Linux with 4 monitors, 2 AMD GPUs of different models (HD4870 & 6870)
 

So I've installed some new hardware and I'm about to prep for a Linux install (moving away from Windows)

I've been using Linux Mint in the past and iirc I couldn't think of anything missing from it... except for the GPU drivers. I have 4 monitors and 2 graphic cards (AMD HD4870 & 6870), and in the past I've only gotten drivers for either the 4870 OR the 6890 to work--I've never had both running simultaneously. Only 2 monitors connected to the same GPU has worked in the past.

In other words, I can only get 2 monitors (1 graphics card) out of the 4 (2 graphics cards) to work with Linux Mint. It seems I can't get the system to detect both cards at the same time, or at least allow them to run at the same time (seems like one keeps replacing the other).

Is it possible for this setup to work? I would like to know before I start trying to wrap my head around an unfamiliar (to me) OS. Does anyone on here use 2 AMD graphics card of different models and without crossfire (with 1 or 2 graphics cards per monitor) on Linux? How did you get it to work?

And what Linux distro would be optimal for running virtual Windows machines?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

P.S. I'm writing this from my Windows enviroment, and haven't installed Linux yet (just to make it clear)

I have run three and four monitors off one 6850 without any problems. You have to install the propriety driver to get it to work. That was two DP monitors, one DVI and one HDMI I think. Getting the propriety drivers going can be a bit of a challenge sometimes but these day its much easier than it was about 5 years ago. You might find that you don't have as many problems getting the two cards to work together. I can't help you as I have only had nvidia multi-card setup.

I have not used two different GPUs to run the monitors for a long time. Now, in the old days that would require sticking separate xservers together, not ideal. I believe, but its only a belief, that the newer ATI/AMD cards don't suffer this problem. I am guessing you are going to find out. It would be easier to plug them all into the one card if you can. Which cards do you have exactly? I would be willing to bet that the 6890 could drive them all on its own with the correct adapters. Might be less pain that trying to get the two cards going together.

I use Opensuse, I haven't tried Mint so I can't help with the method exactly but I will answer questions if I can.