Can I use two Graphics cards at once?

[dizietsma99]

I've got an ATI X1950XTX (PCI Express - double headed card) and I need a 3rd graphics output (2 monitors on my desk + a plasma in my living room).

I thought about splitting the second head but I got some advice to chuck in an plain old ATI PCI card (for a 3rd head).

Can Windows handle 3 displays? Can ATI Hydravision control 3 displays? 3 desktops?

Not sure, found some very differing information online. Some people say it works fine (with no proof either way I have no idea) and others say my motherboard will blow up when I turn it on.

I know about nVidia and ATI double plug in cards for gaming like the ATI Cross Fire and so on - I'm not talking about that - just about using two cards both on my motherboard.

Help!
Thanks.

 

[schneiderguy]

yes, that should work fine

 

[duba]

Well that sounds great but where will the options for my 3rd display's resolution and so on be found? I didn't know this was capable of doing this at all!

And most importantly, I'll only be using this 3rd display for 2 things - (and mostly the first) - 1) displaying downloaded media content (movies and tv) and 2) displaying the odd photo slide show - all of this on my plasma which will only accept 1024 x 768 (dedicated PC input).

And all of this will be fine?

Thanks.

 

[duba]

Um. I replied to schneiderguy's post to my original thread.
But it showed up with someone else's name on it (duba).

How did that happen?

 

[dizietsma99]

and again!
I logged out and back in and now it seems to be working.
How weird, huh?

 

[tlhudson69]

I have run a PCI card with PCI-X and AGP. As a mater af fact it was AGP ATI All in wonder 9200 and a pci nvida 4400 mx. Also nvida PCI-X 7900GT.OC plays well with the 4400mx (one FAST and one SLLOOWW) If they have a tv out they are probably new enough to not give ypu a problem I have never had a mobo 'blow up' Only the first card will work or all of them will work. I AM NO EXPERT THIS IS JUST WHAT I HAVE DONE. ps all options for all displays will show up in the same place in display properties under settings the click the monotor you want to change and then click advanced to access ALL settings.