Need advice for choosing GPU for Quad Monitor 1440p

hoyer801 · Apr 10, 2017

I'm running Ubuntu 16.04 on a self built system with an Asus Pro Gaming H170 motherboard. Currently using the integrated Intel graphics to drive two 2560x1440 monitors (HDMI and DP) and 1 1920x1080 monitor (DVI).

I'd like to upgrade to four 2560x1440 monitors, but I need to choose the right GPU.

PSU: EVGA Supernova G2 650W
CPU: Intel Core i5 6600K @ 3.50GHz
Memory: 16GB DDR4 (max capacity 64GB)

This is a workstation that I use for web development. No gaming. I just need lots of space for browsers, code, and debugging tools. PhpStorm is my primary tool, as well as running vagrant boxes.

Ready to purchase this week. I'm comfortable ordering from anywhere, have purchased from Amazon and Newegg and have a Micro Center not too far from here. I don't really know what to expect as far as budget, but I don't want to buy more video card than I need as this workstation will always be 100% development purposes.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

GamingEnthusiast420 · Apr 10, 2017

CPU is probably what will affect your situation when it comes to workstation material.
What is your budget??
I would reccommend Nvidia Quadro or AMD Firepro

hoyer801 · Apr 10, 2017

GamingEnthusiast420 :

Honestly, I don't know what to expect as far as budget. Can I do this for under $200? I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I also only want to make this purchase once.

RobCrezz · Apr 10, 2017

Pretty much any cheap GPU will be able drive two 1440p monitors (with your IGPU doing the other two).

Could grab something like the Nvidia GT710.

RobCrezz · Apr 10, 2017

Also depends on what ports you need for your monitors.

This could do the job if you just need two dual link DVI.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487306&cm_re=gt710-_-14-487-306-_-Product

hoyer801 · Apr 10, 2017

RobCrezz :

I haven't purchased the two additional monitors yet, but all of my existing and the two I'm planning to purchase will accept DVI, HDMI, or DP.

RobCrezz · Apr 10, 2017

Cool, well that GT 710 can support two 1440p screens via dual-link DVI, so might be worth considering, and run the other two from the Intel Graphics.

mjslakeridge · Apr 10, 2017

I thought that installing a GPU would disable the integrated graphics? Has something changed?

hoyer801 · Apr 10, 2017

mjslakeridge :

I thought so too, but i talked to product support at Asus and they said I could use both together. I'm sure someone else will have a technical explanation as to why this is now possible.

GamingEnthusiast420 · Apr 10, 2017

Honestly most cards will work, but here is my recommendation.
You can pick up the Quadro K2000 for $200
https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-Quadro-K2000-Graphics-PNY/dp/B00BLTE7DA

RobCrezz · Apr 11, 2017

hoyer801 :

You can run both at the same time, theres usually a setting in the bios called Multi-Monitor or something similar.

I use both my Intel Graphics and my 1060 running different monitors.

RobCrezz · Apr 11, 2017

GamingEnthusiast420 :

Hes a web dev, a Quadro is completely unnecessary and a waste of money.

mjslakeridge · Apr 11, 2017

RobCrezz :

That is interesting to know. I wonder if it is unique to specific brands of motherboards or BIOS.

Assuming the OP's board will support using internal graphics and a GPU, I picked up a EVGA GeForce GT 710 for $39.99 in January, and received a $20.00 rebate from MicroCenter, for a net cost of $20.00. It has 1 - DVI-D, 1 - DVI-I and 1 - Mini HDMI port. I am using the two DVI ports for my desktop monitors, and have connected the HDMI to my 42" LG TV set, for the times I want to play back some recorded TV back over the television. I don't use my rig for gaming, but watch a lot of videos, and the GT 710 is perfect for my use. It has a single cooling fan which is pretty quiet, but I installed MSI Afterburner and set up several fan speed profiles to increase the fan speed as the GPU temperature rises. A card like the GT 710 would be ideal for your needs. Just make sure you get the ports you need as it comes in several different configurations.

RobCrezz · Apr 11, 2017

Pretty sure all Intel mobos should support running the IGPU and graphics card. As you say the main thing is the ports the motherboard provides.

mjslakeridge · Apr 11, 2017

I see. I am running AMD rigs for my 2 main computers. I do have an Intel Windows 7 rig (my wife's computer), but only have 1 monitor connected using the IGPU as she only uses it for internet browsing, email, Excel, Word, etc.

Edit: I might add that the $20 MicroCenter rebate I got on the GT 710 was a deal they were running only for a couple of weeks in January, but even without the rebate, the card seems like a good value for a non-gaming rig.

RobCrezz · Apr 11, 2017

Yeah its prob different for AMD, as they will either be APUs (FM2 line), which should work the same, or they will use a on motherboard GPU, which will likely be disabled when a card is put in, as they often share the same pci-e connection.

mjslakeridge · Apr 11, 2017

Both of my AMD rigs use the AM3+ platform, so they have the GPU on the motherboard, which as you say, gets disabled when the GPU is connected. Lots to know about different platforms, glad we have Tom's to share knowledge and ask questions.

Need advice for choosing GPU for Quad Monitor 1440p

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