Cheapest quad-monitor GPU

[kemperkipie]

Hi,

I'm looking for a cheap GPU that supports at least 4 displays. Currently the computer has 3 monitors connected (all Full HD) to it's iGPU (Intel Haswell) using:
- VGA
- Display port
- DVI-D
It is a pre-build system with a cheap motherboard which I don't think it supports monitor sharing with a GPU or something. But I'm not sure about this.

One of the monitors will be replaced by two new monitors (because it is 27" inch and makes place for two 22" ones). Which means I need a GPU that supports 1 DP output, one DVI-D output, and two extra outputs (possbile to select monitors based on what ports are left). And of course it's possible to get some converters, but ideally the GPU has the correct ports.

Now I've looked into some GPU's, but the cheapest I found that even has 4 ports, is Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 OC Low Profile 2G. But I want to know if there are any good alternatives.

TL;DR
What is the cheapest GPU that supports 4 or more monitors?

 

[WildCard999]

I think that Gigabyte is going to be your best bet.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB Windforce OC Video Card ($144.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $144.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-07 14:45 EST-0500

 

[geofelt]

Can you identify the motherboard?
CPU-Z will tell you.
Look in the bios options for your motherboard.
Look and see if there is any option to select a integrated or discrete gpu adapter.
If some such option exists, you may do ok with a much cheaper add in card.

 

[kemperkipie]

Thanks for the quick answers!

Can you identify the motherboard?

Not at the moment, I don't have access to this computer all the time. I might be able to check it somewhere next week. But if possible, I will check.

Am I right that if it supports is, pretty much any GPU will work because it only needs to run the extra monitor? And if it does not work, my cheapest option is the GTX1050?

 

[geofelt]

What will this pc be primarily used for?

While a GTX1050 may have 4 or 5 output ports, I think there may be a limitation to three simultaneous active monitors.
I was unable to confirm this.

If true, your might want to reconsider your plans.

You might consider a single large 4k monitor instead if it has a displayport connection capability.

 

[dontlistentome]

I think the way it works is if you are using HDMI/VGA/DVI, then you are limited to 3 monitors being supported by that card. If you have a display port ouput on the card, then you can use those three outputs(or any combination of the three) PLUS the display port. So, in effect, a card can support 4 as long as one monitor uses display port.

The next consideration is to find the card that has the combination of outputs you need. For instance, someone might need 3 HDMI outputs plus 1 display port output. Then you need to make sure the card supports the resolution/refresh rate you need with that output. If you want to run a high refresh rate, out of VGA, HDMI , DVI, and display port outputs a card has it's not guaranteed that all outputs will support the same refresh rates.

 

[kemperkipie]

Thanks for the replies!

What will this pc be primarily used for?

The computer is used for standard office applications, but also runs two flatscreens (on the wall) that constantly display security footage. Currently the system is used with one monitor for actual working, and the other two to display the said footage, but we want to upgrade to two monitors to work on, making it a total of four monitors.

I think the way it works is if you are using HDMI/VGA/DVI, then you are limited to 3 monitors being supported by that card. If you have a display port ouput on the card, then you can use those three outputs(or any combination of the three) PLUS the display port. So, in effect, a card can support 4 as long as one monitor uses display port.

The flatscreens do support DP input, and one is actually connected through DP as we speak, so it should work with the theory you mention.

The next consideration is to find the card that has the combination of outputs you need. For instance, someone might need 3 HDMI outputs plus 1 display port output. Then you need to make sure the card supports the resolution/refresh rate you need with that output. If you want to run a high refresh rate, out of VGA, HDMI , DVI, and display port outputs a card has it's not guaranteed that all outputs will support the same refresh rates.

Currently the two flatscreens are connected, one by HDMI and one by Display Port. The current monitor on the desk will be replaced, so the new monitors should have the connection options that the GPU supports. When I look at the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 OC 2G, which has 3 HDMI-ports, 1 DVI port and 1 DisplayPort, the new monitors should have either 2 HDMI, or 1 HDMI and 1 DVI. What would be my safest pick?

 

[geofelt]

Safest is the monitor that supports 1 HDMI and 1 DVI.
That way you have options if the graphics card you want includes dvi.
OTOH, DVI is going away in favor of HDMI. And displayport is preferred for larger resolution monitors.

Have you considered buying a single larger monitor for desktop work.
That allows you to seamlessly size windows you are working on.
Here is a 34" 2560 x 1080 monitor.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP5W93684

I use a 40" Philips 4k monitor which is attached via DP. Here is the curved version:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2F86M98664

 

[Mark RM]

For office systems I've been either; daisy chaining display port monitors with Multi-Stream Transport (preferable) or using simple USB 3 to HDMI connectors (they work just fine for office work)

 

[kemperkipie]

Have you considered buying a single larger monitor for desktop work.

Yes, but it is not what we seek, unfortunately.

Safest is the monitor that supports 1 HDMI and 1 DVI.

I think I'm going to go with this, just to be sure.

For office systems I've been either; daisy chaining display port monitors with Multi-Stream Transport (preferable) or using simple USB 3 to HDMI connectors (they work just fine for office work)

Although the flatscreens support DisplayPort input, they do not support DaisyChain. But it still means I have to get a GPU that supports it, since Integrated Intel does support more than three monitors (According to Intel ARK).