Dual Monitor / GPU Temps Question

Hello all,

I'm currently in the process of "bettering" my monitor setup at home. For a few years now, I had been using a 1650x1080 single monitor. I just recently purchased a 1920x1200 monitor. (The ultimate goal here is to have 2, 24" 1920x1200 monitors).

I have SLI GTX 580's and I only game on one monitor.

I have a question, as not only is this my first time ever having SLI, its my first time having two monitors at home and being concerned about temperatures.

Before I upgraded to the two monitors, my 580s would idle around 32-38C with just the single 1680x1050 monitor (I think they were incredibly bored). Now that I've plugged in the new 1920x1200 monitor, alongside the older 1680x1050, the temperatures on the top card have gone from around 34C idle, to 58C idle. The bottom card has moved up to around 37/38C idle.

I know that using two monitors, at two different resolutions is taxing on a GPU, but both GPUs are reporting 0% usage in afterburner, so I believe this is true idle.

I tested it, by checking just using the old monitor, temps went back down, and by just the new monitor, where temps were still higher, but not nearly the high 50's. I have not had a chance to test any load temperatures.

Is that kind of jump (37 to 58C (top), and 32 to 37C (bottom)) to be expected just from adding a second monitor?


Edited by Tidgxor - 29 Dec 2010 at 4:09pm

The whole reason I actually got SLI, has to do with some upgrades I'm making in the coming months (even beyond those stated above), I just want to make sure things are ok for now. I'd rather keep the 2nd card in there, but if I'm hurting something, then I guess I could take it out.

Here is a screenshot of afterburner, after about 25-30 minutes of Bad Company 2, on the highest settings I could select. I took the picture as soon as I closed out of the game. I know this isn't fully scientific or for an extended duration, but its the best I have right now





Oddly enough, GPU 2 seems to be hotter under loads. It should be noted, that I have not set up any form of custom fan profile (though I'm definitely open to advice), though I believe that the card's fans are currently linked.

Oh I just looked, the max fan RPM for GPU 1 was 2250, while GPU 2 was 2580.




Edited by Tidgxor - 29 Dec 2010 at 4:46pm

Do you know of any good resources where I can see pictures of other SLI fan profiles? It seems like a lot of people seem to prefer a "stair-step" style profile, or more of a "slope" style profile. I'm new to the whole custom fan profile thing. I don't doubt your advice, I plan to use it, but seeing it in an actual picture would help me visualize how to set it up.

it does not take long to get one worked out, the one Dragoonseal posted will work for a  base, then mod it as you feel to keep temps where you like them, and noise levels of happiness.

also bump that voltage up, and get some performance out of those puppies.

Edited by justin.kerr - 29 Dec 2010 at 5:54pm

Ya start with dragon's and see how temps do, then modify it as needed, tho I have a feeling that is gonna get you what you need.

YES.