Multiple video cards on one box, two different OS?

Rhuobhe · 05-21-2008, 12:32 AM

I have a Sun Ultra 24 work station running Solaris 10. The computer has two hard disks. One disk runs Solaris and the other runs Windows XP.

I use Solaris for pretty much everything except gaming. I installed XP for the sole purpose of being able to play 3D intensive games only. However, my current video card is not so great for that (NVIDIA Quadro NV 290).

I wanted to know if it would be safe to install an additional video card I have laying around (GeForce 8800 GT).

I pretty much plan to use the new card for Windows XP and use the Quadro for Solaris (I can't use the geforce for both). I am just not sure if it will damage my hardware by having both cards plugged into the motherboard.

The other alternative is to upgrade the quadro card but I am still a novice at Solaris and it will take me a while to figure out how to install the drivers etc. not to mention that it will also be more expensive since I already have a video card and do not have to buy a new one.

Thanks look forward to your replies

Kaosu · 05-21-2008, 12:40 AM

It won't damage the system in any kind of way.

You'll just have to make sure the workstation can support it (the slots, for two cards)

Also, you'll want to make sure to only install the drivers for the Geforce for the XP install, not the Quadro.

MrGraham · 05-21-2008, 08:32 AM

Monitor temperature using the NVIDIA control panel on the geforce for a while too when you first start using it, just to make sure it's not too hot in your case with a 2nd card.

05-21-2008, 12:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rhuobhe all hail Rhuobhe Manslayer Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 187 -11 Internets	Multiple video cards on one box, two different OS? I have a Sun Ultra 24 work station running Solaris 10. The computer has two hard disks. One disk runs Solaris and the other runs Windows XP. I use Solaris for pretty much everything except gaming. I installed XP for the sole purpose of being able to play 3D intensive games only. However, my current video card is not so great for that (NVIDIA Quadro NV 290). I wanted to know if it would be safe to install an additional video card I have laying around (GeForce 8800 GT). I pretty much plan to use the new card for Windows XP and use the Quadro for Solaris (I can't use the geforce for both). I am just not sure if it will damage my hardware by having both cards plugged into the motherboard. The other alternative is to upgrade the quadro card but I am still a novice at Solaris and it will take me a while to figure out how to install the drivers etc. not to mention that it will also be more expensive since I already have a video card and do not have to buy a new one. Thanks look forward to your replies

05-21-2008, 12:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kaosu Lost in the Twilight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Surprise/Peoria, Arizona Posts: 869 -1 Internets	It won't damage the system in any kind of way. You'll just have to make sure the workstation can support it (the slots, for two cards) Also, you'll want to make sure to only install the drivers for the Geforce for the XP install, not the Quadro. __________________ Like a frenzied horse that is driven. An unseen wind of plague shrieks across the border. Pandemonium, wailing, and stench of carnage fills the air. There is no place to run. No hope of escape. Those who are mourned will never return. The hands of time cannot be turned back.

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05-21-2008, 08:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
MrGraham Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 810 +3 Internets	Monitor temperature using the NVIDIA control panel on the geforce for a while too when you first start using it, just to make sure it's not too hot in your case with a 2nd card.