Best way to go for multiple monitors on a PC

[hazelnut]

I am new to multiple monitor setups and was wanting some advise please. I'm not a gamer but I am a multitasker with the want to have a different app for different monitors. One to be used for TV watching via a TV tuner card. I am wanting to go from a single monitor setup to a 3 or even 4 monitor setup. What would be the best way for me?... 2 PCIx cards in SLi/Crossfire configuration ..or.. 2 PCIx cards w/o SLI/Crossfire ..or.. is mix n match types possible as in 1 PCIx card and 1 or 2 PCI cards? I appreciate any advise.

[Cara Veteran]

I am new to multiple monitor setups and was wanting some advise please. I'm not a gamer but I am a multitasker with the want to have a different app for different monitors. One to be used for TV watching via a TV tuner card. I am wanting to go from a single monitor setup to a 3 or even 4 monitor setup. What would be the best way for me?... 2 PCIx cards in SLi/Crossfire configuration ..or.. 2 PCIx cards w/o SLI/Crossfire ..or.. is mix n match types possible as in 1 PCIx card and 1 or 2 PCI cards? I appreciate any advise.

Well, it should be relevant to your attempts but my Mac Pro has two PCI Express Graphics Cards in it allowing me to power more monitors than I know what to do with. Each card contains two heads so in theory I should be able to run 4 screens or 2 30-inch Dual-Link DVI monitors off of it and the cards are not SLI, simply just placed in the system.

I'd think that the same should be possible on a PC as well. :)

[hazelnut]

hmmm... ok. Well not quite what I was hoping for from someone but I guess that's better than no responses at all. Thanks

[Rob Veteran]

Perhaps if you clarify exactly what you're looking for we'd be able to help more?

[AgEnTsMiTh]

Get one of the newer video cards that have dual DVI ports. There you have 2 monitors. Want 4 then get another one.

[duritz]

check this link ; nvidia dual mon

apparently once you enable sli on two PCIx dual monitor is diabled but this person found a way to use sli

also...you are going to need to update your power supply

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

Hello hazelnut,

An ATI CrossFire or NVIDIA SLI configuration with 2x PCI-E video cards will allow you to run a single PC with 4 monitors. Both video cards must have dual DVI ports otherwise you'll have to use a DVI to VGA adaptor. You may also want to upgrade your PSU just incase it won't run 4 monitors at the same time. Also, due to the nature of the setup, SLI or CrossFire will be disabled. However, you can click on duritz' link for a possible way to enable SLI with multiple monitors.

[+shift. MVC]

Recommend at least a good 500W PSU maybe even 600W for Low-Mid range SLI.