GTX295's HDMI Only Used When Not In SLI?

[Bee_Dee_3_Dee]

I can't wait to hear the logic behind this. I've heard stranger things pan out- not that i can recall one.

But this is a Doozie! I'm open to the explanation. Anyone?
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(http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/vid...-gtx295_5.html)

The card is equipped with three connectors for display devices: two DVI-I ports and one HDMI.



The former two are connected to the Master GPU and can be used simultaneously in SLI mode whereas the latter is connected to the Slave GPU and can only be used when not in SLI mode. This odd solution actually negates the value of the dedicated HDMI port. For comparison, this port of the GeForce 9800 GX2 was connected to the Master GPU together with one DVI-I.
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What is the porpoise?

There has to be some kind of logical explanation.

[JasonPC]

That is pretty odd. Maybe one day we'll get some drivers that allow outputs to be used by the second card in SLI? Though it took how many years to get dual screen support in SLI..?

[ChrisRay]

Mainly a multi monitor thing. With Vista it wants both connectors on a single GPU. So it makes it easier for more typical multi monitor setups. The 9800GX2 is a little different as the second DVI adaptor is on the top and has the same limitation.

[Bee_Dee_3_Dee]

Originally Posted by JasonPC

That is pretty odd. Maybe one day we'll get some drivers that allow outputs to be used by the second card in SLI? Though it took how many years to get dual screen support in SLI..?

I was interpreting it as meaning that if the HDMI was connected to the Slave GPU it was physically impossible to ever have the HDMI function in SLI Mode.

[Tr1cK]

So can you use Dualview and SLI at the same time now? That's what has put me off from SLI forever.

[ChrisRay]

Originally Posted by Tr1cK

So can you use Dualview and SLI at the same time now? That's what has put me off from SLI forever.

Yes. There are a couple restrictions. With "Multi" GPU cards. The the second monitor must be connected to the "Primary" GPU Board. IE like the 2 DVI connectors in the picture. With a 9800GX2 you'd have to use the HDMI or an adaptor. With SLI this is a non issue since all ports are connected to the primary card. And you can get 2 monitors with clone/extended desktop with multi GPU. I am trying to get some clarification on the issue. But I am pretty sure the way I described it is correct.

Chris

Just so you know. Nvidia does have a "Help" desk for this issue which explains what I was talking about in a bit less detail.


http://nvidia.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/n...p?p_faqid=2354

[Tr1cK]

Hmm

So it would work on SLI 285s if I hook both monitors to the primary card? I like to play games in fullscreen window whenever possible (like WoW) and have the second monitor to do whatever I want on it like run vent or have a webpage up.

[JasonPC]

Originally Posted by Bee_Dee_3_Dee

I was interpreting it as meaning that if the HDMI was connected to the Slave GPU it was physically impossible to ever have the HDMI function in SLI Mode.

Yes exactly. I'm saying maybe one day it will be possible to have outputs also display from the slave GPU? I mean it wasn't that long ago that it wasn't possible to even have dual view.

[ChrisRay]

Originally Posted by Tr1cK

Hmm

So it would work on SLI 285s if I hook both monitors to the primary card? I like to play games in fullscreen window whenever possible (like WoW) and have the second monitor to do whatever I want on it like run vent or have a webpage up.

Actually no. The second monitor will still on but the DirectX app will take control of your mouse. This isnt actually an SLI limitation though. But rather a DirectX limitation. You could however play the game in a full screen window ((across your desktop)) and then still have the ability to span your mouse to another window. With SLI/Multi GPU you have basic multi monitor capabilities, Spanning desktop across multiple monitors, Cloning. ect. But like I said. If your DirectX app requests a full screen. Your mouse gets limited to that screen.

Chris

Yes exactly. I'm saying maybe one day it will be possible to have outputs also display from the slave GPU? I mean it wasn't that long ago that it wasn't possible to even have dual view.

I wouldn't count on it the near future.

[Tr1cK]

It sounds to me like nothing is different as long as you don't plan on using more than 2 monitors as they have to use the primary card's outputs. That's great for me as I only use 2. As long as I could enable SLI while keeping Dualview enabled, I'd be a happy camper.

[ChrisRay]

Originally Posted by Tr1cK

It sounds to me like nothing is different as long as you don't plan on using more than 2 monitors as they have to use the primary card's outputs. That's great for me as I only use 2. As long as I could enable SLI while keeping Dualview enabled, I'd be a happy camper.

Yup. Check out this. I did a small part of the dual screen capabilities of the 295 Quad SLI

http://forums.slizone.com/index.php?showtopic=31779

Second post. Multi Monitor has been here for about 5 months but nobody seemed to make a big deal out of it when it came out.

[Tr1cK]

Originally Posted by ChrisRay

Yup. Check out this. I did a small part of the dual screen capabilities of the 295 Quad SLI

http://forums.slizone.com/index.php?showtopic=31779

Second post. Multi Monitor has been here for about 5 months but nobody seemed to make a big deal out of it when it came out.

I think it is a big deal. Too many people seem to be content stuck in the confines of one monitor.
TY for the replies and the work you put into this.