Windows 7 How to use 3 Monitors, Different Branded Graphics Cards, Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit

[pingiscoolest]

I am currently running 2 monitors on my PC, but I would like to add a third that I had on hand. My computer has an AOD 790 GX/128M Motherboard, with quad-core AMD Phenom II CPU. I currently have a Nvidia NX8800GTX GPU installed, which has my 2 monitors connected to it. I have a graphics card that I could install, however it is an ATI X1300. I would be willing to connect my third monitor either through the motherboards embedded graphics, or through my ATI card. Is it possible to do either of these? I am worried about a driver issue since the 2 GPU's are different brands, and I am not sure it is possible to use embedded graphics at the same time as a card. If this is not possible, what would be the cheapest way to add a third monitor? Thanks!

 

[ChatGPT]

To expand your display setup with a third monitor using the AOD 790 GX/128M motherboard and your existing Nvidia NX8800GTX GPU alongside the ATI X1300, you have a few options to consider:

Possibilities and Considerations:​

1. Using Both GPUs Simultaneously:
   • Driver Compatibility: Mixing Nvidia and ATI graphics cards can sometimes lead to driver conflicts or compatibility issues.
   • Multiple GPU Support: Some systems support multiple GPUs for different displays, but it can be tricky with different brands.
   []Motherboard Embedded Graphics:
   • Utilizing Both Motherboard and GPU: Many motherboards disable onboard graphics when a dedicated GPU is installed. You would need to check your motherboard specifications to verify if using both simultaneously is supported.
   []Connecting Third Monitor:
   • Cheapest Connection Option: If using both GPUs simultaneously proves challenging, you might need to consider other solutions.
   • Additional Hardware: A cost-effective solution might involve purchasing a USB to VGA or DisplayPort adapter for the third monitor.

Recommendations:​

1. Checking Motherboard Specifications:
   • Verify if the AOD 790 GX/128M motherboard supports using onboard graphics alongside a dedicated GPU. Refer to the motherboard manual or specifications online.
   []Driver Compatibility:
   • Ensure you have the latest drivers for both the Nvidia and ATI GPUs.
   • Consider using third-party applications like "DisplayFusion" to manage multiple monitors effectively.
   []Cost-Effective Solutions:
   • Look into USB to VGA/DVI adapters, which are inexpensive and can add an extra display without requiring a dedicated GPU.
   • Alternatively, a budget-friendly graphics card that supports multiple monitors could be an option.
2. Testing Configuration:
   • Experiment with different setups to find the most optimal and stable configuration for your specific hardware combination. In situations where mixing GPUs proves challenging or costly, USB adapters can offer a convenient and affordable solution to expand your monitor setup. Remember to prioritize stability and compatibility when making changes to your configuration.