Problem with Second video card under Windows 7

[dehein2]

Hello, i'm experiencing some problems with a second video card under windows 7 (64bit). I'm using a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX (PCI express) with 2 displays for a longer time. I now added a second card: PCI NVIDIA Geforce 6200 with a third display. It's no problem to install the second card as it uses the same drivers as the first one. Im also able to activate the 3rd display and usw it, but im experiencing some sideffects.

1. Sometimes (quite often) the system freezes for about 20 seconds. I can use. STRG+ALT+DEL and the system reacts very slowly for a few seconds. This instantly stops to happen after disabling the 3rd display.
2. Sometimes after changing the the display settings (e.g. position of screens, resolution..) all 3 (or only the 3rd) display turn black and only the mouse pointer is visible... This can also happen if i turn on the 3rd display later than the others or remove the display-cable.
3. Using the 3rd screen is very slow all the time.(e.g.when moving windows or scrolling websites)

I'm using the latest NVIDIA Drivers and windows updates. Does anyone have clue why this is happening?
Thanks a lot

Dennis

 

[stormy13]

dehein2, welcome to the Seven Forums.

This thread here,

http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-cards/81849-help-dual-video-cards.html

should help explain why you are having problems with both cards enabled.

It's no problem to install the second card as it uses the same drivers as the first one.

In XP and Vista before the platform update (added DirectX 11 and WDDM 1.1 support) that would be true, in Windows 7 they are actually using a different driver model; WDDM 1.0 for the 6200, and WDDM 1.1 for the 8800.

 

[dehein2]

Ah ok, thank you.
So i would not have a problem if i get a cheap ATI oder a newer NVIDIA.
Where can i see what Driver a Card uses?

Thanks alot
Dennis

 

[stormy13]

As far as I know there aren't any problems with using an older ATI card with a newer Nvidia card and vice versa, probably more because I don't recall seeing anyone having problems (either due to no problem, or no one is running that combo under 7).

As for which cards would be WDDM 1.0 or 1.1, any DirectX 10 and up card will be 1.1 (ATI HD 2xxx series and up, and Nvidia 8xxx series and up). If you want to keep with Nvidia one of these,

Newegg.com - SPARKLE SFPC84GS512U2LP GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

would be the best option for a 3rd or 4th monitor. Look around, may find it cheaper (used if you can find one cheap enough would do).

 

[dehein2]

ok,
i'm able to get this card in germany. Do you think it matters if its a 256 oder 512MB Card. Do i feel a difference if i only use it as a card for 3rd monitor?

I know its german
256MB Sparkle GeForce 8400GS passiv DDR2 PCIe - Computer Shop - Hardware, Notebook
512MB Sparkle GeForce 8400GS passiv DDR2 PCI - Computer Shop - Hardware, Notebook

 

[dehein2]

ah i just saw the 1st on eis PCIe

 

[dehein2]

ok, i ordered the Sparkle with 512MB, lets hope it works better
Thanks alot
Dennis

 

[jdnewbury]

Any luck with this?

Hi Dennis,

I'm interested to hear the results. I assume no news is good news?

I've got the same mother board with GeForce 8800 GTS running two 22" Samsungs through PCIE x16. Looking to add a tv as the third monitor for media. I guess via a regular PCI slot.

Cheers,

Jason.

 

[dehein2]

Hi,
i've a GeFroce 8800 GTX with 2 Screens and a Geforce 8400GS with 1 screen now.
I don't have a any problems since i changes to this configuration. There is just one little draw back:
The third screen attached to the Geforce 8400GS is not performing as good as the other ones. Meaning scolling in Firefox e.g. is slightly slower. But as im only using it for chat windows e.g. its no problem for me.

Greetings
Dennis

 

[jdnewbury]

[FONT=&quot]with your 880 GTX PCIe x16 and [/FONT][FONT=&quot]8400GS into PCI?

Sorry, just want to double check, I've heard that a PCI and PCIe x16 cards will not work together.

I'll be using the 3rd monitor (HDTV) simply to use windows (and also xbox) media centre.

Thanks again.
[/FONT]

 

[dehein2]

that's correct. The 8800 is a PCIe and the 8400 is a PCI card.

But as i mentioned the performance on the 8400 may be to slow for media center purposes. But i'm not sure if the performance issue is only a problem i have. (I'm using Win7 64bit as OS)

Greetz
Dennis