Dual Display Question...

scoobyonline200

scoobyonline200

638
United States
Los Angeles, CA
scoobyonline2000
I have a question, I just purchased a VGA splitter cable, and I was wondering if there is any software out there that will make windows bigger to expand it to the other screen. My PC has only one connector for a monitor, and I bought the VGA splitter thinking it would work, but no it doesn't. Do I need any other hardware????
 
A dual head video card would do the job.

Edited:
Also, if you have a video card AND on-board video, you can enable both in most cases for your dual display, extended desktop solution as well as running multiple video cards.
 
well sounds good, I'm needing this because I'm trying to edit some video and other stuff, and my current monitor (A Hyundai CRT) is on its last legs. Don't get me wrong, the image is still good and I've played some HD clips on it that look amazing, but I think 2 LCD monitors would be a lot better.... no? anywho, I'm getting side-tracked, what good video card would be good?

My PC is: A Gateway GT4016, AMD 64 Athlon, Windows XP, it doesnt have a graphics card, but it has this "Graphics By NVidia" sticker logo. It has an extra slot for what I think is a PCI card, which I'm using with a wireless ethernet adaptor. and I guess this Video card would have to go there no? what do you guys recommend?
 
Pako
According to Gateway's site:
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/FIC/105553/105553nv.shtml

your motherboard will support a PCI-Express video card which is good news. What's your budget for a video card? Are you going to 'game' with this machine or is it strictly for editing?
Click to expand...

sorry for taking long to reply, but I got off work late today at around 9am, but I'm going to use it mostly for editing, I will game on it, I only have 2 games for it (Doom 3 and Battlefield 2142) but for the most part editing. I have tons of VHS tapes I'm converting to dvd, and then ripping them to my PC to edit out stuff and cut out stuff....and my budget, well I would say no more than 200 maybe push to 300.

oh and by the way.....You found something on Gateway's site I've been FOREVER trying to find, but was never able too..... so thanks for that by the way. :)
 
Really try to get an 8 series.

The 8600GT is coming out soon.


A DX10 card isn't important at the moment, but future proof is future proof.

EDIT: Here, bottom line answer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

It's an eVGA so you have a lifetime warranty if you register the card within 30 days AND they also are the only ones with a step up program. When you want to upgrade, you just call them up and tell them, pay the difference, and you're golden!


I'm an eVGA fanboy I guess.

EDIT 2: It seems that you also have a 300 watt Power Supply. You should prolly wait so you can grab an 8 series and a ~500 watt PSU. Never go minimum. More amperage on the 12V rail, the better. Personally, I don't like modular PSU's. A single 12V rail with high amperage is better than dual or quad. Much more stable and less ripple=more stable power to components=Longer, more stable component life.


PC Power and Cooling makes some nice PSU's for the money. Also, Silverstone makes some good ones. Don't cheap out. When a PSU goes out, it can take EVERYTHING with it.




I also suggest you drop by OCN (www.overclock.net) they can help you better than I can.
 
wow, this is beyond what I was looking for and its great! thanks so much for the info! I took some advice from you guys and yea, I think I'm going to upgrade because I guess having 2 monitors is good for editing, but also,....and I'm just being honest... It looks darn cool!!! ;) but thanks for all your help!
 
Up until recently I had a tri-monitor setup, although more recently I've converted to a a dual-monitor setup (2 20.1" widescreen LCDs). I do a lot of graphics work along with a little video editing here and there and I'll tell you, there is nothing like a multiple monitor setup.

Like said, invest in a larger PSU and go with an 8-series (budget permitting), or at least a 7-series - you'll be very happy with either.
 
Yeah. I'm so 1337 because I run dual monitors.

Reformatted my old Gateway 500SE and leave the monitor on it to check Linux folding. hehehehe.
 
I suppose this is the most relevant slugline to post my query under. . .

Anyway, the situation is this:

I have 2 monitors, one a 23.5'' 1680x1050 LG monitor, and another 22'' 1920x1080 BenQ monitor.

The BenQ I generally use for my 360, as it displays beautiful 1080p resolution with ease, and I sometimes use it as a second monitor when I'm doing photo editing.

However, I've had some compatibility issues arising from using them in tandem as a dual monitor configuration, largely consisting of flicker and minor graphical artifacts.

I have an nVidia 2nd gen 8800GTS (the 512mb version), both monitors connected via DVI.

Is there a way I could have a dual-monitor setup, the LG displaying my desktop, and the BenQ displaying in fullscreen a game like Batman: Arkham Asylum, simultaneously and reliably?

To answer further questions, yes, I have updated all my drivers and am operating at correct resolutions. I've also tried disabling visual themes, which helps somewhat, but doesn't eliminate flicker. Oh, and this on Windows Vista Premium x64.
 
Games will display on the primary monitor. You could setup the BenQ as your primary, and move your icons and Taskbar over to the LG. nVidia is a bit wonky with driver support on dual monitors at time, and I have had some odd issues from point to point, and different resolutions usually have more little quirks.

Though I think the LG may have better colors, in the interest of photo editing.
 

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