veedubfreak
Golden Master
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Ok so i know this question makes its way around quite a bit. Seeing as i'm the resident video card hoor, i have figured out how to do it in both xp and vista and figured i'd pass along the knowledge to those who are interested.
If you are using xp its pretty easy, all you need is a third video card, an ati 1650 is a pretty cheap solution, and makes it easy.
As for vista, the os dislikes using 2 different vendors. So first things first. You need a 680i or 780i mobo. Must have 3 pci-e slots. Although i guess you could get away with a pci card and a 750i.
Install the card you plan to use for your secondary monitor. Boot up, with the primary monitor plugged into the card. Once the card is installed, vista will want you to reboot. Reboot, and once back into windows, disable the card. Next, shut the machine down. At this point, reinstall your 2 cards you are using for SLI, and move your 2nd monitor to the non sli video card. Boot up again, install those cards, enable SLI, enable the card you disabled in step 1 and boom, you now have SLI and the ability to use a 2nd monitor.
If you are using xp its pretty easy, all you need is a third video card, an ati 1650 is a pretty cheap solution, and makes it easy.
As for vista, the os dislikes using 2 different vendors. So first things first. You need a 680i or 780i mobo. Must have 3 pci-e slots. Although i guess you could get away with a pci card and a 750i.
Install the card you plan to use for your secondary monitor. Boot up, with the primary monitor plugged into the card. Once the card is installed, vista will want you to reboot. Reboot, and once back into windows, disable the card. Next, shut the machine down. At this point, reinstall your 2 cards you are using for SLI, and move your 2nd monitor to the non sli video card. Boot up again, install those cards, enable SLI, enable the card you disabled in step 1 and boom, you now have SLI and the ability to use a 2nd monitor.