[janelled]

I'm getting into web and image design and would really appreciate a third monitor. I have a 24" and a 19" running side by side, but I was thinking about purchasing two 1600x1200 monitors for side panels to match the vertical resolution of my 24".

What would be the best way to accomplish this goal? My video card only has two outputs, and I have a single PCIx16 slot on this motherboard.

Assuming I'd have to upgrade, what are my options? I need to be able to game on the 24", so sacrificing power for utility isn't an option. However, the two side monitors will only be running browsers, FTP clients, or non-graphically intensive applications of a similar nature.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[Renekal]

Might be easiest to just buy an sli mobo and another of whatever gpu you have

[janelled]

Aye, I understand that's an option, but its either you run SLI or you keep the two cards unlinked for the extra monitors. Can you run two non-matching cards as long as you don't SLI? I could just get a nice cheap one, I suppose.

[Fozzik]

I'm pretty sure you can run two unmatched cards... only I would worry a little about driver conflicts (especially if one is ATI and one is Nvidia). The problem is deciding what slot to use and how much to spend. I would say make it two cards from the same GPU manufacturer, and spend the minimum amount possible on the second card (find a plain old PCI card if you can, then you wouldn't have to change motherboards).

If your current card is an Nvidia one... here's a possibility without having to change your mobo -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133234

The only other thing to be concerned with is power... if you get a second card that requires a power plug, you should make sure your current power supply can handle the load.

I think the biggest hurdle you're going to run into overall is the software/drivers. With three monitors, I'm guessing that with either ATI or Nvidia you're going to run into some really silly software glitches and strangeness. It has been a long time since I've played with multi-monitor setups, though...so things may have improved.

[WaterBug]

Since you are not going to be using graphics intensive applications on your third monitor I would recommend a USB to VGA adapter. I have a co-worker that uses three monitors with his laptop while he's here in the office.

Here is a link to an article at Toms Hardware
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...-usb,1054.html

And here is a link to some devices and pricing:
http://www.nextag.com/usb-to-vga-adapter/search-html

I think this is probably the cheapest and easiest route you could take in finding a soulution to your problem.

[Renekal]

well that's pretty awesome.

[Nassir]

pick up a matrox box triple head...all 3 monitors well display the same on an ultra wide screen format..

sadly this is like near the bottom of my list for upgrades and projects..

watercooling..
Blue ray..
install the evga 780i mobo and buy a new 45nm quad once they go down in price go down(when i7 are release cross finger)..

are my next 3..

[rabb1t]

You really don't need liquid unless you are an extreme OCer. Knocking that off the list would likely free up the monies to do everything else that's left on the list.

I'd advise against Blu-ray for PC right now. There have been a few reports of people having issues running disks, and it really just gimps too many of the benefits if you ask me. (You are watching on a small screen, you have audio that isn't as high as it could be, etc.) Better off leaving Blu-ray in the living room if ya ask me.