2 different graphics cards in 1 PC

[mmoore5325]

I am getting ready to purchase an upgraded graphics card, hopefully a 1080. I already have a 970. I do play games and some minor graphics work and programming. I also have 2 monitors and plan on purchasing a 3rd. Would it be reasonable to use my main monitor with the 1080 and use the 970 for the other 2 monitors that will strictly be for watching videos and other random things, while I use the 1080 and monitor for the main stuff?

 

[Mikel_4]

Only slot_1 closest to CPU socket will bring up display, with GTX 1080 you can do triple display as long as the three of 'em have same refresh rate and resolution, I suggest you buy same refresh rate (i.e 60Hz) and resolution (i.e 1920x1080), later you can customize them with nView software www.nvidia.com/object/nview_tutorials.html.
As for your 970 for gaming it won't par with 1080 but can still be used as 3D rendering together with 1080, so I suggest remove it while GTX 1080 installed.
Before you install GTX 1080, use driver removal tool to completely wipe GTX 970 driver, you don't wanna have GTX 970 driver still on windows while GTX 1080 driver also installed.

 

[Dark Falz]

Nah, just use a 2nd output on the new card.

You could keep the 970 for a PHYSX card but I think this is a waste of time IMO.