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How to connect 2 video cards for trading with 8 HDMI outputs on an HP Z4 G4 (Nvidia 3050)
Short answer: an HP Z4 G4 can run two Nvidia 3050 video cards for a multi-screen trading desk. The cards work well; you need a power adapter so both cards get power from the workstation PSU (or a temporary second supply while you wait for the adapter), and you may have to remove a small side-cover locking piece so the case closes over the tall cards.
I use this machine for trading. You can often find this class of workstation for less than $1,000, and it is powerful enough for a full wall of charts without buying an exotic multi-output card.
Why the HP Z4 G4 for a trading desk
I got this HP Z4 G4 a few months before the video and use it for trading. Inside you get an i7 CPU and, in my build, 32 GB of RAM — enough for now, with room to go up to 128 GB because many DIMM slots are free.
The feature that matters most for monitors: this chassis can take two video cards. I installed two Nvidia 3050s and they work great together for driving many screens.
Power adapter for the second 3050
The only extra part I had to buy was a power adapter so the workstation power supply can feed the second card. While I waited for that adapter I used another power supply temporarily. Once the adapter is in place, both 3050s run from the machine’s own PSU.
Plan for that cable before you order the second GPU, or you will be stuck with a temporary external supply.
Storage, front ports, and what you see outside
There is a bay for a regular SSD if you want one. I prefer the NVMe drives already in the system — roughly 3,000 MB/s read/write, much faster than a SATA SSD. Extra drive bays are available if you need more capacity.
On the front: DVD recorder, two USB-C ports, an SD card reader, two regular USB ports, power button, and hard-drive activity light. On the side of the chassis you can read the serial number and product number for inventory. The rear has PS/2 for old keyboards, USB, Ethernet, and an extra Ethernet card in my build.
HDMI, DisplayPort, and closing the side cover
Each card gives you HDMI plus several DisplayPort outputs (three DisplayPorts per card in this layout). That is how you reach a large multi-monitor trading setup from two mid-range GPUs.
With tall cards installed, a bulge / locking piece on the side prevented the cover from closing. Push the locking mechanism, pull that small piece out, and the cover closes normally. That was the only real disadvantage I hit with this dual-card layout.
Error diagram and QR on the chassis
On the side there is also a diagram for diagnosing errors and a QR code if you need to look up service info for the workstation. Useful if the machine throws a chassis or fan message later.
If you need a similar build shipped, say so in the comments or description links — otherwise you can build the same dual-3050 Z4 G4 layout yourself once you have the power adapter and enough monitors.
Frequently asked questions
Can an HP Z4 G4 run two Nvidia 3050 cards?
Yes. In this video the workstation runs two Nvidia 3050 GPUs together for a multi-monitor trading setup.
Do I need a special power cable for the second card?
Yes. Buy a power adapter so the workstation PSU can feed the second 3050. Until it arrives you can temporarily use another power supply.
How many monitor outputs do you get?
Each 3050 in this build has HDMI plus multiple DisplayPort outputs (three DisplayPorts shown per card), so two cards give you a large multi-screen desk.
Why won’t the side cover close with two GPUs?
A small locking / bulge piece on the side can block tall cards. Push the lock, pull that piece out, and the cover closes.