Onboard VGA and Graphics card to replace dual video card setup

MaxArk

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I have recently built a new computer to replace my older one. I have salvaged my Nvidia GTX660ti video card for use in my new computer.

In my previous system, the 660ti drove 3 23" monitors in surround mode. I connected the 3 monitors via the card's DVI-I, DVI-D and the displayport respectively. The card has a 4th port, an HDMI port. I drove an older 19" monitor on a seperate 8500GTX card via VGA. The two cards shared the same driver so I was able to set up a multi-monitor scenario (the 3 23" monitors combined was one display, and the 19" was the second).

With my new system, I don't want to use the older card anymore as the newer drivers for the 660ti no longer supported the older card. Although the 660ti card has an HDMI port, my purchase of an HDMI to VGA Adapter seems to have been a bust. For whatever reason, the male HMDI end of the adapter doesn't fit into the female HDMI port of the card.(???). So with that option being ruled out, I pose this question ....

Can I continue to use my 3 23" monitors in surround mode through my 660ti, and the 19" monitor from the VGA port of my Gigabyte GA-Z170XP-SLI motherboard?

If so, is anyone able to provide any guidance on how?
 
Solution
I am not sure how well a non-externally powered HDMI to VGA adapter would work, many have an additional USB cable or even an extrnal power brick for power. Either way, if it does not fit the card, test it with a TV or something and see if it fits there. I'd return it and get a powered HDMI to VGA adapter. And make sure that your video card will work with 4 displays, many cards have a limit of 3.

MaxArk

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Thank you James for your help. I rebuilt my computer around my CPU (Intel Core i7-6700K Quad-Core Processor) in an effort to improve performance of a CPU reliant simulator. Would you suspect the performance loss be subtle, or will doing this bring me down to the performamce level of my previous Intel Core i7 2600K @ 3.4GHz CPU?

I think using the 4th monitor of my GPU would be the best, but I don't understand why the HDMI adapter doesn't fit into the port. HDMI is HDMI isn't it? I need to find the appropriate adapter.
 


If you have a good HDMI cable it should fit, there may be an issue with your port or the cable. HDMI to VGA you can't do without an active adapter, if it's just a cable, it won't work.
 
The performance hit probably won't be noticeable unless you're running some fancy 3d graphics (or fancy 2d graphics) on the monitor that is connected to the motherboard and CPU.

It's ALSO possible to get a 2nd video card just for extra displays, it doens't need to be powerful, like a gt-710 or something and that'll give you a couple more DVI connections.

 

MaxArk

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Hi all,

James, thanks for your support. I don't think I'm running anything that one might consider "fancy". Microsoft's FSX is a CPU dependent, rather than GPU, simulation application. I did have a second card in my original system to drive a 4th monitor for less intensive graphics needs, ie browser, maps, charts etc. But I wasn't able to maintain a current driver for the 660ti as the older card was no longer being supported in the newer drivers. But I suppose I could search out an inexpensive current Nvidia card that is still being supported.

HDMI to VGA you can't do without an active adapter, if it's just a cable, it won't work

What I have exactly (from the packaging) is : HDMI to VGA Adapter (self powered) - HDMI Type A 19 pin male <--> VGA HD15 Female. "This high quality, Plug N PLay adapter allows you to connect an HDMI output from your laptop, ultrabook, or desktop PC onta a VGA monitor, projector, or TV without the needs of external power to reach 1920x1080P HiDef resolutions"

Do you think, if I can actually get it inserted, it would be what I need? Or should I return it?
 


What model and brand is this adapter?
 

MaxArk

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Hang-the-9, I'm not sure the information you asked is obvious ... it's a house brand (iCan) exclusive to Canada Computers. The model could be "ADP HDMIM-VGAF2)

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I am not sure how well a non-externally powered HDMI to VGA adapter would work, many have an additional USB cable or even an extrnal power brick for power. Either way, if it does not fit the card, test it with a TV or something and see if it fits there. I'd return it and get a powered HDMI to VGA adapter. And make sure that your video card will work with 4 displays, many cards have a limit of 3.
 
Solution