Using 2 different GPU's in one system for NON GAMING purposes?

[grebgonebad]

Hi all, quick question regarding multiple GPU's of differing models in the same system.

I've recently installed a GTX1060 in a rig, a very nice upgrade from the GT710 that preceded it. However, as I'm sure you're all aware, whereas the GT710 had HDMI, VGA and DVI out's, the GTX1060 has no VGA out. This is problematic as this particular system uses 2 displays, one HDMI and one VGA. I currently do not own a suitable adaptor, all I have are HDMI to DVI-D (Dual link) and a VGA to DVI-A adaptors.

And so, hence my conundrum. While not imperative that this second monitor be attached to the system, it is preferable. Therefore, I'm interested to know if it's possible to run my main HDMI display from the 1060 and simply install the 710 in another slot and run the second monitor from that (Again, as the title states, not for gaming, just simple monitoring/web browser purposes)? Both cards are currently using the same driver version from Nvidia, so my question to you all is, would it work?

Apologies if this sounds like a silly question. I've a feeling that it won't work, but I've never considered this as a possible option before and so I really don't know? Ha ha.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[CircuitDaemon]

Yes, it should. The only scenario where you could end up with issues is of both cards are the same model (as nvidia driver will try to force you into using SLI) or if one is AMD and the other is Nvidia. In your case you should be fine, they should both work with all their outputs working independently.

 

[R4DIO4CT1VE]

try it, can't really hurt anything. I assume you don't have integrated graphics through your CPU/Motherboard because that would work as well.

 

[grebgonebad]

Yes, it should. The only scenario where you could end up with issues is of both cards are the same model (as nvidia driver will try to force you into using SLI) or if one is AMD and the other is Nvidia. In you case you should be fine, they should both work with all their outputs working independently.

Many thanks for your speedy response! Much appreciated.

Right, so if I'm understanding you right there shouldn't be any issues in running both the 1060 and 710 in the same system? Does this mean that each card will power it's respective outputs independently, and there shouldn't be any issues regarding conflicting signals between the two?

Sorry if I'm making this sound more complicated than it is, I'm just making sure I understand is all. I'm kind of anal about these things. Ha ha.

 

[grebgonebad]

try it, can't really hurt anything. I assume you don't have integrated graphics through your CPU/Motherboard because that would work as well.

Unfortunately my motherboard doesn't support onboard graphics. Asus Sabertooth 990FX R2.0. Took me by surprise back when I bought it mind. Ha ha.

 

[CircuitDaemon]

Yes, it should. The only scenario where you could end up with issues is of both cards are the same model (as nvidia driver will try to force you into using SLI) or if one is AMD and the other is Nvidia. In you case you should be fine, they should both work with all their outputs working independently.

Many thanks for your speedy response! Much appreciated.

Right, so if I'm understanding you right there shouldn't be any issues in running both the 1060 and 710 in the same system? Does this mean that each card will power it's respective outputs independently, and there shouldn't be any issues regarding conflicting signals between the two?

Sorry if I'm making this sound more complicated than it is, I'm just making sure I understand is all. I'm kind of anal about these things. Ha ha.

Exactly, it's just as you said. Each of them will drive their own monitors independently. While using the Nvidia control panel you'll see both cards and each monitor hooked up to them, and on Window's settings you'll see them all in the same place. The other scenario where you may run into issues is when one of the cards is no longer supported by the driver you are using. So keep this in mind for the future as this could happen with the 710 and you might be stuck using an old driver at some point.

 

[grebgonebad]

Exactly, it's just as you said. Each of them will drive their own monitors independently. While using the Nvidia control panel you'll see both cards and each monitor hooked up to them, and on Window's settings you'll see them all in the same place. The other scenario where you may run into issues is when one of the cards is no longer supported by the driver you are using. So keep this in mind for the future as this could happen with the 710 and you might be stuck using an old driver at some point.

Excellent. Thanks very much for clarifying. I would have tested it out without asking had it not been for being away from the system in question. I'll be back with it shortly anyway so I'll throw the 710 in and see how it goes. =)

I'll pick your first reply as the solution. Many thanks once again!

 

[grebgonebad]

Just threw my 710 back in and everything seems to be working fine, aside from a minor issue with Telegram not maximising properly. Seems to only be Telegram this is happening to, so I'm not overly bothered.

Cheers!