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NVIDIA Surround + SLI Question

Tags:
  • Graphics Cards
  • Configuration
  • SLI
  • Monitors
  • Graphics
  • Product
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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April 13, 2011 10:29:47 PM

I'm looking into a high-end 3 monitor Surround + SLI configuration for my new rig. I'm not familiar with using multiple monitors in an SLI configuration, so I had a few questions.

1) Do all 3 monitors need to be plugged into the same graphics card? Does it matter which of the graphics cards it is? If the SLI configuration consists of 3 GPU's, is it better to assign each monitor to a different card?

2) I'm thinking about using 3x LED Cinema Displays, which connect via Mini DisplayPort. I may be looking at a dual GTX 590 configuration. Those cards have one Mini DisplayPort connection each, which means I'd need to purchase a converter box for one of the displays. Going along with the previous question, is it possible to assign one monitor to one Mini DisplayPort on each of the cards, and use a converter box for the 3rd display on the first card? (First GTX 590: 1x Mini DisplayPort and 1x DVI used. Second GTX 590: 1x Mini DisplayPort used)

3) For a resolution of 7680 by 1440, what would be the best graphics solution for top notch settings? My budget is flexible, but of course saving money on unnecessary things is always good. I was looking into either 2x GTX 590's, or 2/3 GTX 580's. Aiming for the most quietest and coolest configuration.


Thanks for your time!

More about : nvidia surround sli question

a b U Graphics card
a b C Monitor
April 13, 2011 11:00:03 PM

If you're looking at Cinema displays, AMD 69XXs seems to be your ideal choice, you don't even need an adapter for eyfinity.Performance wise, 2HD6970's is on par with 2 580s, and 3 6870s/6990+6970 tend to be slightly better than even 590SLI.

But if you want Nvidia, surround is pretty east to setup, just plug in 3 monitors in any configuration, with each card limited to 2 monitors.

IMO your best option would be a 6970 tri-fire (either with 3 6870s, or 6990OC+6970, depending on your Mobo and budget). However if you really want to cheap out, unlocking 6950s for trifire is an doable option too.
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April 13, 2011 11:11:51 PM

Thanks for the reply Timop!

As much as I would like to go with the 6990 for easier compatibility, the extra noise level keeps steering me away. I'm a nitpicker when it comes to that haha.

Only reason why I mentioned the LED Cinema Display is because I already own one and quite happy with it, so it would be easier for me to pick up 2 more instead of selling the one I own and buying another brand (unless another one is highly recommended over it).

I'm still researching into some multi-monitor benchmarks for the NVIDIA cards to see what would provide the best performance with minimal noise/heat.
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April 13, 2011 11:25:44 PM

I'll have a look!

Gigabyte P67A-UD7
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