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What do I need?

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Modz 4 Higher

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Location
Houston, TX
I currently have a nvidia 8800 gts. What would I need in order to run 2 or 3 monitors? Also what is a good monitor that has a thin border so they can be put together and look good. Thanks.
 
Just to have 2 displays you just need to plug 2 into the 8800GTS. To get a third monitor, you need another GPU, it doesn't have to be a 8800GTS.

If you want multiple screens acting as one screen for gaming, then you'll want to use nVidia Surround or AMD Eyefinity.
 
Well I think that I will use it mainly for multitasking, BUT I would like the option of using it as a whole screen. Sorry to sound like a noob, and if there is reading I should be doing I am all for it. Is the "surround" or "eyefinity" a program or is it hardware? I am familiar with SLI etc, just curious on the rest.
 
If just using for multitasking, then you don't need Surround or Eyefinity. You can just "extend the desktop" to the other displays.

2D/3D Surround and Eyefinity are just for gaming, allowing the game to span across all displays.
 
I do think it is bad *** to have the ability to expand across the screen. I am a fair weather gamer. If that makes any since. lol. :D

Also, have you heard of the ErgoTech HD Triple Stand monitor rack. Sets all 3 up on to one stand giving it a really clean look to work with IMHO. But temporarily I will just do multitasking. Is the Surround or Eyefinity something that can be added later on down the road?? Thanks for your help so far.

~M4H
 
Yep, it can be added down the road. Also, nVidia requires SLI for 3+ screen Surround, but you can do Eyefinity with a single AMD card. So, to me, it sounds like your best option would be to get a single current AMD GPU for three screens to do your multitasking. If you decide to game with Eyefinity, you may need CrossFireX for such a high resolution.
 
Sweet. I am not big into graphics as stupid as they may sound. Lol but what are some monitors that are reasonably priced? Would like to do 3 23" monitors and mount them on an ergo tech stand or something of that nature.
 
Personally, I wouldn't go 23" because the highest resolution you can get in that size is 1920x1080. So, if you are going for 1080p resolution, then I'd go for 21.5" screens for higher pixel density.

Either way you go, they will be between $125-200 a piece on the cheap side. Also, for Eyefinity, you'll need an active DisplayPort-to-DVI/HDMI adapter unless the monitors you choose have a DisplayPort.
 
21.5"? Okay. That price range you gave us good enough for me:D so about $600 plus or minus a few for 3 "decent" monitors. Then I need the stand to hold them. So now onto "brand" what do you recommend for a novice? Keep in mind the budget you supplied.

Regards

-M4H
 
The reason I'd go 21.5" is because having the most pixels on a the smallest screen shows less pixellation due to so many pixels being crammed into a small space. If you want 23" that's fine too, the image won't look bad or anything, you just may have to set AA in games a little higher on the 23" screen than you would on a 21.5" screen.

I'd look for monitors with the thinnest bezel. Personally, I like Dell monitors the best out of the ones I've used, but that doesn't mean others aren't viable solutions. Just look for 21.5-23" monitors with thin bezels.
 
Yes exactly. We are thinking a like here. Yea, I have heard of guys taking the plastic trim off of their monitors to get a thinner bezel. I'll keep my eyes peeled. I really do appreciate all the help that you have offered to me so far. :D:D:D:D:D
 
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