Multi-monitor (4-5) Through USB Requirements?

[traderjoel]

Hope this is the right place to ask. I'm about to buy a new pre-built desktop and trying to get a 4 or 5 screen setup. If I stick with the integrated graphics card and use a USB converter for the additional monitors, would the integrated graphics be enough or would I need to get a new video card anyway? Would it even be affected by the graphics card if the monitors are plugged in via USB? I am worried about potential performance/speed issues. I'm not going to be watching movies or playing games. Just focused mainly on day trading software which isn't really graphically intensive. Would something like an i5 3570, 8GB ram, along with that Intel HD Graphics be sufficient?

 

[bigshootr8]

I would recommend if you purchase a computer that you get one with a graphics card that or a computer with ample power to support one. I have a feeling that pairing up that many screens to integrated would present a problem. Do you have a computer in mind?

 

[unksol]

No. USB GPUs use the CPU to run the video, not the GPU. They would also cost way more than buying a GPU.

This card will run 3 and you can run the other 2 of the integrated GPU.

www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102960

 

[bigshootr8]

I wouldn't link graphic cards till he supplies more information and you supplied a low profile card which may not be compatible with his computer.

 

[unksol]

I wouldn't link graphic cards till he supplies more information and you supplied a low profile card which may not be compatible with his computer.

Right.... Its a low profile card... That uses almost no power. It is therefore compatible with any computer that has pcie and two back slots... even slim form factor ones. I.e. everything but proprietary PCs that don't except GPUs at all.

It fits just fine in a normal case just like all low profile cards... Its not exactly hard to put something small in a bigger space

 

[traderjoel]

I have nothing specific in mind. But something along the lines of:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883255196

But if running additional displays off USB is reliant on processor power, how well would an i5 3570 hold up? I'm aiming mainly for 1280x1024 resolutions. Should I be considering an i7 in my situation?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113217

Price difference of about 100 isn't too bad but don't want to go the extra yard if not necessary.

 

[bigshootr8]

Yea but then you need to explain to him that he needs to buy an profile changer for the card if in the event his case expansion slots are full size.

Until you know his computer has low profile expansion slots you should hold off onto that recommendation.

 

[bigshootr8]

The gateway will provide you with a better graphic experience. You will get Intel 4000 graphics versus the 2500 you get with the 3570. And you also have the ability to pair up a full size card in that situation. Something like a 610 would be able to do the trick if you wanted all HDMI you could get DVI to HDMI adapters.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130788


Review of the Desktop
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2407203,00.asp