Standalone GPU for 3 monitors?

hackintosh · 11-24-10, 12:21 AM

Hey everyone, first I would like to say if this is a stupid question to you, I am sorry. I did search but when I started reading about GPU's to support 3 monitors on their own I started getting into a ton of information that I don't understand.

Right now I am only looking to run one GPU because my ASUS server board only has one pci-e x 16 slot. I don't game but I do use three monitors for work so I was wondering what you guys would reccomend for this situation.

I am looking for something that I could upgrade to a dual setup in the future if I do start to play some games, but as of right now I don't play anything other than Spider solitaire on my computer.

I really don't know anything about GPU's as I am not a gamer so I figured instead of making an expensive mistake I would ask the pro's.
I was looking into the gtx 295 co-op I believe which said it has 2 avi outs and one HDMI out but I wasn't sure if this would work or not.

If you guys have any suggestions please let share away because I am lost. If there is a cheaper GPU than the 295 that will support 3 monitors that would be great.

I have only one REQUIREMENT, it is that there is a waterblock made for that card. My box is fully water cooled and I don't want anything I have to air cool. I went though the ordeal once of ordering a 9800gtx+ only to find out that EK does not make a block for that card, only the 9800gtx which I am currently running.
This is not a requirement because it is doubtfull but I would like the card to be SLI upgradeable if I do ever add a new MOBO that can handle two GPU's

Thanks in advance

checkeredhat09 · 11-24-10, 01:46 AM

I'm thinking that you need to slide on over to the ATI forum. AFAIK there is no nvidia card currently that supports 3 monitors. To run three monitors you need SLI.

I know for a fact there is at least one ATI card that can do like up to six screens or something.

Lukee · 11-24-10, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by checkeredhat09

I'm thinking that you need to slide on over to the ATI forum. AFAIK there is no nvidia card currently that supports 3 monitors. To run three monitors you need SLI.

I know for a fact there is at least one ATI card that can do like up to six screens or something.

He is correct. The ATI Eyefinity card can run up to 6 monitors at once. I thought about it, but I've had bad luck with ATi and their drivers, so I stuck with Nvidia.

thideras · 11-24-10, 09:22 AM

You don't need SLi to run three monitors, but you would need two cards. They wouldn't even have to match.

Lukee · 11-24-10, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thideras

You don't need SLi to run three monitors, but you would need two cards. They wouldn't even have to match.

I think that depends on whether he wants surround gaming or just to have 3 monitors to multi-task. To enable this, I have to run my cards in SLI.

pwnmachine · 11-24-10, 11:50 AM

The only way this is possible for gaming is eyefinity, the max you could do is 2 displays with an Nvidia card.

EDIT: apparently according to this it is possible on a 295 however you can't run the monitors @ 120hz, also this is only available on the pcb with the 2dvi and 1 hdmi connector. Check here.

hackintosh · 11-24-10, 11:56 AM

I don't game at all, I might in the future but it is doubtful.

I can't get another GPU because my board only has one pci e x16 slot, so I need a card that can run all three at the same time.
And I am 100 percent positive I have seen a system on this board with an Invidia 295gtx co op running 3 monitors.

I just wasnt sure if there were other options

Knufire · 11-24-10, 12:00 PM

Any ATI 5xxx or 6xxx card can run three monitors. NVIDIA can't, but workstation cards might be a different story.

Dj Spiel · 11-24-10, 02:44 PM

I was in the same boat you were 1-2 years ago. For what you want/need pick yourself up a ATI 5870

Newegg has Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express Video Card w/ Eyefinity for $280 - $35 with code VGA112235 - $30 rebate = $215 with free shipping. Next lowest on Google Products is $270 after rebate (Amazon).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102883

you will also need an active display port adapter
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-014-_-Product

*********************************************

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackintosh

Hey everyone, first I would like to say if this is a stupid question to you, I am sorry. I did search but when I started reading about GPU's to support 3 monitors on their own I started getting into a ton of information that I don't understand.

Right now I am only looking to run one GPU because my ASUS server board only has one pci-e x 16 slot. I don't game but I do use three monitors for work so I was wondering what you guys would reccomend for this situation.

I am looking for something that I could upgrade to a dual setup in the future if I do start to play some games, but as of right now I don't play anything other than Spider solitaire on my computer.

I really don't know anything about GPU's as I am not a gamer so I figured instead of making an expensive mistake I would ask the pro's.
I was looking into the gtx 295 co-op I believe which said it has 2 avi outs and one HDMI out but I wasn't sure if this would work or not.

