Two monitors + optional HDTV

[slinky]

My system uses an abit IP35 Pro motherboard and an ATI 3850 card which powers 2 monitors, one with DVI and one via HDMI. I wanted to use the PC as a media center and optionally display movies on an HDTV. I wanted to buy a second video card with an HDMI output but I know that using it just isn't that easy. I'm not sure how to assign the video from a player to a video card which will power an HDTV/monitor. I can think of various was of doing this, e.g. 3 monitors at one time and putting the movie on the HDTV but I am sure others have thought of doing this and already have done it better. How have you guys been managing?

 

[necrocraze]

Personally I have 2 4870s in Crossfire but only one monitor from them my other monitor is from onboard video. if you want to try this( i love it) its very easy to do (note it only works if onboard and dedicated card match ATI/Nvidia). just go to bios and activate "surround view" (most likely in chipset) then hook up you 2nd(or third) monitor to the onboard and go to catalyst Desktops, displays and activate your other monitor or tv. this takes some stress off your gpu and lets you have more than 2 monitors.

 

[slinky]

You have onboard video on your mobo - I don't. The IP35 Pro gives you two slots for video and I'm using one slot for a dual video card. Are you saying purchase a second card, put it in the second slot for Crossfire and then use surround view?

 

[necrocraze]

You have onboard video on your mobo - I don't. The IP35 Pro gives you two slots for video and I'm using one slot for a dual video card. Are you saying purchase a second card, put it in the second slot for Crossfire and then use surround view?

just looked up your board. yea you can do that same thing really just not onboard