Computer build compatibility question HTPC & Multi Monitor Gaming?

Scotty Pan

Hello there, this is a difficult question, but I'll try to make it simple. I use my computer for an assortment of programs & store files externally, but mainly I use it for 3 things:

1. HTPC (7.1 channel surround sound to external tv and speakers)
2. Multiple Monitor setup (up to 6 monitors using Eyefinity Technology via AMD Catalyst Control Center Radeon video card)
3. Computer Gaming

I have run into difficulty with bringing these key components together, one being that the almighty Windows 7 doesn't use more than ONE playback device at a time & 2.. my current video card doesn't support more than 2 monitors. The Auzentech Sound card I just bought is awesome and solves a lot of problems where 7.1 surround sound is concerned.

But the reason I'm on here is because everyone on AVSforums.com says that sandy bridge is the way to go. But I don't know what... of my existing components will work and what will not? Also I'm really hoping someone can just give me a computer build wishlist that is like the "ideal computer build" for my needs USING MY already purchased & installed components.

See Here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/217828/build_a_3d_home_theater_pc_with_sandy_bridge.html

Here are the key elements of my current build:

COMPATIBILITY
Chipset: Northbridge Intel H55
Processer / CPU: LGA 1156, Core i7 / i5
Memory: DDR3, Dual Channel, 2 x 240 pin, 2 x 8gb
Video: PCI Express 2.1 x 16

OS: Windows 7 32 bit SP1
Case: RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black/Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX
Power Supply (PSU): CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7
CPU: Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H55M-S2V LGA 1156 Intel H55 Micro ATX Intel
Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Internal HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
DVD / CD Burner: Hitachi/LG GH24LS50 24x DVD±RW DL SATA Drive w/LightScribe
Video Card: SAPPHIRE 100292DDR3L Radeon HD 5450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready
Sound Card: Auzentech AZT-XFHTHD X-Fi HomeTheater HD Sound Card
Monitors: ViewSonic VX2450 w/wm LED | Dynex 32" Class / 720p / 60Hz
Main Screen Resolution: 1360 x 768 - 1080P - 60Hz
HTPC Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver
HTPC Speakers: Klipsch HD 300 Compact 5.1 High Definition Theater system (Set of Six, Black)

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I want to buy this video card for multiple monitors using DisplayPort Eyefinity technology:
XFX ATI Radeon HD 5870 1 GB DDR5 PCI-Express Card HD587AZNF9

I want to buy this processor:
Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I72600K

I also now need Windows 7 64-bit from what I've read. Sucks. I think I might need a new motherboard, any suggestions of a model? What else what I need to get to fit this configuration that I don't already have?
Oh one more thing, I want a new motherboard with 4 slots (4 x 8gb) RAM memory, instead of the 2 that I have.

Answer
To drive six !!!! monitors you're probably going to need three video cards. And they're going to have to be powerful, especially for that 30-inch display.

Every year Maximum PC magazine builds the hottest machine they can and the 2011 model can probably do what you want. They dropped over $12,000 on it, but a lot of the stuff you aleady have or don't need. For example, they spent $6900 on three monitors, but you already have that. And who needs a $120 mouse? Anyway, here's the article; I'm sure it will give you plenty of ideas.

where can i find a list of games that support multi display multi monitor .,.,.,.,.whatever?

dustin w

Answer
List of games that can span the game image over multiple monitors using ATI's Eyefinity technology on their new HD5000-series of video cards: http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-software.aspx

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Multi monitor set up?

jason F

OK I want to have a gaming computer with three monitors that i can make the game I'm playing be panoramic. How do i do this? What type of video card do i need. if anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks

Answer
hey dude, i found this. maybe this can help you
in short, search for a video card with a Eyefinity or NVIDIA Surround Vision feature
http://www.guru3d.com/article/triple-monitor-gaming-on-geforce-gtx-590-and-radeon-6990/

good luck with building your pc :)

Can anyone recommend a good gaming monitor for a multi monitor set up?

Drewisweir

I'm looking for a good monitor fairly large (24" and up) that has very little plastic on the edges so when i do an multi monitor set up there will be a very small line of black between the monitors. Monitor must be widescreen and HD, also the cheaper the better :) thanks in advance and im choosing a best answer!!!! 10 points!!!!

Answer
There's so many monitors on the market it's hard to choose. Here's a bit of criteria:

Check the resolution, make sure it's good for the monitor, and make sure your graphics card can support it. Make sure it's well over 2000 x something higher than 1000.

Thin edges? your game won't be on both monitors at once unless your mirroring them, which is pointless; I wouldn't recommend putting it on both...just have the game on a big monitor, and something else on the other. I hardly even use my second ( smaller ) monitor.

Brand. Don't buy some obscure brand, look for Sony, Samsung, etc. Also, if you won't have much glare, look for plasma as opposed to LCD.

Also 24" won't be as cheap as you want, disregard price and you'll have much better luck.

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What new games support multiple monitors?

gaming multi monitor image

Zorak

Wondering if any newer games can do this. I just bought a geforce 9400gt and looking to see what its capable of in regards to multi monitor gaming. Any links to mods or customization software would be much appreciated also.
I should mention that by support I mean displaying the game on both monitors with different custom views.

Answer
Alright dude im gonna start off and say that no game is gonna support more than one monitor with that old card. Alright simply the more monitors the more GPU power is needed in order to display that resolution. Now in turn the problem is the card itself a 9400 is weak like extremely weak. Now my suggestion sense your looking for resolutions that only few cards can produce a GT-280 will do it, a GT-260 but both are 300$ and 450$ cards. Anything from the 9 series today with the exception of the 9800 GTX and 9800 GX2 are not gonna comit to multiple displays. Myself im running a GT-280s in SLI a pair of them and running two monitors at 1920X1080 each is taxing on my cards they get hot. And a single 9400 which is old is not gonna do the job sorry dude invest if you want better graphics

How do I set a game so that the left, right, up and forward views show on different monitors?

william n

Ubisoft said their games don't support multi monitors. Is there a way to " add the code" to allow multi views of a game. Yes my system handles 8 monitors.

Answer
thats something you'd need to ask the company about. most likley no you can't but its worth a try i guess.

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How do I set a game so that the left, right, up and forward views show on different monitors?

gaming multi monitor image

william n

Ubisoft said their games don't support multi monitors. Is there a way to " add the code" to allow multi views of a game. Yes my system handles 8 monitors.

Answer
thats something you'd need to ask the company about. most likley no you can't but its worth a try i guess.

What's the best combo f hardware for a gaming pc?

Just that

I cant find a definitive answer... I want great graphics (3d would be great, but not must have) i want it to be super fast and quiet and urrmm... I want it to have multi monitor support... And really i just wanna play fallout 3 and new vegas on it lol... I would also eventually get some good games for online play.... i want good sound as well... Thanks.

Answer
Antec 300 Case
MSI 880GMA E45 Motherboard
4GB Corsair DDR3 1333 2 x 2GB RAM
Athlon II X4 630(2.8GHz)
XFX Radeon HD 5770 1GB Graphics Card
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB SATA2 HDD
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=graphics+card&x=0&y=0&tag=klnprk-20

Also check out at Ebay
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574865779&toolid=10001&campid=5336440665&customid=klnprk&mpre=http%3a%2f%2fshop.ebay.com%2fi.html%3f_nkw%3dAMD%2bPhenom%2bX4%2b9850%26_sacat%3d0%26_odkw%3dAMD%2bAthlon%26_osacat%3d0%26_trksid%3dp3286.c0.m270.l1313

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