Two graphic cards at the same time?

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by ddoctor, Apr 17, 2017.

  1. ddoctor

    ddoctor Kapellmeister

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    Not sli or crossfire, but driving one monitor each; I have just ordered a new mb (sabertooth 990fx) because of sata iii connectors, but since it has many pci-e x16 slots, and I have another card from before, I thought it might boost performance of the computer (fx-6100); the cards are radeon hd 6450 and radeon hd 5450; the problem I have and wish solved is this; with just the 6450 card - when firefox is opened on my main monitor with some tabs that use graphics and my secondary monitor is playing hd video, the video is stuttering; it doesn't stutter when only one monitor is being used no matter what the combination of software... Any help is wellcome!
     
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  3. junh1024

    junh1024 Rock Star

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    I... don't think that's possible.

    What app do you use to play video? Video details? (codec, res, br, etc)
     
  4. ddoctor

    ddoctor Kapellmeister

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    Here's a guy who says he's tried it and it should be possible:
     
  5. Demon

    Demon Producer

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    I have two graphics cards. They're exactly the same model. One drives 2 screens, the other drives 1 screen. never had a problem.

    I agree that more info on the video (is it on any video file), video player, codec, etc could help. There is also a chance that the hardware is simply not compatible? I remember that the guy who engineered my machine said that some combinations of different graphic cards are possible, but they had to have some specific thing / compatibility in common - sorry, I don't remember more. I'm not a big techie, hence why I get someone to build them for me :p

    Anyway, would you have more details please? Maybe someone here can help.
     
  6. ddoctor

    ddoctor Kapellmeister

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    The player I use is mpc from k-lite, and it has problems with all video files. Also tv through a tv card. But that is not relevant; the graphic card is simply weak, so I thought... these two cards are similar; they use the same driver etc. I will try it and report - promise. There is no other way to know anyway. Demon you are always helpful - thanks! - your reply will make me try it out of spite!
     
  7. ddoctor

    ddoctor Kapellmeister

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    Btw, I didn't try two cards - new mb is yet to arrive! I am asking for input on 'should I try it at all?', the stuttering is because of the weakness of the cheap graphics; but I don't want much heat in my case; the cpu is oc'ed and I can't stand videogames anyway - the only thing I need from the graphics is to run two monitors simultaneously.
     
  8. Demon

    Demon Producer

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    All good mate... Have you tried a process of elimination?
    - try the same file with a different player (i.e. native software, VLC, WMP, Films&TV, etc)
    - try a different file with the same player (different formats i.e. mkv, avi, mov, mp4, etc)
    - try running the video player natively on each screen (believe me, it sounds stupid, but I have found this to be different)
    - try running the software as an administrator (again, stupid, but sometimes works)

    I am no expert, but something tells me it could be a codec thing..
     
  9. Matt777

    Matt777 Rock Star

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    2 cards driving 2 monitors.. short: I think you can. But I would advice against it - it can give you headache. And I don't know why would such setup give you any performance boost. I was working on a system /w 2 Tesla cards (only for calc.) but it was the 3rd - Quadro driving the monitors. Even setups like this are mainly for 3d renderings..
    I would agree with these. Recently I downloaded a video from YT: Robin Schulz - Sugar (feat. Francesco Yates) mkv@1080p. It stutters in VLC. Tried xx different settings. And VLC usually.. just works. Then I downloaded PotPlayer (was an advice) and yp, it plays smoothly.

    Good luck with your setup :wink:
     
  10. ddoctor

    ddoctor Kapellmeister

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    The stuttering is constant not related to certain videos; but it can get better if I let it 'buffer up' - it is without a doubt caused by weak graphics.
    Why wouldn't it? each would use all its power to process what is on the screen; but how would windows organize this - I am not sure... I have hardware acceleration and rendering enabled wherever possible - it doesn't make much of a difference compared to software rendering; it would appear the graphics cannot handle two monitors regardless of rendering; or maybe my cpu is also too slow. Like I said - I will try it and report what happens!
     
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