How can I get Windows 7 to work with two Nvidia graphics cards with different drivers?
- by Max
This is similar to this question, but I am using more similar cards with Windows 7.
I just purchased a Zotac Nvidia GeForce 7200 GS. I have a motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots. There is already an MSI Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS being used as the primary card, driving two LCD monitors. I would like the Zotac to output to a TV via DVI-out.
Unfortunately, when Windows detects the Zotac and installs its drivers, or I manually install them, Windows stops being able to boot up. If I remove them and re-install the MSI 8800 drivers, I can boot again, but Windows can no longer see the Zotac 7200--it shows up as a yellow triangle in Device Manager.
I've read conflicting reports about this. Some people claim that Windows 7 will support multiple heterogeneous graphics card drivers, as long as they are all using the same driver API ("WDDM?"). Others say that they have to be using the exact same driver, or it won't work. Others claim that you have to use the exact same card. which is it, exactly? I know I can run the MSI 8800 in SLI if I purchase another, but I don't need that kind of power--I just need HD-out to my television.
I read somewhere that running two cards in SLI precludes you from using 100% of their output ports, so I'm not sure if that's an option. I suppose I could also run two MSI 8800's without SLI, but again, that's more power than I need (and more money than I'd like to spend). Also, I don't think this exact model is even manufactured anymore.
Any ideas?
