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January 17th, 2013 09:00
Optiplex 390 - Adding Video Card
I was hoping to add a PCIe x16 video card to an Optiplex 390 and still use the on-board graphics. I've added a card and it seems to have disabled the on-board graphics. Is there something I need to change, or is this the way it is?
I assume I can go and add another PCIe x1 card?
The card I added is an ATI FirePro 2450 Quad Output card. I need to drive 5 monitors.
Any ideas would be great.
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DELL-Chris M
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January 19th, 2013 12:00
nickjm,
The OptiPlex 390 will support either the integrated graphics or the add-in graphics card, but not both at the same time. In theory, you could add a PCIe x1 Ati FireMV 2250. But I have never tested a PCIe x16 video card coupled with a PCIe x1 video card.
thonk98
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January 25th, 2013 12:00
Despite what is stated above - Our Optiplex 390's are capable of running the integrated graphics AND an add-in graphics card at the same time. We can run up to 4 monitors with a daul output add-in card. Here is what one of our techs wrote up: For those needing 3 or more monitors. Once the additional video card is connected an error message will come up at the next boot stating there is a non-standard video set up present. Choose F2 and go to the Video settings and check the Allow Multiple Monitors box, by default the multiple monitor option is turned off.
Hope this helps,
Thonk
nickjm
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January 30th, 2013 07:00
I don't get any sort of prompt about monitor setup. I also don't see that option in the BIOS. What version are you running?
thonk98
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January 30th, 2013 15:00
Hmmm, I don't think mine acts that way. If you try a "scan for hardware changes" does it find the onboard? Do you have a monitor plugged into the onbaord VGA or HDMI as well as the x16 card?
thonk98
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January 30th, 2013 15:00
The BIOS is A09. I get the message when I place a card in the PCIe slot but leave the monitor plugged into the onboard VGA. Sorry the pics aren't very clear.
Hope this helps,
Thonk
nickjm
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January 30th, 2013 15:00
I eventually did find the setting but only with the x16 card and on-board video. However, when I enabled the option and booted into Windows 7, the Intel HD Graphics chip under Display Adapters goes away. If I remove the x16 card, it shows back up.
iaincrc
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January 7th, 2015 08:00
I am having a similar issue with the Optiplex 390. Only I had 3 screens running, then when I disconnected the PC to move it and connected it all back up it will only power the screen connected to the onboard card or the two screens connected to the additional one.
I know that the 390 can support them, as I say I had it working. For whatever reason it seems to have stopped now. When all the connections are in use the PC boots to the onboard card and wont show the other screens. If I connect using the addtional graphics card and then connect the 3rd screen after startup the screen doesn't power on.
Im really pulling my hair out, I haven't changed any settings and it did work, it just isn't now.
nicolas_t
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February 2nd, 2015 03:00
I have the exact same issue than iaincrc. I suspect a driver or Windows bug. When I boot with the 3 screens connected, I have 3 black screen. If I disconnect the one on the onboard card, the other screens are back.
My external card is a NVIDIA GeForce 210 and the BiOS setting Multi Display is enabled.
Does any one had the same issue and solved it ?