Should I get a 2nd card?

[bohcurtis]

Current Setup:
R9 290 OC edition (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121842)
3 - ASUS 24" 1080p monitors (https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VS228H-P-1920x1080-Back-lit-Monitor/dp/B005BZNDOO)
New Equipment:
A 50" 4k TV
Issue:
Windows will not allow me to hook up all 4 of these devices at once, even without using 4k quality.
I am assuming this is because my card's max res. is only 4096x2160 and I have 3 monitors running at 1920x1080 (Already way over 4096x2160)
If I disable one of my three monitors, I can run the TV at 1920x1080 just fine.
What I want:
What I would like to do is get all four working together and preferably the TV to run at full 4k. I know that this will require a lot more graphics power. I don't have a huge budget, but I can swing a little something. What should I do?
Would crossfiring a 2nd card work?
I also looked at buying a GTX 1050ti. Could I run both of these cards simultaneously? Would that allow me to do everything I want?
Thanks ahead of time for all you guys help.
-Bo

 

[fedefury]

It is best to look at a newer gen card such as a a gtx 1070. If you are interested, I could name the models. The price range is around 400-600 euros (depends where you are). This will allow you to be able to use your 4k monitors with out trouble and your tv. Its is great for video editing and gaming too. Specs are down here for the reference model: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-1070/specifications

 

[EpIckFa1LJoN]

I don't think max resolution is counting more than one single display, meaning that card will run up to an UW 4k screen with a resolution of 4096x2160. That doesn't mean it won't also run other monitors.

AMD has a way to run up to six monitors on a single card, but you will need a DisplayPort Multi-stream transport hub.

Meaning you're also going to need 4 DP-HDMI adapters to run 4 setups.

 

[13thmonkey]

it's not a resolution limit, and 3x1080p = 3/4 of 4k.

It can't drive >3 screens at the same time. Can you run off the mobo? I wouldn't mix nvidia and AMD.

 

[bohcurtis]

It is best to look at a newer gen card such as a a gtx 1070. If you are interested, I could name the models. The price range is around 400-600 euros (depends where you are). This will allow you to be able to use your 4k monitors with out trouble and your tv. Its is great for video editing and gaming too. Specs are down here for the reference model: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-1070/specifications

I don't think max resolution is counting more than one single display, meaning that card will run up to an UW 4k screen with a resolution of 4096x2160. That doesn't mean it won't also run other monitors.

AMD has a way to run up to six monitors on a single card, but you will need a DisplayPort Multi-stream transport hub.

Meaning you're also going to need 4 DP-HDMI adapters to run 4 setups.

Can you provide a link to what I would need? I don't know much about DP. And none of my monitors have DP ports -_-

 

[bohcurtis]

it's not a resolution limit, and 3x1080p = 3/4 of 4k.

It can't drive >3 screens at the same time. Can you run off the mobo? I wouldn't mix nvidia and AMD.

I have tried having the TV off the mobo and the others off the card, but when I did, it would only connect to the TV... Perhaps I did it wrong, I am not sure.

 

[13thmonkey]

it's not a resolution limit, and 3x1080p = 3/4 of 4k.

It can't drive >3 screens at the same time. Can you run off the mobo? I wouldn't mix nvidia and AMD.

I have tried having the TV off the mobo and the others off the card, but when I did, it would only connect to the TV... Perhaps I did it wrong, I am not sure.

Should be no problem running screens off card and mobo, BUT the screen off the mobo will only use the igpu and not the discrete gpu and hence is not for 'demanding' work.

Screen setup an extend the desktop might resolve that (it may have just gone to one but that's unlikely).

 

[bohcurtis]

it's not a resolution limit, and 3x1080p = 3/4 of 4k.

It can't drive >3 screens at the same time. Can you run off the mobo? I wouldn't mix nvidia and AMD.

I have tried having the TV off the mobo and the others off the card, but when I did, it would only connect to the TV... Perhaps I did it wrong, I am not sure.

Should be no problem running screens off card and mobo, BUT the screen off the mobo will only use the igpu and not the discrete gpu and hence is not for 'demanding' work.

Screen setup an extend the desktop might resolve that (it may have just gone to one but that's unlikely).

Alright i will test it again tonight and see if I can get it.

 

[13thmonkey]

knowing it can work is half the battle.

 

[geofelt]

Just because your graphics card has 4 outputs, it does not mean that the card can support all 4 at the same time.
Likely, you will find this restriction in the fine print somewhere.

What is your motherboard?
If your motherboard supports integrated graphics, then using that adapter for one of the monitors will work.. Crossfire will not work, the intent of crossfire is to add gpu processing capability only and all of the outputs must be on the primary card.

If your motherboard has an available pcie slot, then you can certainly add a second discrete card to attach more monitors.

 

[bohcurtis]

Just because your graphics card has 4 outputs, it does not mean that the card can support all 4 at the same time.
Likely, you will find this restriction in the fine print somewhere.

What is your motherboard?
If your motherboard supports integrated graphics, then using that adapter for one of the monitors will work.. Crossfire will not work, the intent of crossfire is to add gpu processing capability only and all of the outputs must be on the primary card.

If your motherboard has an available pcie slot, then you can certainly add a second discrete card to attach more monitors.

I don't see the fine print on it, but you are probably right.
This is my mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132567
I can use the integrated graphics I think, I will try it tonight. It also has an open PCI slot. I may look at adding a second card to take the load off of mine... Any suggestions in the 150-200 range?

 

[geofelt]

Non fast action gaming does not require more than integrated graphics.
If you want to add a second card, something like a GT730 is very low power.

I found that static displays connected to a gaming card make no difference to gaming at all.

 

[bohcurtis]

Non fast action gaming does not require more than integrated graphics.
If you want to add a second card, something like a GT730 is very low power.

I found that static displays connected to a gaming card make no difference to gaming at all.

If I were to try gaming off of integrated graphics... I am guessing I would run into FPS issues?

 

[geofelt]

Non fast action gaming does not require more than integrated graphics.
If you want to add a second card, something like a GT730 is very low power.

I found that static displays connected to a gaming card make no difference to gaming at all.

If I were to try gaming off of integrated graphics... I am guessing I would run into FPS issues?

Not necessarily. It depends on the game.
kaby lake HD630 graphics is relatively strong, perhaps like a $90 graphics card.

If in doubt, try integrated first, you will get a better idea of what you actually need.

 

[EpIckFa1LJoN]

If you were to try gaming at 4k with your current hardware you would run into every issue. nothing less than a 1080 would do well with more intensive games at 4k. Older games wouldn't support it at all most likely (Empire Earth 2001, for example crashes if I even try to play it at 1440p).

So if you are gaming I would upgrade the card firstly, then work on getting the monitors set up.