How Can I Use the Onboard VGA WITH a PCI-E Display Adapter?

Question

I have this motherboard in my machine.

I have installed an NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS in the PCI-e x16 slot.

I have two monitors connected to the GeForce, and they work perfectly. I have connected a third monitor to the onboard display adapter, but the third monitor doesn't function at all. Windows Device Manager doesn't detect the onboard display adapter, pointing to the motherboard/BIOS disabling the onboard display adapter while an additional display adapter is installed in the PCI-e slot.

Is it possible to get around this issue, by customizing the BIOS configuration or installing a third-party BIOS image?

Answer 1

Generally speaking once a PCI-E adapter is detected, the on-board graphics are disabled. As this motherboard is generally integrated into HP systems, I can't see the BIOS offering this functionality as HP tend to pare down the available options to the bare essentials.

Answer 2

I had an issue the same i went into the bios and turned the onboard on, it worked fine just connected the 3rd monitor.

If you don't have the option in your bios i really don't think you can do it.

Your options are buy an amd card that has either duel dvi or one with a display port you can't do 3 monitors with 1 nvida card or buy a motherboard that lets u use the onboard and pci ones with intel hd graphics let you do this.

what ever is cheapest if your short on cash if not just get a 6970 i have one and its awesome u can run 5 screens with simply plug and play.