2nd graphics card for multi monitor

[Abyss]

I am looking to connect 3 monitors to my pc, mainly for internet browsing and e-mails, but the possibility to game would be a small bonus (do any games other than flight sim use 3 monitors?)

I currently have a Geforce 8800 GTS 320mb, and was originally planning to buy a cheap second PCI graphics card (with the 10% off and free delivery offer), however would I be better to buy a similar card to what I already have giving the option for SLI in the future, and enabling decent gaming on the third monitor for now?

I am not a hardcore gamer and rarely play games these days, however I like to be able to pick up the latest game once in a while and it just "work", e.g. I'm about to buy a copy of GRID and the last game I bought was the new GTA.

Thanks!

 

[ACESHIGH]

does SLI support multi monitor now ? it hasnt previously unless it was introduced with the latest drivers.


you could look at the PowerColor ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 "Special Edition" as it has 3x DVI slots.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=56&subid=416

 

[jrwagh333]

no but i belive you can have a setting to use SLi or crossFire and it will turn the other monitors off

 

[Abyss]

I wasn't looking to spend as much as the ATI. I was under the impression that an 8800GS 320MB would be of a similar performance to my current card.

I am not too fussed about SLI not supporting multiple monitors, I was more thinking I could use them without SLI for now to give 3 monitors, however once the pc gets a bit older I could SLI them onto one monitor to keep up with games.

 

[Alpherah]

afaik you cannot SLI the GS and the GTS, if you want SLI in the future you'l have to purchase another G80 GTS .. i think.

 

[Abyss]

Any other thoughts before I place an OcUK order?

 

[MrRoper]

i currently use 3 monitor for gaming using a neat little util called Softth. (do a search for it). this is freeware and means you dont need to purchase expensive hardware (TH2GO)

I am well into my driving games and three monitors just makes it so much better

Also FPS are great in 3 monitor setup

the 2nd card does no rendering so it doesnt need to be powerful, all the rendering is done to the primary card.

I have a 8600 and a gtx 280 in my system and it all works great. (here is a quick vid for you )