install 2 different video cards in same PC?

[xappie]

Hi all

I can't believe I don't know the answer... but can I install 2 different video cards in the same computer, and then switch back and forth between them by moving the monitor cable?

Right now I have a 2900 pro, and I want to get an HD 3450 JUST for HW accelerated HD-DVD and blu-ray playback. I will keep the 2900 installed for gaming. Will this work? Can I simply install the second card in a free PCIE slot and connect the monitor cable to whichever video card I want to use? I use Cyberlink PDVD for watching my HD and DVD movies.

 

[Lone_Star_Lynch]

I'm pretty sure you can, but you obviously don't want to put in any crossfire bridge or anything. I've never done it before so don't take my word 100% on it.

 

[DrStrangeBrew]

I want to get an HD 3450 JUST for HW accelerated HD-DVD and blu-ray playback. I will keep the 2900 installed for gaming. Will this work?

IDK if it will work to be honest w/driver interrupts, but it sounds backwards. Ditch the 2900 b/c it's less capable for gaming, & use a new card that (ex: 3850!!!) has greater performance & decode... I'm not familiar with any of the newest cards supporting BluRay tho

I think if you're after HD-DVD, go w/one of the Toshiba HD-A3s (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A3-720p-1080i-Player/dp/B000U62N1S) for <$125, and you won't be tied to a HTPC either

 

[xappie]

IDK if it will work to be honest w/driver interrupts, but it sounds backwards. Ditch the 2900 b/c it's less capable for gaming, & use a new card that (ex: 3850!!!) has greater performance & decode... I'm not familiar with any of the newest cards supporting BluRay tho

I think if you're after HD-DVD, go w/one of the Toshiba HD-A3s (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A3-720p-1080i-Player/dp/B000U62N1S) for <$125, and you won't be tied to a HTPC either

Those are all good tips, but I am perfectly happy with my 2900 for gaming and the 3450 is only 50 bucks. So... I'd really like to know if this will work before I buy it.

 

[FrgMstr]

Yes, you can put as many video cards in as will fit. Sometimes they are picking about how you load drivers, but I have used multiple cards for years. You can mix ATI and NVIDIA as well.

 

[FrgMstr]

Have you ever done something similar to what I am trying to do? Basically I will use the 2900 for everyday use and gaming, and switch to the 3450 when I want to watch HD movies. Can I do this just by changing which card the monitor cable is attached to?

Thanks for everyones help!

So you want to use the same monitor for two cards, one to game one to run HD? Yes, it is possible to do that, but you are going to have to reconfigure the video card output for the monitor evey time you want to do that. I dont think this would be a good solution.

Let me ask you this, do you have not have enough CPU power to run the HD video that you want to see?

 

[Oh4Sh0]

IDK if it will work to be honest w/driver interrupts, but it sounds backwards. Ditch the 2900 b/c it's less capable for gaming, & use a new card that (ex: 3850!!!) has greater performance & decode... I'm not familiar with any of the newest cards supporting BluRay tho

I think if you're after HD-DVD, go w/one of the Toshiba HD-A3s (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-HD-A3-720p-1080i-Player/dp/B000U62N1S) for <$125, and you won't be tied to a HTPC either

did you just call the 2900 less capable for gaming than the 3850?

 

[xappie]

did you just call the 2900 less capable for gaming than the 3850?

Doesn't matter because I am talking about 3450 here, not 3850.

 

[xappie]

Bump.... still interested if anyone has any experience doing what I want to do...