Help with Dual Monitor

[JackRydden224]

I'm trying to have dual monitors setup but right now the two monitors are showing identical screens. I want the second screen to be an extension of hte first screen so I can work on multiple spread sheets. Windows identified both as monitor 1. I'm using a 1 to 2 D-Sub connect that turns my 1 D-Sub port into 2.

Monitor 1's max resolution is 1900 x 1200

Monitor 2's max resolution is 1680 x 1050

Getting a new monitor really isn't an option since it's for my work setup and I'm just using what's available.

Thanks

[AAShooter]

So you are basically splitting the one video signal into two and driving two monitors? Do you have two video cards in your computer or a video card with two video connectors? You may need to invest in another video card for your computer.

[JackRydden224]

So you are basically splitting the one video signal into two and driving two monitors? Do you have two video cards in your computer or a video card with two video connectors? You may need to invest in another video card for your computer.

Yes, I'm splitting one video signal into two.

I was afraid that I might need new hardware. The company computer is about 3 years old with an integrate video card. It shows Intel(R) Q965/Q963 Express Chipset Family.

[707electrician]

Just buy a dedicated video card that fits an open pci expansion slot an has dual outputs

[Barbarossa]

When you do into display properties, there should be an option to select which is monitor 1 and which is monitor two.

From that screen you can choose is it is a second display or an extension of each other. you may want to snap the larger monitor down to the size of the smaller one though.

[the86d]

Just buy a dedicated video card that fits an open pci expansion slot an has dual outputs

Easiest option, but just use one of these ports, and the current one being used.

PCI tends to be laggy compared to AGP, PCIexpress, and Integrated (AGP, or PCIexpress) so that as a secondary would be better...

I have seen video lag more on a PCI...

You really want to run native resolution on each monitor, if not then the image will ALWAYS be blurry, and eye-sight could suffer for it from constantly looking at blurry text.

[vikingm03]

Try pressing "Windows Key" + "P" key, on windows 7 for me this brings up a small menu that you can choose how use your monitors. If you get this, choose "extend".

Edit: never mind, I misread your initial post. This won't help

[JackRydden224]

It looks like I do need some new hardware.

Damn, it looks like I'll have to ask our hardware guy the next time he visits. Thanks guys!

[boxcutter3005]

I'm trying to have dual monitors setup but right now the two monitors are showing identical screens. I want the second screen to be an extension of hte first screen so I can work on multiple spread sheets. Windows identified both as monitor 1. I'm using a 1 to 2 D-Sub connect that turns my 1 D-Sub port into 2.

Monitor 1's max resolution is 1900 x 1200

Monitor 2's max resolution is 1680 x 1050

Getting a new monitor really isn't an option since it's for my work setup and I'm just using what's available.

Thanks

What is the model of you computer, is it a integrated video card or separate?

[DVSmith]

f it is just for business graphics, spreadsheets scanned docs, that kind of stuff, there are USB to VGA video controllers you can buy. They aren't fast, but they work pretty well in a lot of office environments. Don't try to watch video on on though.

http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-External-Video-Card-GUC2015V/dp/B000NJFJJK

[orangeusa]

Would be a lot cheaper to just get a PCIe (low end) video card with 2 heads.

Most of the video cards are for gamers and cost 10x what a basic one costs - they are amazing, but not required if you just want two screens and aren't a gamer.

f it is just for business graphics, spreadsheets scanned docs, that kind of stuff, there are USB to VGA video controllers you can buy. They aren't fast, but they work pretty well in a lot of office environments. Don't try to watch video on on though.

http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-Externa.../dp/B000NJFJJK

[AAShooter]

Lots of alternatives for a pretty good price. Not top end but should do the task.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/guidedSearch.asp?CatId=28&sel=Price%3BPrice2

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

Double check that your video card doesn't also have a DVI output. Many cards have both VGA (d-sub) and DVI connectors AND will support two monitors. I have an HP I bought early last year and I run one monitor from the DVI port and the other from the VGA. I'm very happy with the performance of both.

[grnidb]

If you have a HDMI port available this is a cheap way to run dual monitors.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270113

[yellowsulphur]

I recently built a new PC and still have my old Geforce 9800GT which does dual head. I'd feel better giving it away than throwing it out.