Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of Scott927
Scott927

asked on

Dual video cards (PCI-e/PCI) not working

Hello,

I have a Gateway GT5678 computer with Windows Vista x64. I'm attempting to set up a three monitor display with two video cards. The PCI-e video card is a GeForce 7300 while the PCI card is a GeForce 8400.

I have displays 1/2 plugged in to the 7300 (#1 is DVI, #2 VGA) and I'm attempting to drive the third monitor by the DVI output on the PCI card.

Both cards work independently of each other, but the minute I install them both, only one is detected (typically the PCI-e card). If the PCI-e card is enabled, monitors 1 and 2 operate correctly. If the PCI card is enabled, only monitor 3 operates correctly.

Am I missing something or is there no way to have both PCI-e and PCI working at the same time?

Also, onboard video seems to be disabled anytime either card is plugged in so apparently I can't use that.

Assuming running the two cards at once is not possible, are there ANY options for enabling the third monitor? I want them setup independent of each other so I have three separate work areas, not one large screen.

Thank you for any assistance.
Avatar of Callandor
Callandor
Flag of United States of America image

Have you tried it with a 32-bit OS?  The hardware should work (http://forums.nvidia.com/lofiversion/index.php?t57265.html), but the 64-bit drivers may not.

Matrox makes several multihead video cards: http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/graphics_cards/ - the Parhelia QID may be what you are looking for.
Avatar of Scott927
Scott927

ASKER

Well the 64-bit drivers seem to work, as both cards operate independently of each other. I'm reading that it just may not be possible to operate two video cards on Gateway's motherboard, but I'm hoping that's not the case.

Matrox's Parhelia looks like it only supports three monitors in resolutions up to 1280x1024. Ideally I'd like to operate at 1680x1050. I'll look into some other multihead cards though.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Gary Case
Gary Case
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Thanks! The external USB video card worked like a charm! Went to Fry's where they sell 5 or 6 different models.