How to Use PCI-E & PCI Video Cards at the Same Time?

When you need your data to be displayed on two, three or more monitors or have an application that needs to be run on at least two monitors, you usually need more than one video card. One of the solutions you have is to use a PCI Express (PCI-E) and a PCI video card at the same time.

Follow 12 steps to Use PCI-E & PCI Video Cards at the Same Time

1. Disconnect all the cables from the computer including the power cable.

2. Turn the computer around so the back is facing you. Unfasten the screws that hold the right-side panel. Review your computer manual to make sure you don't have to remove a top or front panel to slide the right-side panel off.

3. Lay the computer down so you can see the interior and locate the PCI-E slot. This will be the first slot above the PCI slots and is slightly longer than the PCI slots. Refer to the card manual to see the slot size. You can also identify the slot by looking at the card connection.

4. Remove the back metal plate where the slot is. This plate is held in place with a screw, and by removing the screw the plate can be removed.

5. Set the card connectors in the slot and press firmly along the upper edge of the card, ensuring a firm connection between the pins and slot. Replace the screw you removed from the back metal plate to hold the card in place.

6. Replace the computer cables (with the computer open) and connect the computer to the power outlet.

7. Turn on the computer and insert the video card driver CD. Wait for the CD driver installation to start automatically. Input your personal information when prompted and click "Next." Wait for the installation to complete and click "Finish."

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8. Insert the PCI video card into the PCI slot farthest from the PCI-E card. This type of slot will be shorter than the PCI-E slot. Remove the metal plate and screw at the back of the computer just behind the slot you are going to use.

9. Set the PCI card in the slot and press down firmly along the length of the top edge to ensure a tight connection between pins. Replace the screw that held the back metal plate to hold the card in place.

10. Replace the right-side panel and screws. Replace the cables and plug the computer into the power outlet. Turn the computer on.

11. Insert the driver CD that came with the PCI video card in the CD/DVD drive and wait for the driver installation to start automatically. Input your personal information to register the card and click "Next." Wait for the installation to complete and click "Finish."

12. Configure the cards to work simultaneously by going to the control panel installed by the driver and clicking on "Set up multiple displays. Select the default video card and which output should go to each monitor.

To avoid driver conflicts, try to purchase cards made by the same manufacturer and place the PCI video card on the motherboard as far as possible from the PCI-E video card. Do this so the cards don't use the same bus for data, even though the newer PCI-E cards expand and double the bus transfer rates, making them better perform and preventing bus issues with other cards.

Sopto supplies high quality PCI Express Cards with reasonable price specifically for network servers. For the newest quotes, please contact a Sopto representative by calling 86-755-36946668, or by sending an email to info@sopto.com. For more info, please browse our website.