PCI slots = 4 to 6?

[Scataphagos]

What matters is the number of PCIE lanes motherboard chipset handles. Those lanes are split across actual slots and aside from some slots designated as x16 or x8 PCIE bandwidth will be shared depending on how many devices are plugged in

True, but not a limiting factor in trading... with the graphics demands being so low.

Biggest problem.... what slots are on the mobo and what BIOS will support. That's why getting a budget mobo with only 1, x16 slot is potentially problematical for running >2 monitors.

 

[Scataphagos]

I agree, Scat. That's the ideal way to build a bridge.

It seems that he has a bridge in service already... and just want to see if he can increase the traffic on it. Not impossible but things may be prone to risks...

I think 6 monitors or above is kind of out of the question. 2 to 4 monitors may be doable.

He might run 8 monitors with 2, quad cards... and x16 and an x1... IF the mobo will support.

 

[easymon1]

Wondering about what options exist for a simple, stable PC to run charts (25% i3 cpu usage) on 4 - 6 low end video cards that specify - PCI Express x16/ PCI Express x1, 25w.

Thanks guys...Open to assembling a PC if that's necessary.
Monitor res of 1920 x 1080 is fine. Maximum number without jumping through hoops.
Quadro NVS 295? http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_14605.html

 

[Scataphagos]

Thanks guys...Open to assembling a PC if that's necessary.
Monitor res of 1920 x 1080 is fine. Maximum number without jumping through hoops.
Quadro NVS 295? http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_14605.html

295s at that ares are fine... use them myself. Presuming you have a mobo now with 1, x16 and 1, x1 slot.... you could get a 295 x16 and a 295 x1 to run 4 monitors. If you mobo doesn't support both video cards and you end up with a different computer, (1) get one with at least 2, x16 slots for better quality/capability, and (2) you'd be able to use both of your 295s to run 4 monitors on the new mobo... and likely be able to add more video cards/monitors if desired.

As for computers... I prefer Dell Precision workstations. Used T3500s running W7 are good for trading.

 

[Bolimomo]

Thanks guys...Open to assembling a PC if that's necessary.
Monitor res of 1920 x 1080 is fine. Maximum number without jumping through hoops.
Quadro NVS 295? http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_14605.html

Are you trying to retrofit it to a low-end PC which you already have? Or you are going to buy a new low-end PC to do this? (Sounds like the latter case?)

 

[easymon1]

Are you trying to retrofit it to a low-end PC which you already have? Or you are going to buy a new low-end PC to do this? (Sounds like the latter case?)

From a blank slate I'm casting about for what's involved with sticking a bunch of monitors on the wall. The fool tax involved with first time pc build makes the T3500s look simpler from here.

 

[Scataphagos]

From a blank slate I'm casting about for what's involved with sticking a bunch of monitors on the wall. The fool tax involved with first time pc build makes the T3500s look simpler from here.

For T3500, you might be able to get one with warranty remaining. Before purchasing, ask seller for the Service Tag number and check Dell's website... could be original warranty or could be extended warranty. The warranty can be transferred to new owner.

If not T3500, any computer with at least 2, x16 slots will suffice.

 

[Scataphagos]

For T3500, you might be able to get one with warranty remaining. Before purchasing, ask seller for the Service Tag number and check Dell's website... could be original warranty or could be extended warranty. The warranty can be transferred to new owner.

If not T3500, any computer with at least 2, x16 slots will suffice.

I checked eBay... LOTS of T3500s available. Some "manufacturer refurbished" and may have 90-day warranty. $300-$400 gets you something decent.

 

[Carl K]

Intel has made a co-processor for their Xeon CPU's.
The first versions were built on a PCI bus, eats one slot.
It's called the "Xeon Phi", 61 core, 241 hyper threads.
Parallel processing, even at lower speeds, can be faster
than many networked PC's. The price is comming down.

Carl

 

[easymon1]

I checked eBay... LOTS of T3500s available. Some "manufacturer refurbished" and may have 90-day warranty. $300-$400 gets you something decent.

Thanks Scataphagos - Didn't even think of ebay, just checked the Dell Outlet. $300-$400, who could complain? Dell's Outlet start high sixes. Didn't a Commodore 64 cost $800? We need to get that kind of price perf out of our pols and bureaucrats, lol.
Are all T3500s created equal PCI slot-wise?
For some reason I thought those 295 vidcards would work in a PCIe x1 . I need to !read the directions? and look at the PCI slot specs for T3500s. I'd like option for >4 monitors with 295 cards and a scotch neat.