How can I build a computer for both gaming and work? Hybrid computer build!
I've been trying to find a solution for this problem for few years now, but I never got the chance to have an exact answer.
-=-=- The problem -=-=-
Many of us likes to play computer games. The problem is that gaming cards don't do it with CAD; Visual glitch, poor performance, crashes...
Some suggest to build two different computer, but it is a lot of money, wasted in my opinion. I think it is better to get ONE good CPU since "consummer" CPU works as good as workstation CPU for CAD application. They are mostly used when rebuilding a part and rendering.
GPU, in the other hand, aren't as flexible as CPU.
This means that a good Gaming/Workstation should have both a gaming GPU (Radeon and GeForce) and a Workstation GPU (FirePro and Quadro) on the same motherboard.
5 Answers
-=-=- The solution-=-=-
It is possible, without dual boot. Switching GPU takes less than 5 seconds!
Only one monitor is required.
Make sure you have two cables to get each video card to the monitor.
I had to get a DisplayPort to HDMI cable when I added a W7000 to my gaming setup. The cable can be found for less than 10$.
Build a nice computer with:
A great CPU
A gaming GPU
A workstation GPU
For this tutorial, I've used the following set-up:
Intel Core i7 920 D0 @4.15 Ghz
Gygabyte X58A-UD3R BIOS F8a
24Gb DDR3 Corsair Vengeance @1592 MHz 10-9-9-24
Radeon HD 7950
FirePro W7000
Windows 7
AMD Catalyst 14-9
AMD Firepro 13.352.1019
Here is how it is possible:
Answered with a tutorial: https://grabcad.com/tutorials/how-can-i-build-a-computer-for-both-gaming-and-work-hybrid-computer-build
Here is an easier way to switch between graphic cards. The previous method wasn't stable and sometimes needed a reboot.
This solution is easier and works all the time, without any rebooting.
Answered with a tutorial: https://grabcad.com/tutorials/how-can-i-build-a-computer-for-both-gaming-and-work-hybrid-computer-build--1
I used to do custom builds, but now I'm using an M6600, Dell mobile workstation, lease return from eBay. When I bought it a couple of years ago it was 2 or 3 years old, and the price was $799 on eBay. It has an i7 with 8 cores and Nvidia Quadro graphics. Combined with a portable USB HD, I'm able to work on any projects from work without any noticable slow down.
The added benefit is that it will run any game I've tried so far on the max graphics settings, including current releases. Since it does the games so well, I've been using it more for gaming lately, than the Playstation.
Philippe Carrier:
Were you able to see if this is possible using multiple monitors?
Thanks!
If you had two monitors, could you have each one power a different monitor without any setback?
