Question Dual-monitor setup, 2 GPUs, one monitor with multiple HDMI ports

[ajgringo619]

[Linux Mint 20 XFCE]

I'm trying to setup a dual-monitor configuration with only one physical monitor. I have (2) GPUs, a GTX 1050 TI and Radeon R9 290, both connected to an Acer 27" XF270H via HDMI. My system sees both displays, but switching to the 2nd GPU on HDMI2 gives me a blank screen. Is this happening because the monitor isn't engaged during boot-up? Is there a way to fix this? I really only need the 2nd display when I pass through the 1050 to one of my VMs.

 

[tennis2]

Why do you need two mismatched GPUs?

 

[ajgringo619]

Why do you need two mismatched GPUs?

I don't. I bought the 1050 card last, needed one with low power requirements and it was cheap. Right now I'm only using the 1050 for Folding@Home, but I'd like to use it for GPU passthrough. But until I can get the 2nd HDMI port to show anything, it's kinda pointless to continue.

 

[tennis2]

Take the R9-290 out and connect both monitors to the 1050Ti then?

 

[ajgringo619]

Take the R9-290 out and connect both monitors to the 1050Ti then?

I need the 2nd GPU for passing through to my VMs, otherwise your idea would be perfect.

 

[tennis2]

I see. I'm going to concede that this is outside my area of expertise then. Sorry.

 

[ajgringo619]

I see. I'm going to concede that this is outside my area of expertise then. Sorry.

No worries. I decided to remove the Nvidia card and go with a single-monitor setup until I can afford another one. I have a 23" monitor available, but it's only 60 Mhz and it hurts my eyes.