If you guys have any suggestions please let share away because I am lost. If there is a cheaper GPU than the 295 that will support 3 monitors that would be great.

I have only one REQUIREMENT, it is that there is a waterblock made for that card. My box is fully water cooled and I don't want anything I have to air cool. I went though the ordeal once of ordering a 9800gtx+ only to find out that EK does not make a block for that card, only the 9800gtx which I am currently running.
This is not a requirement because it is doubtfull but I would like the card to be SLI upgradeable if I do ever add a new MOBO that can handle two GPU's

Thanks in advance

RADIO_ACTIVE · 11-24-10, 03:16 PM

You can possibly look into this: TripleHead2Go
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/
This allows you to add 3 monitors to your existing desktop/laptop/etc. making a total of 4 monitors. They also have a dual version that allows you to add 2 monitors to desktop/laptop/etc giving you a total of three monitors. Plus you won't have to mess with your loop and it may be cheaper than buying a GPU, Video Adapter and water block.

hackintosh · 11-24-10, 10:26 PM

Thanks Radio I might actually look into that.
Going to search for some reviews. I really like the idea of not having to order a new waterblock and all the other bs I would have to deal with

gsrcrxsi · 11-25-10, 12:30 AM

GTX 460, 470, 480, 580 all have 2xDVI + 1xHDMI.

you cant use all three to drive 3 monitors?

hackintosh · 11-25-10, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsrcrxsi

GTX 460, 470, 480, 580 all have 2xDVI + 1xHDMI.

you cant use all three to drive 3 monitors?

I know there is someone on xtreme, and I think here also who has a 295gtx and he is running all three of his monitors off of his one card and I am pretty sure that is an Invidia card. He has pictures of his system and there is no other card and he has images of his 3 monitors working together, so I am not really sure why everyone says Invidia cards can't run 3.

I have been looking for a day now trying to find that pic again but it was in one of the forums under the show off your box threads.

pwnmachine · 11-25-10, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackintosh

I know there is someone on xtreme, and I think here also who has a 295gtx and he is running all three of his monitors off of his one card and I am pretty sure that is an Invidia card. He has pictures of his system and there is no other card and he has images of his 3 monitors working together, so I am not really sure why everyone says Invidia cards can't run 3.

I have been looking for a day now trying to find that pic again but it was in one of the forums under the show off your box threads.

Check here.

There is only a certain type of 295 that can do it, it is the one with the 2dvi and 1hdmi ports.

torin3 · 11-26-10, 03:31 PM

I tested a 3 monitor setup on a Nvidia 9800 GX2 (EVGA) and it worked for all 3 monitors.

gsrcrxsi · 11-27-10, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwnmachine

Check here.

There is only a certain type of 295 that can do it, it is the one with the 2dvi and 1hdmi ports.

yea but what about the fermi cards that have 2xDVI +1xHDMI?

torin3 · 11-27-10, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsrcrxsi

yea but what about the fermi cards that have 2xDVI +1xHDMI?

I've got 2 GTX 460s in my system right now. I'm going to be working on the overclock and putting the SLI bridge on it later today. I'll test it out by pulling out one of the cards before putting the SLI bridge on it and let you know if it works.

djscrew · 11-27-10, 11:36 AM

my money is on the yes for 2 dvi + 1 hdmi for 3 monitors for the fermi cards

torin3 · 11-27-10, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djscrew

my money is on the yes for 2 dvi + 1 hdmi for 3 monitors for the fermi cards

Nope.

1 GTX 460 will power 2 monitors, 1 hdmi + 1 DVI or 2 DVI.

Even in the Nvidia control panel it says that it will only power 2 monitors.

The 9800 GX2 and the GTX 295 will power 3 because they have 2 GPUs on board.

So it looks like Nvidia cards can only power 2 monitors per physical GPU, regardless of the connectors.

For the OP: A 9800 GX2 would probably be the cheapest option if you can find one. GTX 295 with 3 physical connectors should work, but the dual PCB one will definately work if it has 1 HDMI and 2 DVI connectors on it.

gsrcrxsi · 11-27-10, 05:45 PM

Aw that's lame. 2 in SLI would be fine for 3 monitors though right?

