multiple graphics cards

[jtz79]

hi,
sorry if this was asked, i trawled the internet for a while and wasn't able to get a clear answer. I did multiple card setups, but in AGP / PCI age.

I have an Asus P8Z68-V LX and a MSI GTX460 cyclone, intel core i3 2100 and 16gb ram. Great combo, however i recently finally used the mini-HDMI out and discovered that no matter what setting i use, i can't have 2 monitors + LCD TV connected - only 2 at a time. Not too happy, especially that Windows is dumb and every time i switch from 2nd monitor to the TV, all my icons get screwed.

So i want an additional graphics card, just for the TV.
2 options as I see it : Nvidia + Intel i3 onboard graphics. Not keen on that one since it will use onboard ram. (I know, I know. I don't like sharing my RAM!)

The second option and far more likeable is add an additional, cheapo graphics card on the second PCIe slot. Something like the cheapest NVidias - the 210 or something like that.
Question is - will it hurt 3d performance of my main card? Drivers should be ok ?

 

[Tonester0011]

Just use the IGP, if you for some reason feel the performance hit (if there will even be one) is too much, then come back and buy the cheapest card for a second monitor.

 

[jtz79]

Does the IGP do audio over HDMI ? this HDMI will go out to a proper 7.1 amp. I enabled it, and I can configure the 3rd monitor -TV - but no audio options... neither does a new unknown audio device pop up. Driver issue / not installed?

 

[MeMeMeMe]

You have 16GB of RAM and you're worried about the iGP using RAM? I cant see that being an issue at all.

The Intel iGP should do audio over HDMI. In any case, you have the hardware now, you can test it with just the addition of the hdmi cable before trying a new graphic card.

 

[jtz79]

[edit]

I got the HDMI audio. I was using a discreet sound card too (SB Audigy) and had the onboard disabled. For some reason, it has to be enabled. :s