3 monitor set-up

Just a quick question to make sure this will work before I spend money!

I would like to have 3 monitors running off my PC, and was wondering whether this will actually run, as Windows only seems to show 2 possible monitors in Display Settings.

I have a 26" and 19" monitor currently (1920 x 1200 / 1440 x 900), and i'm looking to add another 19" monitor on the other side with all three connected through DVI-D.

I have two 8800GTX's in SLI. I would just like to know if this if possible with the Windows software, or whether i need 3rd party software, before i spend another £200 on monitor and wall bracket

 

I haven't used SLI so I can't say for sure how that factors in here. But, you can definitely run 3 monitors with Windows, without any third-party software. I think the question here is, can you do this with your two cards which are configured as SLI, or do you need to add another video card to support the third monitor?

My limited knowledge of SLI leads be to believe you can't run more than two monitors, as you are now doing. That's because the two video cards are working together rather than independently. So, I'd guess you may able to run 3 monitors from your two 8800GTX's by disabling SLI and using them as independent cards. I'm assuming you have the option of disabling SLI.

If you do not have the option, then the other option is to add a PCI video card for the third monitor.

Edit: I believe this supports my comments: http://www.techsupportforum.com/har...9217-sli-mobo-2-video-cards-not-sli-mode.html

 

Yes I can stop SLI in BIOS. That's a great link, thanks! It seems i will have to disable bridge, or get third (!) GPU if i want this to work. Regards installing a third card; the 8800 GTX's are big lumps, and my primary card is running an aftermarket cooler (accelero xtreme 8800) which takes up even more space. Tie those two together with X-Fi XtremeGamer (PCI) and I have no space left. Is there such thing as a USB graphics card?

Either that or I buy a soundcard that uses PCI-E to make some room, but now the costs are steadily mounting up!

 

You can also use a USB to VGA adaptor, this will allow you as many additional screens as you have USB sockets. Cost is around $100 for an adaptor and nicely sidesteps those boards that disable the on-board video when an additional card is installed.

 

I've heard that these can only support low resolution screens. Is there any that can support 1440 x 900? I cant seem to find any

EDIT: Forget it, found one!

 

Seems to me like the PCI-E sound card to make room for a PCI video card could be a lower cost option than the USB to VGA adaptor. What about onboard sound? Is that an option?

 

My mobo (P5N32-E SLI PLUS) has no integrated sound, but it did come with a bundled PCI-E sound card although it never worked properly with 5.1, only on stereo. Hence the reason I bought the Creative. Mobo is well within warranty, so I might speak to Asus to get a new part sent out, i can only assume it was faulty from day 1, but it was a great excuse to buy new hardware!

See 'Audio Features' in; http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=1&model=1459&l1=3&l2=11&l3=397

 

I agree, I think I'd pursue replacement under warranty.

 

Many thanks Vet. I'll see what happens when i get a the new part