Multiple Graphics cards

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Wabos

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I currently use an ATI Radeon HD5670 with dual monitors. I am looking to add another monitor (or 2) and have an ATI FireMV 2250 X1 that I am trying to add to a Dell XPS Studio 9100, running Win7-64. I am not having much success at this point. My version of the 5670 does not have a display port output, just DVI, HDMI and VGA so it will only 'drive' 2 monitors.

My question is, should this combination work or should I look in another direction. I am looking to spend as little $$ as possible.

I am not looking to play games, just have multiple screens primarily for programming purposes.

Thanks
 
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bloc97

bloc97

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If it is not for gaming and you have a sufficient space in your computer case (2x PCI-E x16), then it should work perfectly, but don't expect playing games on that since incompatibilities between different config cards will make compatibilities issues. (like it may not allow you to play DirectX11 games since ATI FireMV doesn't support that).

Hope it helps! :)
 
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Wabos

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I really have only 1 PCI-E x16 slot, along with an x8 and x1. I also have 1 PCI slot that is not being used. I understand the gaming limitations of the FireMV but I am not a gamer.
I did download the latest drivers for the FireMV but they were imbedded in a version of Catalyst that the 5670 didn't like.

Wabos
 
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bloc97

bloc97

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An X16 is the same slot than an x8 but at higher speed and bandwidth.

Are you sure there isn't any drivers compatible with both of the graphic cards?
You can always install windows Display drivers (From Windows Update), but they aren't recommended for gamers, since you aren't one, it may be ok.
 
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bloc97

bloc97

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At last resort, you can try to enable your Intergrated On-Board graphics at the same time than your Inserted Dedicated Graphic Card, but the downside is that few motherboard actually supports that.
If it works, you can give me one of your cards. :) (Just joking for the last part)
 
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Wabos

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Windows Update just links to the AMD website :(

The X1 & X8 slots I am referring to a physically different than the X16 slot that the HD 5670 is in. The 2250 X1 card fits in a slot not much bigger than a quarter.

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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The link for the HD 5670 does allow for downloaded just the driver but the 2250 only downloads the entire package :(

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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I am running Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit.

Device manager: ATI FireMV
This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer. (Code 14)

I have restarted the system multiple times, same message.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Device Manager: ATI Radeon HD 5670
Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

This has just started in the last few minutes, previously I was able to disable the 2250, after which the 5670 worked 'normally' until I reset the system after 'playing' with the drivers for the 2250.

Right this minute neither adapter is working correctly.

Wabos
 
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bloc97

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I will talk more about this in-depth tomorrow, but for now, what I can tell you is to download these drivers.

First un-install both of the drivers. And do a driver sweep if needed.

Download this:
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/firemv/Pages/firemv_vista64.aspx (choose option 1 "ATI Control Panel Suite") Then install it.

After that, reboot and install your 5670's drivers.

Reboot again and it should work.
 
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Wabos

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Done, with errors (I will report in detail tomorrow).

The 5670 is now working normally.

Device manager: 2250
Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (Code 38)

Thanks for your help!

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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When I installed/ran the above, I got the following message:

Warning
Setup was unable to find components that can be installed on your current hardware or software configuration.Please make sure you have the required hardware or software.

The 5670 driver installed fine.

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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The card is new but I suppose that doesn't constitute knowing that it works as per this thread. The OS recognizes it but so far none of the drivers have installed. For that matter the 'Auto Detect' software from ATI/AMD doesn't detect either card and the 5670 works fine.

As far as Driver Sweeper, I downloaded it and ran the scan but I am hesitant to remove the dozens of entries it shows. How do I know what to remove and/or leave? Just remove them all and reinstall the most current?

Thanks,

Wabos


 
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Wabos

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Just to clarify my monitor setup.

1. Acer S231HL connected to 5670 via HDMI
2. Acer S231HL connected to 5670 via DVI
3. Acer AL2216W connected to 2250 via DVI

I have yet to get a 'signal' to #3.

Wabos
 
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4745454b

4745454b

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Because you have the 5670 if/when you run Driversweeper you'll lose the drivers for that card. I'd run it and remove everything seeing as you had issues. Pull the 5670 and just try the fire card. Make sure it works before adding the 5670 again.
 
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Wabos

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Good idea. I am heading out for the day but will give this a shot tomorrow.

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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Ok, back again still no luck.

I ran Driver Sweeper and removed all display adapter drivers.

Removed the 5670, installed the latest drivers for the 2250. At that point, I had 2 monitors working just like in the beginning so I am now comfortable in knowing that the 2250 works as advertised.

Reinstalled the 5670, downloaded and installed the latest drivers (Driver Only, not Catalyst). Hooked monitor 3 to the DVI port, rebooted. Now only monitor 3 is 'working' :

Device manager: 2250
Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (Code 38)

No idea what to try next, though I am beginning to think this is just not going to work <g>.

Thanks,

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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No conflicts other than the error noted.

I have only 2 PCIe x1 slots, the one the 2250 is in and my sound card uses the other. The 'fact' that both work fine until I re-installed the 5670 makes me think the slots are fine though I obviously can't solve the problem.

Wabos
 
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Wabos

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Done.

On rebooting after the swap, I get the following error.

ATI Graphics

No ATI Graphics driver is installed. Please install the ATI driver appropriate for your hardware.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Device Manager: 2250
This device cannot work properly until you restart your computer (Code 14)
Restarted twice, same message.

Device Manager: 5670
Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems (Code 43)

Wabos
 
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