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three monitor card ideas for non-gaming computer

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  • Computers
  • Monitors
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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October 12, 2013 8:07:56 AM

Hello all,

I would like to add a third monitor to my i5 computer for business purposes. Right now I'm using the Intel 2500 integrated graphics on the mobo with one VGA and one HDMI port. It works fine. None of the programs I'm using are graphics heavy. Except for Office programs, they are web-based. I seem to concentrate on three programs so I have to keep toggling around.

Here are the specs on the computer:

i5 with 8GB RAM
128G SSD 500g HDD
Win7
Dell Vostro, only one full sized PCI slot available

I guess the question is twofold;

whether a light duty card will allow a third monitor combined with the existing onboard graphics or if the card has to control all three screens and

what additional software do I need to have three independent screens?

In looking around it seems a lot of people just use two cards but that doesn't get it with my current motherboard. Thanks for any help, sh

More about : monitor card ideas gaming computer

October 12, 2013 8:48:47 AM

the 7750 is a good card! +1 ^^
I own one, get a nice experience with windows
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October 12, 2013 9:11:56 AM

I'd suggest going with a Sapphire Flex edition, that way you don't have to use an active displayport adapter. Unless you have monitors with displayport built in the cards require you to use an adapter for 3 monitors/eyefinity that is unless you get a Flex edition. The 6450 isn't a gaming card by any means but for business use its plenty and draws almost no power. Additionally you don't need any software other than the windows monitor app which you're probably familiar with if you already have 2 monitors. There is the AMD Cat Control center that installs with the driver but if you're not gaming there really isn't going to much benefit in using it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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a c 117 C Monitor
October 12, 2013 9:16:07 AM

Even a $20 5450 will do. It is more powerful than a hd 2500. Though the 6450 is only $30 and double the performance of the 5450. http://www.microcenter.com/product/383929/SILENT-DI-1GD... The 5450, 6450 and 7750 will only do 2 monitors so you need to keep the hd 2500 on. Check in bios to see if there is an igpu multi monitor option. The previous dell vostro with the hd 2000 had it so you should too.

You don't need any extra software, you just need both gpu drivers installed.
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October 12, 2013 10:56:10 AM

Thanks guys.

I have a 7750 in the computer I'm writing this on -- which is basically the same as the computer at work. I know it will run on both cards because it is hard to get rid of the computer wanting to use both. The flex card has a lot of appeal too without the fan noise. I expect I'll make a decision when I get to work on Monday.
Cheers, sh
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