Do I need a graphics card or video adapter?

evil-monkey

I currently have two monitors running on my GTX 8800.

I want to run a third monitor (not a clone). To do this do I need to install another gfx card, or will a video adapter card do the trick??

If anyone has any bargain product recommendations to go with their advice, any links would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

uberpixie

evil-monkey wrote: »

I currently have two monitors running on my GTX 8800.

I want to run a third monitor (not a clone). To do this do I need to install another gfx card, or will a video adapter card do the trick??

If anyone has any bargain product recommendations to go with their advice, any links would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

another gfx card will be required.

If you are running Vista it will have to be a Nvidia card to match your current card. The major limitation with Vista is that you can only have 2 gfx cards running at the same time if both are running the same gfx driver.
(so the cheapest card possible or you go buy a new high end Nvidia:D)

Or just buy a 4850 X2 that comes with x4 DVI ports!
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=396368

Make sure you get the 2gig version over the 1 gig if you go this route though.

Grim.

bit expensive nearly be better getting a new card but here it is anyway http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/th2go/

http://www.dabs.ie/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=4QSR&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=matrox&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0

evil-monkey

uberpixie wrote: »

another gfx card will be required.

If you are running Vista it will have to be a Nvidia card to match your current card. The major limitation with Vista is that you can only have 2 gfx cards running at the same time if both are running the same gfx driver.
(so the cheapest card possible or you go buy a new high end Nvidia:D)

I am running Vista, so that limitation will apply. Any recommendations on something nice and cheap??

uberpixie

evil-monkey wrote: »

I am running Vista, so that limitation will apply. Any recommendations on something nice and cheap??

any POS cheap nasty Nvidia card that uses the same driver as your 8800 GTX will do!

Have a look on adverts.ie and see if you can get something really cheap.

cheapest on komplett.ie (example) 8400GS passive for €30
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=438876

peats have a club 3d/gainward 8400gs priced @ €40
(which isn't bad if you are in dublin as you would be paying the same amt as komplett when you add €10 for shipping....)

For what you will be using the card for though: get something cheap 2nd hand for €20 tbh... 6 or a 7 series would do.

EDIT: if you went for an 8400GS you could use it as a dedicated physx card for any game that support it. (if that floats your boat)

Multi card is one of the listed options for physx support: using 2 different cards according to nvidia
http://www.slizone.com/object/sli_cuda_learn.html

evil-monkey

uberpixie wrote: »

cheapest on komplett.ie (example) 8400GS passive for €30
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=438876

Right well that's perfect so. 30 bucks, I've 3 monitors. Will order that card during the week so I will.

Much obliged uberpixie.