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Old computer, graphics card for third monitor

fallbayuk

fallbayuk

fallbayuk

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Joined
7 Nov 2003
Posts
1,057
I've got a fairly old computer that I'm running dual monitors with and I'd like to add a third.

Motherboard is an Asus P7P55D-E LX and current graphics card is an AMD Radeon HD 5800.

It's not used for gaming (unfortunately) so I'm not looking to break the bank on the additional graphics card I need to run the third monitor.

Can anyone recommend an additional graphics card I could use that's up to the job?
 
Looks like the 2nd GPU would need to be a physical PCIE 1x connector or PCI. So that limits you somewhat. An alternative would be a USB to VGA external adapter. Startech are good but probably start a little higher that you're looking to pay.
 
I would definitely replace the current graphics card with one that has three monitor outputs. The problem is that without another MB socket you are really going to notice the speed difference. Even with just the desktop. If you sell that card on ebay and buy a 750ti, which is basically the same, but it does support three monitors ( please check that with the manufacturer of the one you are about to buy ).
 
The AMD 5xxx series was the first one that supported three monitors from a single GPU, so you should be able to run all three from your current card. However, there are limitations due to the GPU design - it can only run two on VGA/DVI/HDMI, the third card must use the DisplayPort (or MiniDisplayPort) output from the card. If one of the monitors you're connecting has a DisplayPort input - yay! If not, then you're looking at an Active DisplayPort adapter, a Passive one won't work.

What monitors are you using, and what inputs and resolutions/refresh rate do they all have, and what outputs do you have on your current card, we'll come up with a plan for connecting them all and see how it compares price-wise to changing your current card?
 
Confused Stu said:
The AMD 5xxx series was the first one that supported three monitors from a single GPU, so you should be able to run all three from your current card. However, there are limitations due to the GPU design - it can only run two on VGA/DVI/HDMI, the third card must use the DisplayPort (or MiniDisplayPort) output from the card. If one of the monitors you're connecting has a DisplayPort input - yay! If not, then you're looking at an Active DisplayPort adapter, a Passive one won't work.

What monitors are you using, and what inputs and resolutions/refresh rate do they all have, and what outputs do you have on your current card, we'll come up with a plan for connecting them all and see how it compares price-wise to changing your current card?
Click to expand...
You're absolutely right, I'm an idiot! You've also explained why I cant get the third monitor to be detected via the HDMI port as monitors 1 + 2 are using DVI.

The card has 2 DVI outputs, 1 HDMI and 1 DisplayPort.

1 DVI is outputting at 1920 x 1200 to the main middle monitor, the other to the second monitor at at 1280 x 1024.

I've been trying to get the third (1280 x 1024) detected via hdmi (using a hdmi > vga adapter) but no joy. I'm guessing I'll just need an active displayport adapter like you mentioned?

Thanks for everyones help btw :)
 
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