistix pc-3200
2xwestern digital 74gb raptor 10,000rpm sata's raid0
2xXFX nvidia geforce 6600GT 128mb GDDR3 DUAL DVI Pci-express

BASICALLY, my question to you all, after reading some SLI reviews, it doesnt seem that my client will be able to run his FOUR monitors out of the four DVI slots of the 2 6600gt's. If he won't be able to run FOUR lcd monitors with the above setup, what setup should I build/talk to him about to run FOUR lcd monitors (he would want ALL DVI slots). Thanks to anyone that can helpout!
 
From what I've read you can install the two cards and just not run them in SLI mode to get four monitir output.

Edit: Beat me to the punch.
 
just have it so he can run SLI mod for games (which will reduce him to 2 monitors) and then he can turn it off to reveal teh rest 🙂
 
I've heard that the A8N-SLI Premium will let you switch on the fly, so no having to reboot to change from SLI enabled/disabled.
 
Day trader? 🙂

Anyway, what M4H said: just install them as two cards. SLI is just for gaming, so it's unnec'y. In fact, you could get an AGP system and buy one AGP card with dual DVI, and one PCI card with dual DVI. Similarly, you could buy one PCIe and one PCI card with that nF4 MB. You don't necessarily need cards attached to the AGP or high-speed PCIe slots to do basic 2D tasks, and buying the slower cards that inhabit the PCI backwater will make the PC draw less power and run cooler and thus require less noisy fans.

But, according to NewEgg and PriceGrabber, it looks like dual XFX 6600GTs are your cheapest route to quadruple DVI. The potential problem is that--according to both ExtremeTech and TomsHardware's DVI Compliance articles--nVidia's internal TDMS transmitter doesn't do so well at high res, which a 2405 certainly is. I don't know if this'll translate to a real problem, though, as in a visibly poor picture. Maybe you can post another thread that asks if anyone is running a 2405 off a 6600GT, with a subheading saying you're primarily interested in the dual-DVI XFX 6600GT.

The fans on those GTs might be too noisy for an office setting, if that's where the PC is headed. Maybe look into slapping on a pair of Arctic Cooling Silencers or those new Zalman ("fully operational!") deathstars.
 
Are the Extremetech and THG reviews up to date? The problems were happening a couple years ago right? Maybe it's not an issue anymore? Don't know personally, just wondering if the articles are still accurate.

-D'oh!
 
Pete thanks for the research and reply.

I have debated going through dual DVI AGP and dual DVI PCI, but cannot find a dual DVI pci card.

I will try and find that article and see if it is still relavent problem.
 
You could go with the DFI NF4 Ultra board with 2x PCIe16 slots and save a little cash. Then throw on some X800, 6600 or 6600GT cards and have quad monitors without the SLI ability.

Not sure why would would want this, but since he doesnt game might as well just get two "above average cards" and run them standalone.
 
Originally posted by: KuJaX-I don't get what you mean. He isn't a gamer.
Click to expand...

If he's not a gamer then why does he want an Athlon 64 FX 55?!? This is a GAMER'S CPU. Get him 2 6800 GT's to match the FX 55.🙂
 
Originally posted by: ScrewFace
Originally posted by: KuJaX-I don't get what you mean. He isn't a gamer.
Click to expand...

If he's not a gamer then why does he want an Athlon 64 FX 55?!? This is a GAMER'S CPU. Get him 2 6800 GT's to match the FX 55.🙂
Click to expand...


Yeah, if he's not a gamer he either needs the cheapest cpu or if this is supposed to be a woprkstation, dual opterons.
 
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