cheap non-gaming graphics cards to run 4 monitors (assume 2x cards for 2 monitors each)?

[Kruck]

My current setup is a relatively new MB/CPU, and an ancient graphics card running 2 monitors (business applications, in virtual machines, no gaming and no video editing). For a while I've been considering adding 2 more monitors to have a 2x2 setup, but realize my current card isn't sufficient, and my MB does not support integrated graphics. If I start looking for deals on a low-end graphics card (with the intent of getting 2 matching cards), is there anything I need to know in advance? If I just plug in 2 cards can I expect to get 4 monitors up and running fairly easily, or will only certain cards work that way?

 

[WildCard999]

Yup, just find a card that supports your monitors connection wise and the correct resolutions. Once the card is installed download the newest drivers for it and go into the control center (AMD or Nvidia) and setup the monitors the way you'd prefer.

 

[geofelt]

What is the make/model of your motherboard?
What is your current graphics card?
What inputs can your monitors take?

Normally, it is no problem to use two different graphics cards to support added monitors.

 

[Major_Trouble]

Gigabyte GeForce GT 740 2GB OC Video Card - Price: $ 44.99
Outputs: 2x DVI-I, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA

VisionTek Radeon 7750 SFF 2GB GDDR5 - Price: $ 89.99
Outputs: 4x mini-Displayport (native), or 2x DVI (included adapters) + 2 full size DisplayPort (included adapters)

VisionTek 7750 Eyefinity 6 2GB DDR5 - Price: $ 177.99
Outputs: 6x Mini DisplayPort

 

[Kruck]

What is the make/model of your motherboard?

MSI x99a SLI Plus

What is your current graphics card?

GeForce GTX 550Ti

What inputs can your monitors take?

I have not yet purchased the second two; the two I have now are Asus VN248h-p (~24") with 2x HDMI and 1x VGA. I actually use both HDMI, when I bring my work laptop home it is nice to be able to plug in and have a multi-monitor setup similar to what I use at work, as it helps my productivity.

EDIT: I should probably also note that I am not currently using any of the other card slots, other than the one the existing video card is already in. I also have more PSU than needed, an 850 EVGA

Normally, it is no problem to use two different graphics cards to support added monitors.

 

[Kruck]

Gigabyte GeForce GT 740 2GB OC Video Card - Price: $ 44.99
Outputs: 2x DVI-I, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA

VisionTek Radeon 7750 SFF 2GB GDDR5 - Price: $ 89.99
Outputs: 4x mini-Displayport (native), or 2x DVI (included adapters) + 2 full size DisplayPort (included adapters)

VisionTek 7750 Eyefinity 6 2GB DDR5 - Price: $ 177.99
Outputs: 6x Mini DisplayPort

Thank you- I'll take a closer look at the first two, the third looks more capable and pricier than I need.

 

[geofelt]

Just buy a second card with the two inputs you need.
Here is a GT710 with hdmi , dvi, and vga inputs:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130606

I am not certain if nvidia will use your current driver for a GT710 or if it needs a second different driver.
No matter, windows can handle either.