# Graphics card question

**URL:** <https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623>\
**Category:** Support\
**Created:** [May 7, 2013, 1:23pm UTC](https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623 "2013-05-07T13:23:59Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![cstawarz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/mworks.discourse.group/cstawarz/32/3_2.png) [@cstawarz](https://mworks.discourse.group/u/cstawarz)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 1:23pm UTC](https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623/1 "2013-05-07T13:23:59Z")

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Hi Chris,

I’m starting to purchase computers for our behavioral setups and I had a question about graphics cards. The default card that comes with the Mac Pro is the HD 5770. It says that it can run three monitors simultaneously- would you trust it with controlling both monitors during an experiment? Alternatively, I can buy a second 5770 or substitute a 5870 - the cost of both upgrades are within $50. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks!  
Lindsey.

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**Author:** ![cstawarz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/mworks.discourse.group/cstawarz/32/3_2.png) [@cstawarz](https://mworks.discourse.group/u/cstawarz)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 1:56pm UTC](https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623/2 "2013-05-07T13:56:04Z")

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Hi Lindsey,

I definitely recommend getting the second 5770 and using one card per display. Using a single card for both displays inevitably leads to some dropped frames. That may or may not be problem, depending on your experiment, but I think it’s wise to be conservative and get the second card. That will ensure you get the smoothest and most reliable display update performance.

Cheers,  
Chris

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**Author:** ![cstawarz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/mworks.discourse.group/cstawarz/32/3_2.png) [@cstawarz](https://mworks.discourse.group/u/cstawarz)\
**Post date:** [May 7, 2013, 2:12pm UTC](https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623/3 "2013-05-07T14:12:33Z")

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Great- thanks!

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**Author:** ![cstawarz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex031/user_avatar/mworks.discourse.group/cstawarz/32/3_2.png) [@cstawarz](https://mworks.discourse.group/u/cstawarz)\
**Post date:** [July 19, 2022, 11:30pm UTC](https://mworks.discourse.group/t/graphics-card-question/623/4 "2022-07-19T23:30:06Z")

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Closed on July 19, 2022, 11:30pm UTC