Thread: Dual Monitors

Originally Posted by Shakatak

A computer newbie here, how do you wire up multiple monitors and view different applications?

If it's a Mac, just plug the second screen in - been able to do that since 1987.

On a PC, either make sure your video card supports dual displays, or get a second video card, or get a video card with dual outputs, or get an external USB video splitter (allows you to attach an additional display via USB -- doesn't have accelerated video, though).

*THEN* plug in your second display ... I hear it works. Sometimes.

Originally Posted by Shakatak

how do you wire up multiple monitors and view different applications

Fit a Graphics card with two output sockets.
Then run it in dual mode

Originally Posted by Whiteshiva

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Originally Posted by Shakatak

how do you wire up multiple monitors and view different applications

Fit a Graphics card with two output sockets.
Then run it in dual mode

Bumping this thread rather than starting a new one!

My old desktop finally threw in the towel after 6 years relatively solid performance, and I am in the market for a new one. I was looking around Fortune Tower yesterday and found some good deals, but I was unable to get a firm answer with regards to using dual monitors. This is the video card that comes with the computer I have in mind (NVIDIA GeForce GF220):



As can be seen it has a DVI as well as a conventional VGA output (plus a HDMI port).

My question is - If I connect up separate monitors to the DVI and the VGA ports, will I get the "two-screen effect" (side-by-side, a.k.a. spanning) or will the two screen display exactly the same output?

If you intend to run two Monitors on a regular basis why on Earth would you buy a Video Card with 2 different Outputs?

There are MANY (indeed most) Cards out there now which have Dual DVI Outputs.

As for "Converters" a rule of thumb is that any "Converter" will indeed "Convert" ...... but only from a superior system to a lower one, so, yes you can get a "converter" to change from DVI to VGA but it's a downgrade of the DVI Output you already have on the first Port.

Buy a Card with Dual DVI Outputs.

Patrick

^ Thanks Thetyim, will try one out later.

For those who wanted 3 monitors on the same computer, the device you want is the Matrox "Triple-Head 2Go".

there are 2 different models (analog and digital) depending on what graphics card and monitors you have. Strangely it seems to support more NVidea graphics cards than their own!

I don't have one yet, but I did see it being sold in Thailand by Persoft in Pantip Plaza who I think may be the Matrox distributor in Thailand. It was about Bt.16,000 so importing your own might be cheaper.

In the not too distant future, {kit exists and is being sourced now} there will be the option to use USB ports to run video to screens. I've seen 6 head displays run from a PC using this technology, much cheaper then Matrox.

Regards

Been using duel monitors for years and gotta say its a lot better, could never go back even if it was to massive widescreen

Originally Posted by k1klass

Been using duel monitors for years and gotta say its a lot better, could never go back even if it was to massive widescreen

totalyy agree, multiple screens is soooooo much of a productivity enhancement. At the moment I have a 3 screen setup, connected to 3 computers, 1 keyboard and 2 mice! I have yet to spend time perfecting the setup, but 2 of the computers have dual screen, and the 2 mice allow me to use both hands on different computers/monitor combinations at the same time (most things I do require mouse rather than keyboard input so both hands working at the same time on different computers can be useful).

I'm not trying to boast about a flashy setup, it's not that wonderful, but with a bit of thought and a lot of trial/error it's nice to have good good flexible system to use.

Originally Posted by A Traveller

In the not too distant future, {kit exists and is being sourced now} there will be the option to use USB ports to run video to screens. I've seen 6 head displays run from a PC using this technology, much cheaper then Matrox.

Regards

Sounds interesting, but the good thing about the MAtrox boxes is they have support for lots of new games like Half Life 2.

Seriously thought about buying one, but price a little too high, and requires a REALLY high end graphics card to adequately support the EXTREMELY widescreen resolution at a decent framerate for current games.

^
You will get dual monitor display, just need to select it in the options menu

Originally Posted by Whiteshiva

or will the two screen display exactly the same output?

No, once you have connected the monitors, simply right click on the desktop area and go to properties, click on the settings tab and you should be able to see 2 monitors connected in the "display" drop down box.
You then just need to check the box for which one is "primary monitor" and then for the other monitor check the box that says "extend my windows desktop onto this monitor"

Sounds complicated, but isnt. Any problems, come back here with them.......

Adaptors to convert DVI to VGA are available if you need one

Thanks Spin & Thetyim!

I just bought a 50" plasma, should I plug the laptop in so the whole family can injoy TD

Originally Posted by Muadib

I've been using dual monitors for years... Especially helpful when you have several programs up at once and need to cross-reference info from one program to another, such as MS SQL Management Studio and MS .NET Visual Studio... Even have it setup at home... You can order PC already setup with the correct video card and dual-dongle to get it done... It's a std feature for all new Dells...

"Dongle" !?

"Dell" !?

'nuff said

Patrick

Originally Posted by Patrick

Originally Posted by Muadib

I've been using dual monitors for years... Especially helpful when you have several programs up at once and need to cross-reference info from one program to another, such as MS SQL Management Studio and MS .NET Visual Studio... Even have it setup at home... You can order PC already setup with the correct video card and dual-dongle to get it done... It's a std feature for all new Dells...

"Dongle" !?

"Dell" !?

'nuff said

Patrick

I get them free, so I'm not complaining...

Dongle = Video splitter cable for driving 2 monitors from single svga port...

Originally Posted by Patrick

If you intend to run two Monitors on a regular basis why on Earth would you buy a Video Card with 2 different Outputs?

He isnt buying the card though is he, its the one thats supplied in the unit he is interested in.

Also, good luck in finding reasonably priced dual dvi out card inside thailand right now.

Originally Posted by Spin

Originally Posted by Patrick

If you intend to run two Monitors on a regular basis why on Earth would you buy a Video Card with 2 different Outputs?

He isnt buying the card though is he, its the one thats supplied in the unit he is interested in.

That's correct - I don't really have the time to source and install a separate card and the possible issues that go with it. I want to buy the complete box with everything in it - no unneccessary fiddling around. If I had the time, it could probably be a fun way to pass time, but being a father of 3 I have other priorities now than when I was a batchellor geek....

BUT - I just wondered - since the video card has a 3rd port (HDMI) could I actually run 3 monitors on the same card? If so, I may finally invest in a proper flight simulator - for the kids, of course.....

Originally Posted by Spin

Also, good luck in finding reasonably priced dual dvi out card inside thailand right now.

Define reasonably priced, you can get an Asus 9600GT for a tad over 4000B at Tukom.

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

either make sure your video card supports dual displays

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

or get a video card with dual outputs

Isn't that the same thing ?

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

either make sure your video card supports dual displays

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

or get a video card with dual outputs

Isn't that the same thing ?

I meant with #1 - the video support your machine comes with vs. #2 a video card you purchase separately.

Sorry for not clarifying.

Originally Posted by Whiteshiva

could I actually run 3 monitors on the same card?

I think the answer to that is no.

Originally Posted by DaffyDuck

If it's a Mac, just plug the second screen in - been able to do that since 1987.

With an Imac? Really? Never knew you could do that with an Imac