SLI + 3 Monitors

[Spunkyasp]

Hello,

I'm in the middle of building a new PC for myself, and I recently purchased this video card. I'm not sure why it's deactivated now but since I already brought it no need to return it. I am wondering if its possible to run these with SLI and 3 monitors. I have three 24 inch monitors that I would like to hook up to this system. If it is possible, could someone please link me to the drivers or whatever else I would need to run this.


Thanks in advance!

 

[samuelmorris]

It's probably deactivated as I imagine most GTX470s are being withdrawn since they're out of date cards, having been replaced by the vastly superior GTX560Ti.
To run Vision Surround, you'd need two GTX470s. Not a great idea as you'd need at least a 750W PSU (preferably 850W) and the two cards would generate an almost unbearable amount of heat and noise.
Ideally I'd say return the cards and go either for two GTX560Tis ($520), or preferably, two 2GB HD6950s ($580).

 

[Spunkyasp]

It's probably deactivated as I imagine most GTX470s are being withdrawn since they're out of date cards, having been replaced by the vastly superior GTX560Ti.
To run Vision Surround, you'd need two GTX470s. Not a great idea as you'd need at least a 750W PSU (preferably 850W) and the two cards would generate an almost unbearable amount of heat and noise.
Ideally I'd say return the cards and go either for two GTX560Tis ($520), or preferably, two 2GB HD6950s ($580).

I see. If I were to purchase two HD6950's will I be able to run 3 monitors in CrossFire? Also, how come you say they are better than the GTX560 cards? (Not sure which ones to choose.)

One last thing, will it be possible to run separate desktops on one PC while doing business, and turning it into one large screen for gaming?


Thanks again.

 

[der_jackal]

You have a supported card already. Any series 2xx, 4xx or 5xx can be run in SLI with the card you already have to get triple monitors going.

Setup guide isn't just for 3D.
http://nvidia.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nvidia.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2667

ATI only requires a single card, but you have to buy an active Display Port adapter to enable Eyefinity unless you have a DP capable monitor.

 

[Brackle]

You have a supported card already. Any series 2xx, 4xx or 5xx can be run in SLI with the card you already have to get triple monitors going.

Setup guide isn't just for 3D.
http://nvidia.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nvidia.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2667

ATI only requires a single card, but you have to buy an active Display Port adapter to enable Eyefinity unless you have a DP capable monitor.

Or you buy a Sapphire 6950 or 6970 that comes with the Displayport adapter.

Worked great for my eyefinitty setup, and saved me some cash

 

[der_jackal]

Or you buy a Sapphire 6950 or 6970 that comes with the Displayport adapter.

Worked great for my eyefinitty setup, and saved me some cash

*shrugs*

He's already got a single nVidia card, any card from those series will work in SLI mode and support nvSurround. Kinda six of one as either way there's a new card purchase.

 

[tangoseal]

It's probably deactivated as I imagine most GTX470s are being withdrawn since they're out of date cards, having been replaced by the vastly superior GTX560Ti.
To run Vision Surround, you'd need two GTX470s. Not a great idea as you'd need at least a 750W PSU (preferably 850W) and the two cards would generate an almost unbearable amount of heat and noise.
Ideally I'd say return the cards and go either for two GTX560Tis ($520), or preferably, two 2GB HD6950s ($580).

Lets see.....

Im running 4.8ghz / 16GB RAM / 4 1TB Black Edition HDDs / 2x Radeon HD 6970's / a Motherboard / Watercooling pump

On a 650watt Antec with power to spare .... all this and my UPS tells me I pull maybe 450 watts from the wall while gaming, and this ain't no 80 gold psu I'm running.

 

[samuelmorris]

I see. If I were to purchase two HD6950's will I be able to run 3 monitors in CrossFire? Also, how come you say they are better than the GTX560 cards? (Not sure which ones to choose.)

One last thing, will it be possible to run separate desktops on one PC while doing business, and turning it into one large screen for gaming?


Thanks again.

Yes you would, if you buy the 2GB versions. How fast you run depends on what three monitors these are. Three 1680x1050 monitors, no issue, you can probably max a large proportion of current games without too much trouble. Three 1920x1080s or 1920x1200s and you'll have to make some compromises, but it will work reasonably well. Three 2560x1440s or 2560x1600s would be a real struggle though.

Lets see.....

Im running 4.8ghz / 16GB RAM / 4 1TB Black Edition HDDs / 2x Radeon HD 6970's / a Motherboard / Watercooling pump

On a 650watt Antec with power to spare .... all this and my UPS tells me I pull maybe 450 watts from the wall while gaming, and this ain't no 80 gold psu I'm running.

What's your point? GTX470s use more power than HD6970s, considerably more in most cases. You'd have as much room to spare with that setup and two GTX470s on a 750W unit, as you do on your 650W unit.

 

[rjolin01]

My two Palit GTX470 do put out quite alot of heat. But as far as noise I dont think theythat loud. And I currently have them in my Raven case so the exhaust is right on top. Keeps under my desk nice and warm though on these cold Wisconsin nights.