I have heard from several sources that FSX only supports one video card but looking at this forum it seems several people are using 2 in SLI or crossfire mode.At present I have an NVidia GTX260 and 2 monitors. I use one for main view and the second for overhead/CDU/pedestal etc. (I like flying PMDG 747).I would like to have a 4 screen set-up, 3 for the main forward view and the fourth for the overhead panel etc.So I am looking for a definitive answer as to whether SLI and Crossfire work with FSX. Having read many forums I am not convinced about the Matrox Triplehead Go option.All repies gratefully receivedKen

KenI don't know that FSX has a limit on the number of video cards; I've used three before. I believe all of the cards need to be in the same 'family', meaning, they all need to be able to cope with the same video driver. There are USB adapters out there...not sure if that would work or not for a 2D panel.You might consider using Nvidia Surround for three screens, using two Nvidia cards (I think the GTX260 is supported), but you'd need a third card for any extra monitors. That's one thing I don't like with Nvidia Surround - it takes up four DVI ports to run 3 screens. TH2go + 1 screen (or +2 using DH2go) can be run off of one card. Note that the 4th DVI port, when using Surround, cannot be used for an extra display.You didn't indicate what type of system you have - you'll need Win7 for Nvidia Surround, and a motherboard that supports SLI. And better yet, a MB that supports at least 3 video cards.Nvidia has significantly more flexibility in running the three screens, with more and higher resolutions possible, as well as being able to use portrait mode. There's no slice missing from the outer screens when using bezel management, as there is with TH2go.TH2go is limited to 5040x1050, but to do it, it only takes up one DVI port, not four.I've got both, and have been trying various combinations. I may end up having to get a MB that supports 4 video cards, if I want to run Surround. (I have 4 'virtual' screens I need to run...and I'm currently 1 DVI port short. Dang.)Oh, and just to be clear - to your question: "So I am looking for a definitive answer as to whether SLI and Crossfire work with FSX.", "SLI" can mean more than one thing. It can provide more power to one card, enable Surround, or enable 3D Vision Surround, which are all different modes. For FSX, I don't believe the user gains much from strictly using SLI as a combination of cards for more GPU power (from what I've read), but rather, the Surround mode from SLI allows for the use of multiple screens for one 'view'. You're probably on the same page...just wanted to clarify.

The idea is to use 2 NVidia cards in SLI (not surround) mode to drive 4 monitors.Having just been on to the NVidia website it says FSX is supported. So I assume when in SLI mode FSX sees both cards as one.Anyone know if this is the case?As to the MOBO this for a new build and it will have SLI support.Ken

The idea is to use 2 NVidia cards in SLI (not surround) mode to drive 4 monitors.Having just been on to the NVidia website it says FSX is supported. So I assume when in SLI mode FSX sees both cards as one.Anyone know if this is the case?As to the MOBO this for a new build and it will have SLI support.Ken

Do the posts in this thread help at all? http://forum.avsim.net/topic/327176-nvidia-surround-bezel-management-with-fsx/

The idea is to use 2 NVidia cards in SLI (not surround) mode to drive 4 monitors.Ken

Hi KenI don't believe you can drive 4 monitors, with two cards, in SLI Mode. Have a look at the excerpt below from Nvidia's site.When in SLI Mode, you can't use all of the DVI ports. So depending on the mode, hooking up 4 monitors to the two cards would result in some not displaying anything.What are you trying to do with the 4 monitors...3 for outside views, and one for instruments?Or, are you trying to have individual views?Without using SLI, you could create 3 separate outside 3D views, in addition to your main instrument panel, but be forwarned, you'll get a nasty FPS hit. I'm using an overclocked SB system and can't tolerate even adding one additional 3D view. To each their own.Another option, would be to look into ATI Eyefinity. One of their cards will allow for up to 6 monitors, and as I recall, they can be clustered in different combinations. Not sure how well this works with FSX.Good luck

------------------------Without using SLI, you could create 3 separate outside 3D views, in addition to your main instrument panel, but be forwarned, you'll get a nasty FPS hit. I'm using an overclocked SB system and can't tolerate even adding one additional 3D view. To each their own.---------------------------

Can't speak for 3D mons, but a couple of years ago I saw FSX running triple 2D views via two video cards. I believe the bezel correcton was adjusted in the Camera section. Can't help more since I'm still with FS9. Search the FSX SDK.Re FPS hit- yes my FS9 FPS drops from the 30-50 range single 2D view, to about 15-25 with triple views and most panel popups open- including dual CDUs. (Large popups such as Overhead seem to be FPS killers and I open them only briefly as Overlays when needed.)BUT- I can detect no difference in visual smoothness between single monitor view or triple monitor views. 20 fps triple view is no less fluid than 40 fps single view. To achieve this, the three views need to be fused into one image by precise bezel correction- that is shifting the view angle of the outer views by the exact width of the bezels. It's a simple calc.- one which I do to 1/100º. Accuracy counts here to be able to fool one's brain!(Automatic bezel correction systems can't take into account YOUR monitor dimensions as accurately as measuring them to 1/16" & then adjusting the actual view.)The theory is that only one view can be recomputed at any moment- so the other two views (66% of the whole) are frozen at that instant. And a "frozen" view is PERFECTION for that split second! As long as the displayed fps remains above 15-16, the persistency of vision factor, the whole thing appears very smooth!The price to be paid of course, is that there is much less fps wiggle room available when you run into heavy duty scenery or weather!I would bet that, having experienced your own desktop IMAX, you will never regress!AR

Yes, 3 monitors for outside views, including Main Instrument Panel and the fourth for overhead, CDU, throttles and pedestal etc.I have looked at ATI Radeon cards but had a bad experience with one and looking at other forums NVidia seems better suited to FSX.So, anyone with experience of 2 NVidia cards and 4 monitors. Thanks for all your helps so far everyone.Ken

I have two Nvidia cards and three screens. I have a GTX470 and an 8400GS. I have a 1920 x 1200 and 768 x 1024 monitors connected to theGTX470, and a 1280 x 1024 connected to the 8400GS. All works great in fsx, use the 1920 x 1200 for main view, and the other two for panels. Any questions then please ask :)

So it seems that NVidia SLI will only support 3 screens with 2 cards.Today Radeon have released their new 6990 card which supports 5 screens and NVidia release their new GTX590 card in a couple of weeks.So we'll wait and see. Does anyone else spend as much time looking at this stuff as actually flying. I hope I'm not alone.Thanks for all your help.Ken

My cards are not in SLI btw, i'm pretty sure i could connect a 4th monitor if i had one.

Does anyone else spend as much time looking at this stuff as actually flying. I hope I'm not alone.

Not only are you are not alone...I think you have lots of company!

..... running digital TripleHead2go, GTX460 3X22" for main view, and 1 19" for instrument. sweet, :Party: ,,,,GTX275 in the box, maybe I'll add this one too, just wonder how will it hit FPM ... :Thinking:

My cards are not in SLI btw, i'm pretty sure i could connect a 4th monitor if i had one.

Hello Phillips - check your PM

 

Mas