How to install a second video card?

[BlueZ4]

Before I get the post: "Use the search tool", please read below.

I am running windows 7 on a dell pc. I currently have a Quaddro 480 video card with 2 monitors hooked up. I have 1 PCI and 1 AGP slot available. I want to hook up a 3rd monitor for work purposes. The most intensive program I use is Solidworks 2011. Everything else is 2D.

I am concerned with the software side of installing a cheapy video card to run a 3rd monitor. I'm not too savvy with software conflicts, updating drivers, etc. I want to order a video card online and have it work correctly the first time.

Do I need to go with the same brand?
I've read the PCI slots are interlinked somehow, so should I get an AGP card?
Is there any software I need?
Do video cards work the same as hard drives where you have to use the jumpers to set one to slave and one to master?

I know it's a lot of questions, but I want to thoroughly research this before I start ordering things.

Thanks!

 

[patonb]

Honestly, youre best bet is to use a usb add on, like the evga UV series.

Newegg.com - eVGA UV Plus+ 19 USB VGA Display Adapter 100-U2-UV19-TR DVI Interface

Mainly because you only have 1 pci-e slot.

Just to be sure, what dell model?

 

[GhOsT1321]

What is the model number of your Dell?

It seems that the Quadro 4800 can support 3 monitors total. 2 digital, and 1 analog. Have you tried this?
NVIDIA® Quadro® FX 4800 provides professionals with visual computing from their desktops delivering results that push the realms of visualization.

 

[BlueZ4]

The dell model is a Dell Precision T7500.

My video card is a Quadro FX 580, not a 480. It has 2 digital and 1 analog, but the software supports only 2 displays at one time from what I've read. I've tried to hook a 3rd up, but it wasn't able to see all 3 simultaneously.

Thanks for your help so far.

 

[patonb]

Is this your dell?
Dell Precision T7500 Tower Workstation Details | Dell Canada

If so, you have 2 pci-e slots...

 

[BlueZ4]

I see 2 free PCI slots, but the Quaddro FX 580 is installed in the bottom slot and a little too close to the middle slot. I don't think I can use this slot. So now I just have 1 PCI and 1 AGP slot.

Yep, that's the one I have. The video card is pretty close to one of the PCI slots. On my first pass of the motherboard, I only saw one of each port. Getting closer to it with a flashlight this time, I see all of the available slots.

For me, this makes it even more confusing. How do I know which card to get? I see the onboard VGA connection as well. Would it be possible to use this for the 3rd monitor?

 

[patonb]

That is quite possible.

And frankly, just try it!

As to a card, get a cheap nvidia pci-e card if you just need a 3rd/4th screen,.

 

[BlueZ4]

Will windows 7 automatically recognize the second video card or will they conflict? Do I need to do anything with the drivers or install special software? Thanks again,

 

[patonb]

You'll need to check your bios to see if it is enabled, but it should be pretty much plug n play.

But, I'm not seeing the 3rd monitor output.

 

[BlueZ4]

You're not seeing a 3rd monitor output support with the bios on this particular model?