Can I use 2 monitors and 2 Graphic cards on one PC?

Question

My primary Card is Nvidia GeForce MX400+Viewsonic A90F+

The secondary Card is SiS 5598/6326+Compaq MV720

So what kind of software do I need to have, or switch between my monitors?
When I boot up the Compaq turns on and shows the boot screen....
then Windows pops up "welcome" on the Viewsonic, which seems kinda strange.
Any Advice?

Ok like Usual I figured it out before I could check back for answers on here...
Nvidia is AGP with up to date drivers
SiS was recognized by Windows XP
and I set up the res, and Hz and checked the
"use this device as my primary monitor"
and Bingo Bango,
This will work Great when I'm reading a PDF
and trying to do other things at the same time

Answer 1

You absolutely can use two monitors. Your Nvidia card is AGP and your SiS card is PCI so they'll both physically plug into the computer. You have to load the correct software drivers for each card. Windows should automatically do so for the Nvidia card, you'll have to do so manually for the SiS. Ideally you should use the CD that came with it to load the drivers. if you don't have the CD you'll have to do some internet searching, but you should be able to find and download them.

Once both cards have the correct drivers loaded, right-click on the desktop background and select "properties". Click on the "Settings" tab. You should see both monitors, the secondary one will be grayed out. Click on your primary monitor and select the checkbox that says "Use this device as the primary monitor". Click on the secondary grayed-out one and select the check box that says "Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor". Now you simply need to adjust each ones resolution in this dialog box, and you can move their position relative to each other to reflect how you have them physically set up.

FYI the BIOS info that appears while booting may show on the secondary monitor, its no big deal.

Answer 2

It should work on XP.

The only problem might be if the video drivers for each card do not play nicely together.

Make sure you have the latest drivers for each, then go into the Display Properties to enable both displays and set the correct resolutions etc.

On Vista you officially have to have the same video chipset manufacturer. Probably to ensure that the drivers do not clash.

Answer 3

Why would you want to use two graphics cards? Just use one that has dual output and connect the monitors to that one card. Then you can setup dual-display in windows settings.

Your motherboard may not have more than one AGP/PCI Express port to support another graphics card.

Answer 4

Yes. Go into the video settings and make the appropriate setting changes.

Answer 5

you are able to hookup 2 video exhibit contraptions with the Nvidia 8300gs, yet that card is crap, and the 8400's are 2 i finished donning them in my shop, the 8500's are stable enjoying cards for an extremely low end card for what you elect to do. (NVIDIA)