Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Using two different graphics cards in the same PC. Possible?

Tags:
  • Windows 7
  • Graphics Cards
  • Geforce
  • Quadro
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
Share
August 3, 2013 10:29:03 AM

I have a fairly decent spec PC, and I'm running Windows 7 x64. Currently I have a Geforce 760 graphics card in there primarily for myself and my son to use for gaming.

I recently got given a Nividia Quadro FX3800 graphics card, which is obviously far more suited to video editing, especially when using with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premier (which I do use occasionally). The difference is speed is very obvious, and even though the Geforce 770 is a much newer card, the Quadro puts it to shame when using After Effects. Problem is, the 770 is a LOT better for gaming!

My question is, is it possible to have both of these cards installed at the same time and somehow switch between them depending on what programs I want to run?

I have a sneaking suspicion that this isn't possible, and that I'm probably going to have to have a PC built separately to utilise the Quadro card.

If it's any help, my motherboard is an Asus P6TD deluxe.

More about : graphics cards

Best solution

a b $ Windows 7
a c 247 U Graphics card
August 3, 2013 10:43:41 AM

Something's wrong ..... have you unlocked CUDA on the 760 ? Since the GeForce cards are not certified by Adobe, you need to "unlock" CUDA to get the performance boost that is automatic w/ Quadro

http://www.studio1productions.com/Articles/AfterEffects...

Quote:
The only reason to use a Quadro video card with Adobe Premiere is if you are using 10 bit source material and a 10 bit monitor like the HP Dreamcolor or similar. Otherwise, the Quadro’s are under powered and over priced.

The Quadro FX 3800. This card is now 3 generations old and is based on the GTX 260, but with only a 256 bit memory interface. The GTX260 has a wider memory interface at 448 bit and would produce faster results than the FX 3800.

Quadro 5000 - This is based on a GTX 465, with a wider memory interface 320-bit memory bus giving it an edge over the GTX 465. However, it would be slower than a GTX 470 or GTX 570..

I do not recommend a Quadro video card, unless you have a specific program that requires a Quadro video card or you have the HP Dreamcolor monitor. You will get better performance for a lot less money with the GeForce cards


The 760 shud kick butt,a gain assuming you have unlocked CUDA

GTX 760 1152 CUDA Cores 500 watt DDR5 256 bit 192.2 GB/s 980 Mhz 1033 Mhz 2 GB Standard Memory Size
Quadro FX 3800 192 550 watt DDR3 256 Bit 51.2 GB/s Has 1 Gig Memory
Share
a b $ Windows 7
a b U Graphics card
August 3, 2013 10:45:56 AM

On an X58 chipset motherboard if you have 2 x PCI Express x16 slots (even if they fall back) then you should be able to do this.
I'd put the gaming card in the first slot and check with Adobe about configuring their software to look at the 2nd card.
m
0
l
Related resources
a b $ Windows 7
a c 204 U Graphics card
August 3, 2013 11:14:19 AM

After effects uses opengl which is why the quadro does so much better. Only 3d raytracing in ae is cuda for which you need to add the card if it's not on the list. You'd want to add the card for premiere as most of it's features are cuda.

You can have both in and changing which monitor is primary in windows should change which card is used. (Have 1 or more monitors on each card.)
m
0
l
August 3, 2013 12:12:28 PM

Many thanks for the replies, everyone, I appreciate it.

Using the Geforce hack (which I knew of previously and have already tried) the 760 does actually do the raytracing much quicker than the Quadro, but in almost every other area, it doesn't come close to how well the Quadro works.

I suppose that I can't use a single monitor, even though I have dual DVI outputs on my 770 and dual DVI inputs on my monitor (NEC 3090WQXi), and I'll have to splash out for a new monitor? Still, it's not as bad as having to buy a new PC. :) 
m
0
l
!