2 GPU's + 1 Display

[Darkbluesky]

Hello

I am doing a setup with two GPUs and I have a doubt. I have two monitors, one for gaming and 3D (3D Vision), Samsung 2233RZ, and other for photography retouching and 'serious' image editing, a DELL U2413.

I have a GTX580, which has satisfied me until now (and still), even with 3D Vision. I mean I want to keep it.

In order to take advantage of the U2413 10-bit support (main reason to buy it), I got a Quadro K620, which, together with Photoshop in 30-bit mode, gives the smooth gradients I was looking for.

The nvidia drivers overwrite themselves a bit, but they work well.

Right now I have connected the U2413:
- From GTX DP to U2413 DP
- From Quadro DP to U2413 miniDP

The Samsung 2233RZ is now connected:
- From GTX first DVI-D port to DVI-D.

That works ok. When I need 10-bit (U2413), I use the miniDP, and if I want the GTX in the U2413 (gaming, etc), I use DP input. No problem.

If I want to see DirectX 3DVision, I change to 'only projector' (Win+P), and that's it. I have a single monitor for 3DVision or whatever.

Note: I don't intend to have both monitors 'on' at the same time: I have them back to back on a rotatory disc.

My doubt is that, in order to take advantage of the 3D Vision for OPENGL (which the Quadro allows), I would like to connect the 2233RZ also to the Quadro by DVI-D, and then by choosing the input be able to use DirectX or OpenGL 3DVision.

The problem is that the 2233RZ only has one single DVI-D connector (and no other type of input).

I have a splitter DVI-D cable, and in fact I could connect both GPUs to the single DVI-D input, but would that work? I'm afraid of frying something...

If not, do you know some solution? I would prefer not to use a switch, but if I have to, then I would like a switch that could be switched by software (through an usb cable for example).

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Armenius]

I would use a switch just to avoid any possible issues. I don't think you would fry anything, but I don't think that the drivers would be able to handle two different video cards plugged into the same monitor via the same input.

I would try it this way:

1. Plug it into just one card first
2. Disable the monitor in the Manage displays section of the NVIDIA driver control panel
3. Plug into other card
4. If monitor appears, enable it if disabled
5. Check if any duplicate monitors appear

I really don't think you would risk any physical damage doing it this way with the split cable.

 

[Darkbluesky]

Hi,

I tested, and in fact with both GPUs connected it shows in Nv cp, under each gpu, so I can enable/disable as wish. It goes on, and shows the desktop (under one gpu is disable, while enabled in the other or viceversa), but it shows some interferences (thin and irregular horizontal red lines, in some area of the screen). So as you said, I have not fried it, but still there is some interference between the two signals (even if the monitor is disabled in one GPU), what a pity! because it was very convenient and extremely easy to see / activate it in Nv cp...

I guess I should disable the entire GPU in device manager, in order to see it ok. Or to get an external switch. But it seems I can't find a switch with software to switch it.

 

[icor1031]

OP:

's does not mean plural!

 

[Armenius]

Hi,

I tested, and in fact with both GPUs connected it shows in Nv cp, under each gpu, so I can enable/disable as wish. It goes on, and shows the desktop (under one gpu is disable, while enabled in the other or viceversa), but it shows some interferences (thin and irregular horizontal red lines, in some area of the screen). So as you said, I have not fried it, but still there is some interference between the two signals (even if the monitor is disabled in one GPU), what a pity! because it was very convenient and extremely easy to see / activate it in Nv cp...

I guess I should disable the entire GPU in device manager, in order to see it ok. Or to get an external switch. But it seems I can't find a switch with software to switch it.

This is probably an artifact of sharing the bandwidth of the cable. An external switch would probably be best since you want to use 3D.