Author Topic: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem  (Read 710 times)

Offline Mister Fork

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Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« on: December 17, 2012, 08:29:12 PM »
Hey all.

I've been having some weird problems with my new SLI setup. The only way to describe it is to show you. It doesn't happen right away - only after 5-10 minutes of flying (or in this case, driving).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6qGaQtDU9M&sns=em - please excuse my screaming kids in the background...they were chasing our cat.

I'm using the latest nVidia drivers (as of Dec 14) - 310.70 (I think).

System:
Intel i5 CPU
ASUS P8Z68-V Pro GEN3 mobo
16GB DDR3 Corsair Ram
Win7-64bit fully patched
2 x Gigabyte GTX 550Ti 1GB GDDRS SLI'ed Video Cards
Antec 620W power supply
DirectX-11 - fully updated (just checked)
Using on-board sound and NIC

What do you guys think? Power supply not enough watts? Motherboard issues? And it's the same with
"Games are meant to be fun and fair but fighting a war is neither." - HiTech

Offline edog1977

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2012, 08:40:46 PM »
I know this isn't helping you solve your problem...but I'm curious, which racing game/sim is that?

When you stated that problem occurs after 5-10 minutes I immediately wondered if heat is the culprit.


Offline The Fugitive

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2012, 10:30:02 PM »
What does the manufacturer recommend for power for those cards? That would answer the power supply question, tho I think it might be on the low side.

Newest drivers aren't always the best. I usually wait a few months for them to work the bugs out especially if I'm not having any trouble running older ones.

The time lag until problems certainly does sound like a heat issue. Are both cards fans running? Do you have enough open area or intake fans to keep up with what the video cards are blowing out? Is the computer tucked into a small space, again restricting air flow?

Just some things to check. Good Luck

Offline Mister Fork

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2012, 04:12:14 PM »
What does the manufacturer recommend for power for those cards? That would answer the power supply question, tho I think it might be on the low side.

Newest drivers aren't always the best. I usually wait a few months for them to work the bugs out especially if I'm not having any trouble running older ones.

The time lag until problems certainly does sound like a heat issue. Are both cards fans running? Do you have enough open area or intake fans to keep up with what the video cards are blowing out? Is the computer tucked into a small space, again restricting air flow?

Just some things to check. Good Luck
Power requirement 400W EACH. Good catch Fugi.

I'm running two - which means video drain alone is 800W. I need MORE POWER.  I'm only running a 620W power supply. I'm amazed my machine hasn't crapped out completely with those two cards...  :O
"Games are meant to be fun and fair but fighting a war is neither." - HiTech

Offline Mister Fork

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2012, 02:52:45 PM »
Figured out my problem. Bad video card - and it was the one I purchased in July which was a dud.  I only managed to get my motherboard swapped for a SLI compatible three weeks ago and the first time I hooked up three monitors, the new card was toast. Can't do gaming. 2D windows is just fine but turn on any decent game, the card would eventually crap out.

So, it's off to RMA to GIGABYTE.  But it will be my first and last GIGABYTE purchase. I've been bitten twice by their products... :furious
"Games are meant to be fun and fair but fighting a war is neither." - HiTech

Offline MrRiplEy[H]

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2012, 12:54:58 AM »
Figured out my problem. Bad video card - and it was the one I purchased in July which was a dud.  I only managed to get my motherboard swapped for a SLI compatible three weeks ago and the first time I hooked up three monitors, the new card was toast. Can't do gaming. 2D windows is just fine but turn on any decent game, the card would eventually crap out.

So, it's off to RMA to GIGABYTE.  But it will be my first and last GIGABYTE purchase. I've been bitten twice by their products... :furious

The video card may have gone bad due to the undersized power supply, just a note.
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Offline Mister Fork

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2012, 03:41:07 PM »
The video card may have gone bad due to the undersized power supply, just a note.
Never thought of that. I'll still go forward with a new supply then... thanks for the suggestion.
"Games are meant to be fun and fair but fighting a war is neither." - HiTech

Offline Chalenge

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Re: Triple Monitor/SLI Problem
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2012, 03:56:08 PM »
You killed the card.  :( So gigabyte is not to blame.

For three monitors I would suggest a 4GB card too.
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