Adding a second GPU

ZZII · 10-16-2019, 05:30 AM

I currently have 4 monitors and a TV, and want to run it all from one PC. I currently have an NVidia GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB with 3 outputs. I want to add a second GPU to run the other two screens.

I have loads of AMD cards but I know they don't play nice with NVidia cards in Linux.

I have a couple older NVidia cards but they aren't on the supported list for the 10 series driver. I have tried a 9400 GT anyway but it did not work.

Is there any simple way to get any of my spare video cards to work in Linux with the 1060?

Options I have:
GeForce 9400 GT
GeForce 9800 GT
GeForce 9800 GX2
Quadro NVS 295
Quadro NVS 420
Radeon HD 3450
Radeon HD 3870
Radeon HD 5450
Radeon HD 8570
Radeon R7 240

The machine:
Dell Precision T3500
Intel Xeon W3565 3.20 GHz
16GB DDR3 RAM
4GB SATA SSD
256GB NVMe SSD
480GB SATA SSD
1TB 7200rpm HDD
Dell 525W PSU
Fedora Cinnamon 30 x64

Thanks

zeebra · 10-16-2019, 08:58 AM

I think doing things like this would be easy and awesome with GNU/Linux if advanced and open drivers were available for graphic cards..

Good luck.

ZZII · 10-17-2019, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeebra

I think doing things like this would be easy and awesome with GNU/Linux if advanced and open drivers were available for graphic cards..

Good luck.

Hmm. Maybe I should buy like a GT 640 or something on the supported list for the current NVidia drivers.

mrmazda · 10-18-2019, 02:52 AM

If the 1060 will run OK on the default DDX (modesetting), then both cards could run on the same (modesetting) DDX whether AMD or NVidia. It should not be too hard to try as long as you have no problem with not using NVidia's proprietary driver, and no problem eradicating it if any of them is currently installed.

ZZII · 10-18-2019, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

If the 1060 will run OK on the default DDX (modesetting), then both cards could run on the same (modesetting) DDX whether AMD or NVidia. It should not be too hard to try as long as you have no problem with not using NVidia's proprietary driver, and no problem eradicating it if any of them is currently installed.

Yeah no. Nouveau was giving me weird screen issues including black boxes over large areas of the screen. I was also getting terrible performance and screen tearing. Unless there's a way to make Nouveau work properly (I've never had any success with it) then that won't work.

zeebra · 10-18-2019, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZII

Yeah no. Nouveau was giving me weird screen issues including black boxes over large areas of the screen. I was also getting terrible performance and screen tearing. Unless there's a way to make Nouveau work properly (I've never had any success with it) then that won't work.

It could be worth having a look at changelogs of the proprietary drivers to check for relevant features..

mrmazda · 10-18-2019, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZII

Unless there's a way to make Nouveau work properly (I've never had any success with it) then that won't work.

My point was NVidia and Nouveau are not your only driver choices for NVidia GPUs.

ZZII · 10-24-2019, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

My point was NVidia and Nouveau are not your only driver choices for NVidia GPUs.

Ah I'm with you now. Sorry, I work with Windows every day unfortunately, I'm so used to only having the two options when it comes to graphics drivers. I'll take a closer look when I get a chance.