Low profile GPU for three screens

[Amraam]

Need a cheap low profile GPU that will allow 3 screens. Typically, we use nVidia 210s, but despite having three ports, it only allows 2 connections at once. The member of staff needs three separate displays. It's for office use, no gaming etc. whatsoever.

Failing that, I can just use a USB to VGA adapter for one? I'd rather go the dedicated GPU route though.

Thanks,

 

[Armageus]

Can you not use onboard graphics in addition to the 210?

USB->VGA adapters tend to be a bit poor, so I would avoid if possible.

What PC is this for? (or what motherboard if self built)

 

[Amraam]

Can you not use onboard graphics in addition to the 210?

USB->VGA adapters tend to be a bit poor, so I would avoid if possible.

What PC is this for? (or what motherboard if self built)

It's just a standard Dell 3020 which I believe don't allow you to use a dedicated card and motherboard display adapter simultaneously.

 

[Armageus]

It's just a standard Dell 3020 which I believe don't allow you to use a dedicated card and motherboard display adapter simultaneously.

Seems to be conflicted information floating around - some say it doesn't have the "Enable Multi Display" bios option and other people including a Dell Rep saying it does (about half way down in following link):
https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/539289-dell-optiplex-3020-getting-multiple-monitors-to-work

Short of actually installing a graphics card and trying, no way of knowing.

The issue with low profile cards, is that generally they only use low end GPUs (e.g. AMD R240 etc, or NV GT720), which don't physically have the hardware to drive 3 separate displays.

Whilst you can get some professional level cards e.g. AMD Firepro or NVIDIA quadro (e.g. something like: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/amd-...ics-card-2gb-gddr5-512-shaders-gx-020-am.html) for the cost of them, you are likely better off replacing with a machine that will take a full size graphics card.

 

[Amraam]

Seems to be conflicted information floating around - some say it doesn't have the "Enable Multi Display" bios option and other people including a Dell Rep saying it does (about half way down in following link):
https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/539289-dell-optiplex-3020-getting-multiple-monitors-to-work

Short of actually installing a graphics card and trying, no way of knowing.

The issue with low profile cards, is that generally they only use low end GPUs (e.g. AMD R240 etc, or NV GT720), which don't physically have the hardware to drive 3 separate displays.

Whilst you can get some professional level cards e.g. AMD Firepro or NVIDIA quadro (e.g. something like: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/amd-...ics-card-2gb-gddr5-512-shaders-gx-020-am.html) for the cost of them, you are likely better off replacing with a machine that will take a full size graphics card.

I've just checked a 3020 spare in the room and under the display option, it only has Auto or Intel HD. There is no option in any of the BIOS options that suggests it supports having two display adaptors at the same time.

EDIT: My bad, found it. Will test it! Cheers.

 

[Armageus]

May also be worth updating the BIOS, as at least one of the releases mentions a "Primary Display" related option (and there were several newer versions than that):
http://www.dell.com/support/home/uk...oductCode=optiplex-3020-desktop&categoryId=BI

 

[beany_bot]

I found it a right PITA trying to get onbaord to work as well as GPU for 3 screens.

 

[pingu666]

you could try to find something with display port, which in theory allows chaining somehow?

 

[Hotwired]

What do you mean by cheap.

You can get a 750Ti low profile which requires two slots and can support up to 4 displays for around £100.

 

[Amraam]

What do you mean by cheap.

You can get a 750Ti low profile which requires two slots and can support up to 4 displays for around £100.

It's in a school so would have had to be half that ha.

I've got it sorted now using the build in multi display feature.

Thanks all!