SLI, triple monitor setup questions

ECaarnage · May 8, 2013

I currently have 3 monitors running off 1 2GB GTX 670 GC. they are all 24" and 1920x1080. The left and right on are the same model and 60Hz but the middle is a 120Hz monitor. I am not sure on a few details.Which graphics card do i plug the monitors in when I have 2 in SLI? Will they all work fine with the 120Hz and 2 60Hz in SLI? Responses greatly appreciated.

caydn12 · May 8, 2013

ECaarnage :

You plug them all into the same GPU. They will work fine with your set up.

(feel free anyone to correct me if im wrong)

Im fairly sure this is how it works.

ECaarnage · May 8, 2013

So do they bridge together so that the second one is actually being used?

17seconds · May 8, 2013

Yes, you use a SLI bridge to connect the cards. It should have come with your motherboard. Make sure your motherboard is SLI certified.

I'm not sure what will happen with the 120 hz versus 60 hz monitors though. I think that may not work so well.

ECaarnage · May 8, 2013

17seconds :

I am either getting it today or tomorrow. When I get it setup do you want me to let you know how it goes? And you're sure I should just connect them to one card? Wouldn't it be better to have them split up?

caydn12 · May 8, 2013

ECaarnage :

No, because you are pretty much using one card when you SLI as your main card to display everything. It just grabs extra performance from the other card through the SLI bridge by utilizing it. But the main card that you plug your monitors into is what handles all the displaying. the second card is only for the extra performace

bystander · May 8, 2013

caydn12 :

It is not required to plug them all into the main card. You are mistaken if that is what you are saying. SLI does not have the same restrictions that Crossfire does.

caydn12 · May 8, 2013

bystander :

caydn12 :

It is not required to plug them all into the main card. You are mistaken if that is what you are saying. SLI does not have the same restrictions that Crossfire does.

Oh really? Never realized that.. So there is another plus to SLI over crossfire.

ECaarnage · May 8, 2013

bystander :

caydn12 :

It is not required to plug them all into the main card. You are mistaken if that is what you are saying. SLI does not have the same restrictions that Crossfire does.

So is it going to matter at all where they are plugged into?

caydn12 · May 8, 2013

I guess not.

17seconds · May 8, 2013

My concern is for mixing and matching monitor refresh rates. What do you think Bystander?

17seconds · May 8, 2013

More info:
http://www.geforce.com/optimize/guides/how-to-correctly-configure-geforce-gtx-680-surround#1
http://www.geforce.com/optimize/guides/how-to-correctly-configure-geforce-gtx-680-surround#3

"•In 2D Surround, any combination of monitors that share common timings is perfectly acceptable, though each must have, at minimum, one DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort connector. Aesthetically, identical monitors are preferable, but not a requirement."

ECaarnage · May 8, 2013

17seconds :

I am using 2 DVI and 1 HDMI. Will this work?

17seconds · May 9, 2013

ECaarnage :

Apparently.

http://www.geforce.com/optimize/guides/how-to-correctly-configure-geforce-gtx-680-surround#3

GTX680-ConnectorDiagram-2WaySLI-2DSurround-RecommendedOption.png

ECaarnage · May 9, 2013

SO will 2D surround work on this if... even if i put my middle monitor down to 60Hz?

bystander · May 9, 2013

ECaarnage :

In a 2D surround setup, where they act as a single monitor resolution, I'm fairly certain you can only have 1 refresh rate they can all use. In 2D surround, the monitors act as one. Edit: matto17sec's links confirm this.

However, in an Extended desktop, you can select different refresh rates, though from my experience, it is a little wonky. As in the 2nd monitor sometimes turns off when you enter a game, other times it is not a problem. I don't understand why.

bryonhowley · May 9, 2013

I do not know if that will work or not according to both AMD and Nvidia the monitors should share the same specs to work in Eyefinity or Surround. But that is not to say that you could not make it work though. I think you would need to set the monitor to 1080p 60Hz first and then setup the Surround that way all the monitors will be the same at 1080p 60Hz.

I have not tried it myself as all 9 of my monitors on my 3 rigs are all the same Asus 27" monitors.

ECaarnage · May 9, 2013

Ok I will try the 2D surround with all monitors at 1080p 60Hz and see if it will work and also the extended displays with different the different refresh rates. I will keep you guys posted on how it goes

ECaarnage · May 11, 2013

I have another question. Is it possible to have SLI working on just the middle monitor and have the 2 side monitors just on extended desktop. I would really like to know if this is possible and how to do it if is possible

bystander · May 11, 2013

Yes, just create them as an extended desktop, and make the center one the primary monitor. This may require you to set it up in the Windows screen resolution options. This is at least where I've set it up in the past.

ECaarnage · May 11, 2013

bystander :

I have it setup that way but in the nvidia control panel it says that SLI is disabled when I have it this way. In the nvidia control panel it is set to "activate all displays" should I have it set to something else though?

Popeye46 · Mar 21, 2014

ECaarnage :

Go to Nvidia Control click on Configure SLI, Surround, Physx, then click on Span Displays with surround.

Dannbro · Aug 27, 2014

So usually im quite good with PC's and stuff like this but my friend has 2 titans and currently running 2 120Hz BenQ monitors but wants to update to 2 4k monitors. As i know that to run 4K monitors at 60Hz you need to run it on Display Port, but will it still work if he plugs a display port into each card and then into each montior?

this is probably a really dumb question but i wanna know for sure before telling him it will work and him buying it and then it not working.

Thanks guys

17seconds · Aug 27, 2014

Dannbro :

That is a perfect question to put out to the community in a separate thread.

SLI, triple monitor setup questions

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Champion

Distinguished

Honorable

Champion

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Champion

Champion

Distinguished

Champion

Distinguished

Champion

Splendid

Distinguished

Distinguished

Champion

Distinguished

Reputable

Reputable

Champion

Share this page