Dec 2012-best cards for triple monitor business build

[cuttingsign]

Hello,
after much searching, since cards change so fast I decided to just ask you. I would like to build a non-gaming triple monitor system. I am fine with using a non gr. chipset mobo and multiple low end cards, or use a chipset AND a card. Any advice? if i use 2 cards to run 3 monitors, will they work without using eyefinity?

 

[Guest]

all ivy bridge chipsets (H77 and Z77/75) will run 3 monitor off of the motherboard. if you just need to view apps on a desktop no need to buy a card. just check the specific motherboard specs that there are 3+ outputs.

 

[cuttingsign]

Thanks for the response. I dont think you are correct though...at most two monitors at once, even with three output types.

I am considering a motherboard without GPU set and a couple low end graphics cards...simple business apps, no gaming.

Anyone got any advice on cards available today?

 

[bystander]

This inexpensive card can support 3 monitors. It is a Sapphire Flex card, which removes the need for a displayport connection on the 3rd monitor.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102960

The SAPPHIRE HD 6450 FleX incorporates an exclusive feature into a mainstream graphics card and delivers the most cost-effective Eyefinity solution available for increased productivity in tasks such as editing or business applications. It can also be used in multi-screen information display systems where three low cost monitors can be directly connected to each FleX card installed.

The SAPPHIRE HD 6450 FleX can support three DVI monitors in Eyefinity mode and deliver a true SLS (Single Large Surface) work area. The first two monitors are connected to the DVI outputs, as usual. A third DVI monitor can be connected to the HDMI output with the passive cable adapter supplied. Thus three DVI monitors can be used in Eyefinity mode without any additional investment.

 

[cuttingsign]

Thanks, that looks perfect. As I said, I had searched and searched, but graphics cards go disco so fast, the information is usually stale. This card (available now) fits the bill. Thanks.
Perhaps I could ask another question: On my mac, on which I have 2 monitors, I can fill each monitor by selecting maximize without encroaching on the other window. Is this true with eyefinity or SLS? Is there a multiple monitor mode which allows a single workspace but respects the bonds of each monitor for maximizing windows?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the response. I dont think you are correct though...at most two monitors at once, even with three output types.

Ivy Bridge (microarchitecture)
Features
Up to three displays are supported (with some limitations: with chipset of 7-series and using 2 of them with DisplayPort or eDP)[

HDMI/ DVI and DP = three monitors simultaneously .

 

[bystander]

Thanks, that looks perfect. As I said, I had searched and searched, but graphics cards go disco so fast, the information is usually stale. This card (available now) fits the bill. Thanks.
Perhaps I could ask another question: On my mac, on which I have 2 monitors, I can fill each monitor by selecting maximize without encroaching on the other window. Is this true with eyefinity or SLS? Is there a multiple monitor mode which allows a single workspace but respects the bonds of each monitor for maximizing windows?

It will work with true Eyefinity, but you can also use it as an extended desktop through Windows "screen resolution" tab.

Edit: after reading the quote from the site, I'm not so sure if that is possible or not.

 

[ajl2011shooter]

Thanks, that looks perfect. As I said, I had searched and searched, but graphics cards go disco so fast, the information is usually stale. This card (available now) fits the bill. Thanks.
Perhaps I could ask another question: On my mac, on which I have 2 monitors, I can fill each monitor by selecting maximize without encroaching on the other window. Is this true with eyefinity or SLS? Is there a multiple monitor mode which allows a single workspace but respects the bonds of each monitor for maximizing windows?

You can connect all 3 monitors but just don't enable eyefinity. Then download Displayfusion. It's a great multi monitor program.

 

[cuttingsign]

Best answer selected by cuttingsign.