Best single graphics card for triple monitor display?

Hi,
 
I currently run 2 LG 22" monitors on my Sonar Platinum DAW using an Nvidia GS8400 graphics card. I am in the process of decommissioning a second (none DAW) PC which also has two monitors which are positioned above my 2 DAW monitors. (See photograph of the set up in my avatar photo to the left ! )
So, this frees up some space, and would be perfect for a 30" monitor to go above my two current 22" monitors. However, I know little or nothing about graphics cards (they seem to be the domain of the gaming community across the web) so I thought I would come to the forum for advice. I need to run 3 independent monitors, on a single graphics card, preferably taking up no more space in my DAW PC case than the Nvidia GS8400 it will replace. Is anyone else doing this? What options would you recommend? Over to you guys...
 
Garry Kiosk

bitflipper
I've never run 3 monitors myself, but have looked into it because I'd like to add a third display as a teleprompter in the vocal booth. Apparently, others have pulled this off without having to buy a new video adaptor, by enabling their motherboard's integrated video interface. Some good info here.

^This.... I run 2 vga monitors (one with dvi adapter) off my nvidia 430 and a 50inch plasma via hdmi from my motherboard with no problems whatsoever. I don't know exactly what the hardware criteria is for this to work but I posted a thread asking about it a few months ago and got great advice so I'm sure someone will be along shortly to help you out. Good luck!

Most new Mobos support 3 monitors with the on board graphics. I actually have all 4 connection choices. Not sure what the performance would be like with 3, but it certainly works fine with 2. 
 

D-Sub port,    Optical SPDIF 
DVI-D port      HDMI port
                     Display Port   
Not exactly up on what a Display port is but it there. 

I run 4 monitors on my system through an NVS 510 card.
http://www.nvidia.com/obj...-product-overview.html
Also the NVS 450 is fan-less.
I don't play games or anything but use my graphics card for video preview and also my DAW.
I have no problems with it at all.

I use an ATI Radeon HD 5570 and run 3 monitors.  It wasn't very expensive and it doesn't need a very powerful power supply in the computer.

How's the noise level on that card, Jim? I looked it up and like all gaming video cards it's got a big honkin' fan on it.
 
I'm generally sus-picious of gaming cards for DAWs, as they're famous for assuming that video is the most important thing happening in the computer and have no problem hogging the I/O bus. Do you actually use such cards in the systems you build? If so, do they make a measurable difference in audio performance?

townstra
I use an ATI Radeon HD 5570 and run 3 monitors.  It wasn't very expensive and it doesn't need a very powerful power supply in the computer.

Hi Townstra, well, I have managed to acquire a Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP 30" Widescreen LCD Monitor for a great price off eBay, along with an ATI Radeon 5570 card. It's clear that this card does support 3 monitors, but as the Dell DVI input is not DisplayPort, I am going to have to get a DisplayPort to DVI adaptor. There is a very big price differential between active and non-active adaptors, before I dive in, could you tell me if you have a DisplayPort adaptor and if so, what type you use. Thanks...
 

OK I have a question for those who might know. 
 
I go with the on board graphics because it seems Video cards are for gaming and can also add more noise with the fan. The only benifit I can see is they also take the processing load off the CPU. But, how much of a load is there with something like a DAW? 
Is it significant with a modern 4 core processor?  
I figure that these modern Mobos which all support at least 3 monitors are up to the task and that only a hard core gamer would need the additional video power? Am I wrong. 
I have a Zotac GT610 I didn't bother putting back in my latest build thinking there was no gain.
Should I use it? It has the same 3 ports as the Asrock H97 pro 4  Mobo.   

So what your saying is if a mobo HAS a good on board video system, there is no point in adding the dedicated card?  
What I'm getting at, is for a DAW there seems no point in adding a video card if most modern mobo's have 3 and 4  monitor capability and the hit on a modern processor is lite. 
 
How much do you gain in video performance from a DAW perspective? 

Well, I managed to get an ATI Radeon HD5750 graphics card in the end. The installation went well, and in the last few minutes I managed to get all three monitors, including the Dell 30" monitor, up and running in 2560 x 1600 mode, and I must say, it looks awesome ! The fan on this card is quiet and about the same as my previous graphics card. By going on the cheap and using eBay to bid and win used (but as new) gear, I have managed to complete this upgrade to my DAW for just over £200 (say, $290 ) Thanks for all the helpful pointers and tips on this thread, I am happy to share my triple monitor upgrade experience with anyone via the thread. Now to get my screensets working better for me and onward with making music !