11-24-10, 12:21 AM	Thread Starter #1
hackintosh Member Join Date: May 2010	Standalone GPU for 3 monitors? Hey everyone, first I would like to say if this is a stupid question to you, I am sorry. I did search but when I started reading about GPU's to support 3 monitors on their own I started getting into a ton of information that I don't understand. Right now I am only looking to run one GPU because my ASUS server board only has one pci-e x 16 slot. I don't game but I do use three monitors for work so I was wondering what you guys would reccomend for this situation. I am looking for something that I could upgrade to a dual setup in the future if I do start to play some games, but as of right now I don't play anything other than Spider solitaire on my computer. I really don't know anything about GPU's as I am not a gamer so I figured instead of making an expensive mistake I would ask the pro's. I was looking into the gtx 295 co-op I believe which said it has 2 avi outs and one HDMI out but I wasn't sure if this would work or not. If you guys have any suggestions please let share away because I am lost. If there is a cheaper GPU than the 295 that will support 3 monitors that would be great. I have only one REQUIREMENT, it is that there is a waterblock made for that card. My box is fully water cooled and I don't want anything I have to air cool. I went though the ordeal once of ordering a 9800gtx+ only to find out that EK does not make a block for that card, only the 9800gtx which I am currently running. This is not a requirement because it is doubtfull but I would like the card to be SLI upgradeable if I do ever add a new MOBO that can handle two GPU's Thanks in advance
	QUOTE Thanks

11-24-10, 01:46 AM	#2
checkeredhat09 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Seattle, WA	I'm thinking that you need to slide on over to the ATI forum. AFAIK there is no nvidia card currently that supports 3 monitors. To run three monitors you need SLI. I know for a fact there is at least one ATI card that can do like up to six screens or something. __________________ THE STORM TROOPER CASE: Corsair 600t Special Edition PSU: Corsair HX750 MOBO: ASRock Extreme4 Gen3 Socket 1155 CPU: Intel 2500k COOLER: Thermalright HR-02 Macho RAM: 4x4 GB G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3-1600 GFX: EVGA 560ti @ 1Ghz
	QUOTE Thanks

11-24-10, 09:22 AM	#4
thideras Banned Neckbeard Moderator Premium Member #3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: South Dakota	You don't need SLi to run three monitors, but you would need two cards. They wouldn't even have to match. __________________ Desktop: Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H \| 3570k 4.6 GHz \| 32 GB GSkill Ares \| GTX 570 \| 180 GB Intel & 2 TB total \| Arch Linux and Windows 7 Main server: 37 TB raw disk \| 2x Opteron 6134 \| Asus KGPE-D16 \| 48 GB RAM \| LSI 8708EM2 \| CentOS 6.2 VM Server 1: Dell R510 \| 2x E5645 \| 128 GB RAM \| 4x 300 GB Velociraptor \| Xen Cloud Platform (XCP) VM Server 2: Dell R710 \| 2x E5645 \| 288 GB RAM \| 8x 300 GB Velociraptor \| Xen Cloud Platform (XCP) "That's not overkill, or a lot. That's just thiderastic." -txus.palacios Current projects: Rackmount Overkill (New) \| 30/45 hard drive server Articles: Rack Mounting 101 \| Dell Perc 5/i Throughput Benchmarks Past projects: Software RAID \| The Dragon Case My Website *Want to talk directly to all* the moderators at once? Call the Mod Hotline!**
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11-24-10, 11:50 AM	#6
pwnmachine Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada	The only way this is possible for gaming is eyefinity, the max you could do is 2 displays with an Nvidia card. EDIT: apparently according to this it is possible on a 295 however you can't run the monitors @ 120hz, also this is only available on the pcb with the 2dvi and 1 hdmi connector. Check here. __________________ i5 2500k @ 4.8 gHz. 1.3v..................Q9650 @ 4.0 gHz. Kingston Hyper 1600mHz 4gb..........XMS3 1600mHz 4gb Asus P8P67 Pro B3...........................790i Ultra FTW XFX 5970 BE + XFX 5850..................GTX 260 2xSLI CM Hyper 212/Thermalright HR-03...Scythe Mugen II CM Cosmos S Modified......................NZXT H2 Custom Maple Gaming Case Last edited by pwnmachine; 11-24-10 at 12:48 PM.
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11-24-10, 11:56 AM	Thread Starter #7
hackintosh Member Join Date: May 2010	I don't game at all, I might in the future but it is doubtful. I can't get another GPU because my board only has one pci e x16 slot, so I need a card that can run all three at the same time. And I am 100 percent positive I have seen a system on this board with an Invidia 295gtx co op running 3 monitors. I just wasnt sure if there were other options
	QUOTE Thanks

