Extra graphics card in workstation

[tricky]

I have a new workstation which is a great performer (when I can solve the random crashes!) for modelling and rendering. What it isn't so great at is realtime stuff (unity/unreal/vrayRT). The card in the machine is a Quadro 4000.

If I wanted to put an extra card in there for the realtime apps (and for VrayRT), is it simply a matter of inserting it into the extra GFX-card slot and telling VrayRT (or any other app) to use that particular GFX card rather than the Quadro? Also, do I keep my monitor cable plugged into the Quadro at all times?

I suppose the type of card I would be thinking of would be a GTX780 or similar.

[Vizioen]

I have a new workstation which is a great performer (when I can solve the random crashes!) for modelling and rendering. What it isn't so great at is realtime stuff (unity/unreal/vrayRT). The card in the machine is a Quadro 4000.

If I wanted to put an extra card in there for the realtime apps (and for VrayRT), is it simply a matter of inserting it into the extra GFX-card slot and telling VrayRT (or any other app) to use that particular GFX card rather than the Quadro? Also, do I keep my monitor cable plugged into the Quadro at all times?

I suppose the type of card I would be thinking of would be a GTX780 or similar.

Is it a quadro 4000 or a K4000 btw? I have no answer to your question, GTX780ti should do the trick, ofcourse is money isn't a problem a titan Z would be better

[tricky]

a plain 4000.

I don't really want to replace the card because a) its decent for some things and b) I don't really want to take out something that Dell themselves have put in for warranty reasons.

[AlexP]

a plain 4000.

I don't really want to replace the card because a) its decent for some things and b) I don't really want to take out something that Dell themselves have put in for warranty reasons.

On the subject of warranty, are you actually able to open up the case and put an additional card in? Doesnt any of that sort of stuff void the warranty on prebuilt systems?

[peterguthrie]

this won't help you whatsoever, but in my world no graphics card is ever as good as you think it should be (same with printers)

I had a quadro 4000 (still have if anyone wants to buy it) and replaced it with a geforce 7-something-or-other. Just as good viewport performance and quieter and runs cooler.

now that I have actually read your question, yeah pretty sure you can just buy a dedicated card for RT and tell vray to use it

[tricky]

this won't help you whatsoever, but in my world no graphics card is ever as good as you think it should be (same with printers)

My thoughts too! The card was just part of the 'kit'. It may get swapped one day soon....

On a side note, I notice you are in Venice next month. Hopefully we'll see you there!

[Morbid Angel]

what kind of case is it? those dells may be so tightly packed that you will have no room for another card.

[alexyork]

Also watch out for overloading the PSU...

[Morbid Angel]

Also watch out for overloading the PSU...

good point,unless your psu is over 1000w, it may be too much.

[tricky]

1300W
Case is pretty bare IIRC.

[Vizioen]

I have the K4000, but I'm doubting, is it a good idea to sell it or swap it for a GTX780ti or Titan Black?