3+ monitors

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 03:13 PM

This is something I was curious about, as I might want to do later on. I currently have a Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 and use two monitors (a 19" Acer and 17" HP). I really enjoy using two monitors, since it opens up all sorts of options (monitoring temps--or strategy guides!--while playing games, writing a paper on one screen and looking for sources on the other, etc.). However, I was wondering what I would need to run three or four monitors (aside from extra monitors, of course ;) ).

My 4870 only has two DVI ports and an HDMI port, so I can only really use two monitors at once as is. So if I wanted to have a third monitor, I'd need a second graphics card, right? My question is, would the cards have to be in Crossfire? Or could they be listed as two separate devices? 'Cause if I were to do this I'd like to just pick up a cheap 3650 or something (there's a Sapphire one on Newegg for $40!), and you can't Crossfire between different series of cards. I wouldn't be gaming on the other (2?) monitor(s), just general browsing. But is it possible to have two separate, unmatched graphics cards (both from ATI) and be able to have your desktop split between three monitors that way? Also, would the cards have to be from the same series?

Finally, would a Corsair 650tx be adequate for a 4870+3650/4650 combo? Or would I need the 750tx? As is the 650 will be more than adequate for my build, and I think it could power a 3650 as well, but I'm not positive.

This isn't something I'm doing right now, and I might not do it at all, but I'm curious about what would be necessary.

ebackhus · 07-10-2009, 04:05 PM

if the cards are in X-Fire then only the outputs on the main card will work.

X-Fire only works on cards with the same chip.

Phædrus2401 · 07-10-2009, 04:15 PM

Ok, but can I run two cards *not* in Crossfire and get access to all four outputs at once?

ebackhus · 07-11-2009, 11:18 AM

Absolutely!

07-10-2009, 03:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,836 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	3+ monitors This is something I was curious about, as I might want to do later on. I currently have a Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 and use two monitors (a 19" Acer and 17" HP). I really enjoy using two monitors, since it opens up all sorts of options (monitoring temps--or strategy guides!--while playing games, writing a paper on one screen and looking for sources on the other, etc.). However, I was wondering what I would need to run three or four monitors (aside from extra monitors, of course ;) ). My 4870 only has two DVI ports and an HDMI port, so I can only really use two monitors at once as is. So if I wanted to have a third monitor, I'd need a second graphics card, right? My question is, would the cards have to be in Crossfire? Or could they be listed as two separate devices? 'Cause if I were to do this I'd like to just pick up a cheap 3650 or something (there's a Sapphire one on Newegg for $40!), and you can't Crossfire between different series of cards. I wouldn't be gaming on the other (2?) monitor(s), just general browsing. But is it possible to have two separate, unmatched graphics cards (both from ATI) and be able to have your desktop split between three monitors that way? Also, would the cards have to be from the same series? Finally, would a Corsair 650tx be adequate for a 4870+3650/4650 combo? Or would I need the 750tx? As is the 650 will be more than adequate for my build, and I think it could power a 3650 as well, but I'm not positive. This isn't something I'm doing right now, and I might not do it at all, but I'm curious about what would be necessary. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-10-2009, 04:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,303 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: 3+ monitors if the cards are in X-Fire then only the outputs on the main card will work. X-Fire only works on cards with the same chip. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

07-10-2009, 04:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,836 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 3+ monitors Ok, but can I run two cards not in Crossfire and get access to all four outputs at once? __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

07-11-2009, 11:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,303 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: 3+ monitors Absolutely! __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.