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I'm a software developer looking to extend from 2x24" displays to 4x24" or 6x24" displays connected to the same machine (currently i have 4x24" but they are on 3 different machines (thanks synergy).

The displays will be mostly limited to showing applications such as vs2008, vs2010, sql management studio, outlook, browsers, rdp sessions and windows explorer. I would expect the display of these applications to be flawless. (I will ensure other components are configured to support this and the card(s))

I have no requirement for 3d-gaming of any sort, however I run win7 with Aero. Should I be looking at the high-end gaming cards to run these displays, or is there a more appropriate alternate?

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  • Good question. This is kind of a peeve I have lately. You can't get a good card that isn't a gaming card with lots of GPU and on-card memory. I also just need a good, large multi-monitor 2D display without all the 3D stuff. Can't find it. Closest thing is an Intel chipset (GMA or whatever) on the motherboard with lots of RAM.
    – Keith
    May 3, 2011 at 4:16

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I'm running 3 monitors on an ATI 5850 (about $200 or so now, I think) with no problems at all. They make special cards for a 6 monitor setup but you'll have to run display port.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102906 5770 will run 3 monitors (not gaming) for under $140.

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Most gaming cards are geared toward 3D acceleration and even the cheaper ones have quite reasonable 2D performance.

You haven't really said what you're doing with so many monitors and what level of performance you need.

Many cheaper cards these days are quite reasonable in performance. Mine was very cheap and is dual head. They don't make them anymore though. That being said, it drives 2 x 22" monitors just fine. I'd class it as a $50 card now.

I have a colleage who has 3 high end gaming cards in the one machine. The problem he has is twofold. Heat, and power. He actually needs a 4th card in there, but the power supply can't supply enough power for the 4th. His supply is at 1.5KW already. Heat is a problem because there isn't enough space between the cards to allow the airflow to cool them properly.

So, go with a lower end cards and be aware of cooling. Unless you really need lots of performance like my colleague does you'll be in for a much more powerful motherboard too.

EDIT: Another option is something like this: http://www.multi-monitors.com/product_p/ati-5870-6.htm

It really depends on your budget. The beauty of that is it's not going to use up all your PCI-express slots. Make sure you've got a descent power supply large enough to keep everything powered optimally though.

A few years ago, another colleague was given a high end graphics card by the boss who found it didn't fit his machine. My colleague ended up having to upgrade the motherboard, ram, power supply etc... all to get the card to run. So, watch out for that.

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