2 GPU's but No crossfire.

[ANANPOWERS]

Hey, I have a MSI H97 gaming 3 motherboard.
I currently have a Radeon R9 290.
I know there is another 4x Port on the motherboard.
If I Run it in crossfire I know it will Slow the other Card Down.
But if I don't connect them with crossfire, Can I Run One Card for gaming and other related stuff and have the other Card for other things?
And if yes, will the second Card be slower?
Thanks in advance

 

[maxwellmelon]

you actually have two 16x slots on your motherboard

crossfire splits the load up so slow it down is not very likely unless your trying to crossfire a lot older card with it.(of course you don't mention what you plan on using as your second card)

"But if I don't connect them with crossfire, Can I Run One Card for gaming and other related stuff and have the other Card for other things?" if you don't run in cross fire the only way the second card will be used if you plug a second monitor into it.