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11-24-10, 12:00 PM	#8
Knufire Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI	Any ATI 5xxx or 6xxx card can run three monitors. NVIDIA can't, but workstation cards might be a different story. __________________ i7-920 3.8 Ghz \| Venomous-X w/ Panaflo HS \| Sapphire Vapor-X 4890 EVGA X58 SLI LE \| 8GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 \| 500GB Samsung OEM \| Rosewill 850w \| Thermaltake Armor Series \| OCZ Vertex 2 60GB Secondary Rig: CM Elite 430 \| A8-3870K stock \| Radeon HD 6670 \| 500GB WD Caviar Blue \| 4GB G.SKILL DDR3-1333 \| ASUS A55 HEATWARE
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11-24-10, 03:16 PM	#10
RADIO_ACTIVE Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA	You can possibly look into this: TripleHead2Go http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/ This allows you to add 3 monitors to your existing desktop/laptop/etc. making a total of 4 monitors. They also have a dual version that allows you to add 2 monitors to desktop/laptop/etc giving you a total of three monitors. Plus you won't have to mess with your loop and it may be cheaper than buying a GPU, Video Adapter and water block. __________________ CPU: i7 960 @ 3.8ghz MOBO: EVGA x58 SLI RAM: gSkill - 6gigs DDR3 1600 GPU: GALAXY 2x GTX 480 SLI @ 780/1560/2012 SSD: OCZ Vertex 2 120gig PSU: Kingwin 1000w CHASIS: Antec 900 two Last edited by RADIO_ACTIVE; 11-24-10 at 03:41 PM.
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11-24-10, 10:26 PM	Thread Starter #11
hackintosh Member Join Date: May 2010	Thanks Radio I might actually look into that. Going to search for some reviews. I really like the idea of not having to order a new waterblock and all the other bs I would have to deal with
	QUOTE Thanks

11-25-10, 12:30 AM	#12
gsrcrxsi Member Join Date: Feb 2008	GTX 460, 470, 480, 580 all have 2xDVI + 1xHDMI. you cant use all three to drive 3 monitors? __________________ MAIN: AOpen case \| E6700 \| Intel DG965PZ \| 8GB Crucial DDR2-800 \| 2x Intel X-25M 80GB RAID-0 \| 275w PSU HTPC: Antec Fusion Remote \| E5200 \| Intel DG33TL \| EVGA GT430 \| 4GB Corsair DDR2-800 \| OZ 60GB Vertex 2 \| 2x WD 2TB Green \| Dynex 400w LAPTOP: Asus G60VT \| P7450 \| nVidia GTX260M \| 4GB DDR2-800 \| 320GB 7200rpm HEAT
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11-26-10, 03:31 PM	#15
torin3 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Seeing how many GPUs I can cram in one box	I tested a 3 monitor setup on a Nvidia 9800 GX2 (EVGA) and it worked for all 3 monitors. __________________ Please fold for Team 32! Board: EVGA 4-Way SLI Classified (E762) Memory: GSkill Ripjaws 6x2GB DDR3 CPU: i7 970 at 4.26Ghz Video card: 2x EVGA GTX 460 Cooling: EK Eddy CPU block and full coverage motherboard block & 2 120mmx240mm heater cores. My Heat
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11-27-10, 11:36 AM	#18
djscrew Member Join Date: Nov 2010	my money is on the yes for 2 dvi + 1 hdmi for 3 monitors for the fermi cards __________________ 24/7 PC CPU: i7 950 d0 @ 4.022 GHz (1.21v) QPI: 6.894 GHz (1.40v) RAM: OCZ DDR3 2000 2GB x 6 @ 1914 Mhz, 8-9-8-24-1T (1.66v) Cooling: Corsair H50 Under 90C core temps stable in Prime95 Blend. Mobo: Asus Rampage III Formula GPU: MSI Hawk 460 GTX Boot SSD: OCZ Revodrive 120 GB Case: Corsair 700D PSU: Corsair HX850
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11-27-10, 05:45 PM	#20
gsrcrxsi Member Join Date: Feb 2008	Aw that's lame. 2 in SLI would be fine for 3 monitors though right? __________________ MAIN: AOpen case \| E6700 \| Intel DG965PZ \| 8GB Crucial DDR2-800 \| 2x Intel X-25M 80GB RAID-0 \| 275w PSU HTPC: Antec Fusion Remote \| E5200 \| Intel DG33TL \| EVGA GT430 \| 4GB Corsair DDR2-800 \| OZ 60GB Vertex 2 \| 2x WD 2TB Green \| Dynex 400w LAPTOP: Asus G60VT \| P7450 \| nVidia GTX260M \| 4GB DDR2-800 \| 320GB 7200rpm HEAT
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