AGP/Onboard video cards run simultaneously?

[MusicallyInspired]

I wanted to try using two monitors to have a larger desktop with my ATI 9800 and onboard video cards. But in the BIOS it seems to only want to let me use one or the other. Is it possible maybe to get Windows to detect the onboard card anyway somehow? Or is there any other way to get them both working at the same time?

Is it even possible to have two video cards working at the same time to expand a desktop?

[shad0wfax]

There should be no problems in using two separate video cards in windows in order to have a two monitor desktop. I myself did have this setup during a short period of time, and it worked flawlessly.

But maybe things are different if one of the video sources is the built-in VGA. I suppose that there's an option in the BIOS which lets you select the primary video source, right? Try to select internal VGA as the primary source while having the external card plugged into the mainboard, and maybe windows will detect a two monitor system.

[jbltecnicspro]

There's no way to use both integrated and AGP video cards at the same time because the bios simply does not allow it.  However, you could get a cheap PCI video card - it should be able to work as well.

[MusicallyInspired]

Ok I dug out an old Cirrus Logic 5434 PCI card and plugged it in and Windows sees it but it says in Device Manager that the device can't start. Any thoughts? Do I just need drivers? I should also point out that my current ATI AIW 9800 Pro card has two outputs: regular monitor and then a second device for TV/HDTV/and Flat screen display. Would the built in second output of the AIW be keeping the second video card from working? Or would it show up as a 3rd display in Display Properties > Settings?

[Laust]

Assuming the card is working and you have the drivers, it will show up as a third display.

[MusicallyInspired]

Well instead it shows up in the Display Adapters section of Device Manager with a question mark on the icon.

[zaphod77]

move it to a different pci slot, and try again.  The one below the AGP slot is almost ALWAYS a poor choice.

[glendower]

The onboard video probably sits on your AGP, so that won't work as AGP, by definition, only supports one card at a time (there is no AGP bridge). The PCI card that you use for your secondary monitor must specifically support that feature. I have a Matrox Millenium II that works wonderfully. I've tried a number of other cards that I have just lying around and they do not work. THey fight for dominance (or something like that ) and won't function.

So your 9800 only has one video out on it? That's too bad. ATI cards tend to do a super job with multiple monitors. I miss my 9500Pro