Adding a second graphics card -PSU question

[Dino_K]

Basically I want to add a second graphics card to handle output to another display, I just want to know if my PSU can handle another card and since I have no idea how this is calculated I figured it'd be best to ask here.

I'm afraid I'll have to stick to naming the products only, since I can't post URL's yet.
PSU: Corsair CMPSU - 750W
Current Graphics card: GeForce GTX 285

New Card: Palit GeForce G 210

If anyone has any suggestions on a better low end GPU I'm all ears, this is the first time I've looked into that end of the market.

If you need anymore information, just ask.

Appretiate the help.

[circuitmonkey]

providing your motherboard has a spare PCI-E x16 slot then sure, your PSU is more then upto the task

even if you don't have a PCI-E x16 slot, you may still be in luck if you have a spare PCI-E x1, or x4 or x8 slot (there are work arounds)

[Ulti]

In terms of power you're definitely covered, I'd question if you even use more than 50% of the 750W at load.

However, I can't really suggest a better low end GPU as I'm not sure how having more than 1 graphics card works for multiple displays.

There are definitely cheaper options than a GT210 such as the HD4350 but I'm not sure if you can run an ATi card with your Nvidia card.

[Dino_K]

The board has all the slots free that I need, I think it'll be fine when it comes to space as well - the GTX 285 is much bigger than the new card I have in mind.

I was just worried that the PSU would not be up to the task, as I've already replaced it when I upgraded my old card (had massive issues with that thing).

Thanks, I guess I can go ahead with the purchase then.

Edit - replying to Ulti: Currently I have 2 displays on my GTX 285, which is the capacity - I don't want a clone display so I can't use a DVI / HDMI dual splitter and the only other option I can forsee is to throw another graphics card to handle the third display (it's a TV opposed to a monitor).

On the ATI / Nvidia note I am pretty certain it is best to stick to one or the other, I'm not fussed about a few pounds here or there

I am fairly certain that I should be able to have 3 displays recognised using this method, though if I'm wrong someone should point it out.

[scaryjim]

Yeah, you should have no problems with a G210 if it's just to run extra desktop space. It'll fit comfortably in either of the black PCIe x16 slots at the bottom of your motherboard, although you may want to put it in the higher one just to ensure it gets enough airflow. As others have said, your current system won't be using half the capacity of your PSU, so no worries on that side either

[circuitmonkey]

funny, I was thinking it would better to put it in the bottom to stop the mobo from splitting the lanes going to the GTX 285. AFAIK the bottom is x4 machanically wired which should be just fine for a 210

[Dino_K]

Just to clarify, I'm not wrong in thinking that I can handle 3 displays using this method, am I?

I'm kind of wondering why I was told I needed a more powerful PSU now, I am fairly certain my old one was 620W, surely that should have been fine?

[circuitmonkey]

3 displays shouldn't be a problem
620W may have been ok, put depending on the make and model it may well have been advisable to upgrade. some of the cheaper nastier PSU's have a nasty habit of failing and taking your other components with it. It's always a good idea to spend a bit extra on a good PSU

[scaryjim]

funny, I was thinking it would better to put it in the bottom to stop the mobo from splitting the lanes going to the GTX 285. AFAIK the bottom is x4 machanically wired which should be just fine for a 210

Hmm, having done some proper research you're quite right, yes I was thrown by the fact that the second PCIe slot is black rather than blue, so I assumed it wouldn't split the lanes *doh*

Just to clarify, I'm not wrong in thinking that I can handle 3 displays using this method, am I?

No, you're not wrong You'll be able to run up to 4 monitors - 2 off each card. You should be able to set it up in the NVidia control panel (that I can never remember the proper name for...)

I'm kind of wondering why I was told I needed a more powerful PSU now, I am fairly certain my old one was 620W, surely that should have been fine?

As long as it was a decent quality 620W PSU you'd've been fine - if it was a budget Q-TEK type model you might have had issues. Who told you you needed a new one?

[Dino_K]

I bought the build from Scan, though to be honest I think it would have been a safer bet to upgrade. I don't think that the old PSU was cheap, though as I say it was a while ago and I don't recall the single price of that PSU.

Thanks for all the help, appretiate it.

[chadders]

I think it was only with Vista that you had to put 2 x nvidia or 2 x ati, for Windows 7 you can mix 'n' match.