Can I have 2 different video cards in my setup?
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
Hello All,
I have a little issue here. I am I guess a former 3d designer, I am in a management spot (It is boring).
I am not too technical so here it goes.
After my promotion I was provided a TV its 42". I work long hours sometimes and I have a vongo account and I would like to watch the Movies on the TV. The computer only has 2 DVI inputs. So before I continue let me tell you the specifications of everything I am using.
They are all custom computers because my boss is cheap.
Black Big Case
ACPI x64 based pc
ATA Device (I think its the hard drive)
WD External USB Device (Probably the External Hard drive)
Nvidia Quadro FX 4500
ATAPI DVD ATA Device (DVD Drive)
I think theres 6 usb devices connected
I have an old ipod I have had for years it uses firewire and its connected
wireless keyboard and mouse
(2) 24" Samsung Syncmaster 245BW
Marvell Yukon PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
I see (4) Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Extreme CPU Q6850 @ 3.00 GHz
SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio
There are tbs of memory and 8 gb of memory
I listed my specifications so someone can hopefully help me to get what I need.
I really like the Windows Media Center and I want to add a second video card to watch things on my computer on the tv and also listen to music. Our computers at work do not have speakers.
Here is more bad news for me! I have to pay for the additions.
Here are my questions:
Do I need more power to add another video card?
Do I need to buy matching video cards or can I buy a different one?
The Motherboard is made for Crossfire, Do I need to buy crossfire compatible cards to use 2 video cards?
Does anyone know a solution that doesn't require me to add things inside my computer?
Thanks in advance. The computer is a tad outdated I think and I hope no one is jealous or anything because its not even mine, its our companies.
I am computer dumb so I really need your help!
I have a little issue here. I am I guess a former 3d designer, I am in a management spot (It is boring).
I am not too technical so here it goes.
After my promotion I was provided a TV its 42". I work long hours sometimes and I have a vongo account and I would like to watch the Movies on the TV. The computer only has 2 DVI inputs. So before I continue let me tell you the specifications of everything I am using.
They are all custom computers because my boss is cheap.
Black Big Case
ACPI x64 based pc
ATA Device (I think its the hard drive)
WD External USB Device (Probably the External Hard drive)
Nvidia Quadro FX 4500
ATAPI DVD ATA Device (DVD Drive)
I think theres 6 usb devices connected
I have an old ipod I have had for years it uses firewire and its connected
wireless keyboard and mouse
(2) 24" Samsung Syncmaster 245BW
Marvell Yukon PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller
I see (4) Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Extreme CPU Q6850 @ 3.00 GHz
SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio
There are tbs of memory and 8 gb of memory
I listed my specifications so someone can hopefully help me to get what I need.
I really like the Windows Media Center and I want to add a second video card to watch things on my computer on the tv and also listen to music. Our computers at work do not have speakers.
Here is more bad news for me! I have to pay for the additions.
Here are my questions:
Do I need more power to add another video card?
Do I need to buy matching video cards or can I buy a different one?
The Motherboard is made for Crossfire, Do I need to buy crossfire compatible cards to use 2 video cards?
Does anyone know a solution that doesn't require me to add things inside my computer?
Thanks in advance. The computer is a tad outdated I think and I hope no one is jealous or anything because its not even mine, its our companies.
I am computer dumb so I really need your help!
More about : video cards setup
nope you cant add two mismatched cards because they have to run on SLI or crossfire otherwise you wont be able to see anything on one, also it depends on the video card how much you would need for a PSU and the only solution that does not require you to add things inside your computer is to buy one.
Related ressources
- Using 2 different ATI video cards - Forum
- 4 monitor setup -How to run 2 video cards on ASUS P5Q Pro motherboard? - Forum
- 2 Different Video Cards , non SLI or Crossfire - Forum
- Can I install 2 different drivers for 2 separate video cards ? - Forum
- 2 different video cards running 2 diff monitors @ diff resolutions - Forum
No, that's not correct. Any video cards that use the same drivers should work. They don't have to be in Crossfire or SLi (their driving different monitors).
The main problem is the Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 video card. Finding another card that uses the same drivers may mean having to use other FX 4500 (I'm not sure at this point) in the second PCIE slot.
The main problem is the Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 video card. Finding another card that uses the same drivers may mean having to use other FX 4500 (I'm not sure at this point) in the second PCIE slot.
My god people, you need to learn more. (iggybeans the newbie is more correct then the other guys.)
WHAT OS ARE YOU USING?!
If you are using Vista then yes, both video cards much use the same driver. If the Quadro uses one driver, then the other card MUST use the same driver. Vista only loads one, all card in the computer much use it also.
XP however doesn't work like that. You can load up your system with as many cards as you can, and load however many drivers as you want. Yes, you CAN mix and match ATI/AMd cards with Nvidia, I've done it before. With any luck, your "cheap" machine also has XP.
For the record, your video card/computer only has 2 DVI OUTPUTS. You should be able to buy a PCI based PCTV card from newegg for ~$50 that will let you do this. You should even be able to find one that plugs in via USB for a bit more.
WHAT OS ARE YOU USING?!
If you are using Vista then yes, both video cards much use the same driver. If the Quadro uses one driver, then the other card MUST use the same driver. Vista only loads one, all card in the computer much use it also.
XP however doesn't work like that. You can load up your system with as many cards as you can, and load however many drivers as you want. Yes, you CAN mix and match ATI/AMd cards with Nvidia, I've done it before. With any luck, your "cheap" machine also has XP.
Quote:
The computer only has 2 DVI inputs.For the record, your video card/computer only has 2 DVI OUTPUTS. You should be able to buy a PCI based PCTV card from newegg for ~$50 that will let you do this. You should even be able to find one that plugs in via USB for a bit more.
Related ressources:
- Forum2 Different Video Cards in PCI-E Slots?
- ForumMultiple but different video cards for multiple monitors?
- ForumDrivers for 2 different video cards
- ForumNeed to play 5 videos on 5 different video cards using 1 computer.
- ForumPhysx set-up 2 different cards
- Forum4 different video cards , same price, which is the best?
- ForumTriple Monitor Setup w/ 2 video cards
- ForumQuestion about Tripple Display Setup and Video cards
- ForumNo video /POST, beeps before GPU, tried w. 2 different GPUs verified to
- Forum3 Monitor setup - do I need 2 identical graphics cards
- Forum1Gb vs 2Gb graphics
- Forumjust curious - anyone know the names of the NEXT load of gfx cards...?
- ForumCan I update GPU but not RAM/CPU/Mobo?
- ForumCompact cases and Graphics Cards
- Forummulti monitor card recommendation
- More resources
Read discussions in other Graphics & Displays categories
!
