Dual Monitors on Nvidia

[Teamsreth]

Looking to replace my 4890 1GB with something around the £200 mark. Being very tempted by a 560 of some description.

But, I run two monitors. A Dell u2311h and an old Viewsonic 19inch. The Dell is obviously the main panel, but I use the other for coretemp, and other things. I have read that two monitors wont let the card clock down to 2D clocks. This is going to mean higher power draw, and higher temps.

I can't find a workaround via google, and this issue would put me off Nvidia cards until a fixed driver (although, from what I have read, that's been coming for a couple of years). I do play games, but I do fold, and do other stuff. Having a card at full speed constantly, regardless of task, would be very frustrating.

So I ask the good and the great, any ideas?

[sadbuttrue]

There is no workaround and the problem affects all modern gfx cards, including ATIs latest offerings.

If you run 2 monitors at the same resolution and same refresh rate the clocks should stay low and in power saving mode. Change one of those variables (2 different resolutions or refresh rates) and the clocks will shoot up.

[Terbinator]

Can you not use something like Afterburner and save a 'stock' profile to load up for games and a underclocked one for 2D stuff and just load up the relevant one when needed?

[sadbuttrue]

Afterburners lower limit is not low enough to run a decent 2d underclock. Rivatuner worked perfectly for this tho. Unfortunately it does not support any of the newer graphics cards from either company.

[Terbinator]

Undervolt as well?

I mean, if both companies suffer from it you don't really have a choice from what i can tell?

[Teamsreth]

Ah, wasn't aware ATI/AMD cards suffered from the same thing. Both monitors are different resolutions.

So, I makes little or no difference. I don't think I could get another u2311h past the wife. Nevermind. Will just have to only use one monitor unless gaming, as the card will be at full speed anyway.

Thanks for the replies. Answered my question.