As an IT administrator, it is important to understand the different hardware components of a computer system and how they interact with each other. One such component is the graphics card, which is responsible for producing the interface that allows users to interact with the system. Graphics cards come in two varieties - onboard and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) - and it is possible to use both simultaneously.
Onboard graphics cards are integrated into the motherboard of a computer system, while PCI cards are installed into an expansion slot. Onboard graphics cards are usually less powerful than the PCI cards, but they are a more cost-effective solution since they are already included in the motherboard. The main advantage of onboard graphics cards is that they can be used with any operating system, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
The main advantage of PCI cards is that they are much more powerful than onboard cards and can produce better graphics. PCI cards are also able to support multiple monitors, as well as advanced 3D graphics. Compared to onboard cards, PCI cards can provide up to five times the performance.
However, the main disadvantage of using both onboard and PCI cards simultaneously is that the performance of both cards will be reduced. This is because the two cards need to share the system resources, such as memory and processing power. In addition, some motherboards may not support using both cards at the same time.
If you are considering using both onboard and PCI graphics cards simultaneously, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that your motherboard is capable of running both cards. Secondly, you will need to make sure that your system is powerful enough to support both cards. Finally, if you are using multiple monitors, make sure that the graphics cards are compatible with each other.
In conclusion, it is possible to use both onboard and PCI graphics cards simultaneously. However, due to the reduced performance, it is usually not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you do decide to use both cards, make sure that your system is powerful enough to support both cards, and that your motherboard is compatible with both cards.