Dual Screen

[kpowell911]

Hi, I've decided instead of buying a new set up, I've had my existing set up upgraded, Not sure on the specs but its much better. I've just bought a new sound system and keyboard and mouse, And Now I want a new monitor. I was looking at a nice 23" Flat panel, But I've saw some cool set ups with twin screens. I have a perfectly good 17" Flat panel monitor, Could I just buy another identical screen (this one here http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/pl/25-321947/Monitors/Digimate-L-1718-Compare-Prices ) and run both of them? I know its over kill But it looks so cool.

What else would I need to do this??

thanks

 

[theboydann]

Most graphics cards have 2x outputs on the back. Either 2x DVI or 1xVGA and 1xDVI.

That monitor only has VGA so if you have a card with 1xDVI and 1xVGA you will need a DVI to VGA converter to run the second monitor. They are pence.

Other than that you just set up your graphics driver, add the monitor and go to settings (right click from desktop) under setting tab there should be the monitor setting, you will then be able to see both screens.

Dan

 

[cava83]

As Dan says.

Dual is the way forward, I have 2 x 19" ones at work, and it is so helpful.

I really did want a 24" for home, dell, however, I might just get the 2 x 19's or 20.1 ultrasharps.

I use a macbook pro, so will need an extra gadget to use both screens.

 

[BenWall]

I would rather have a 23"LCD over 2 17"s, only based on resolution though. I would go with 2x 20" Dells if you can afford it

 

[Gareth]

I've got two 17"s at home, but looking to upgrade to 2 x 20"s

 

[cava83]

2 x 20 Widescreen or non widescreen?

I prefer widescreen for movies but not for computing? Anyone feel the same, specially for web design and other aspects.

 

[BenWall]

No that I have a widescreen I dont think I could go back to the old 4:3. My mate has a 20" 4:3 and I much prefer my 21" 16:9 over it with everything from movies to web design.

 

[Gareth]

i prefer non-widescreen, but everyone seems to be selling widescreen now.

 

[GazCB]

Most games are still in 4:3 though aren't they?

 

[Lee]

2 screens are a pain in the arse for gaming. For work they are ideal but if you want to game they just cause problems.

You can't SLI or Crossfire cards with two displays either.

 

[Gumby]

Most games are still in 4:3 though aren't they?

All (apart from EA) have options for both. There's not much point in having 2 unless you really need it!

 

[Gareth]

2 screens are a pain in the arse for gaming. For work they are ideal but if you want to game they just cause problems.

You can't SLI or Crossfire cards with two displays either.

Two displays are a pain in the ass with games, but I didn't know you can't SLI with dual displays, why is that Lee?

 

[Lee]

2 screens are a pain in the arse for gaming. For work they are ideal but if you want to game they just cause problems.

You can't SLI or Crossfire cards with two displays either.

Two displays are a pain in the ass with games, but I didn't know you can't SLI with dual displays, why is that Lee?

SLI is a bit of a bodge really. I don't know the technical reasons why they can't get it to work, but basically when you SLI or Crossfire the output of the second card is interleaved with the output of the primary card to output just one image. Therefore the second card is sending it's data to the first card which then outputs it to your screen and because of this it can't output a seperate image. I ditched my second card in the end as I work with two screens most of the time.

 

[Gareth]

god that's sh*t!

 

[BenWall]

the new SLI cards support 2 screens I think, and I thought crossfire allways were/

 

[BenWall]

its all about the 21" & 32 HD LCD...

 

[Final Maxim]

f**king hell, you wanna tidy up son lol

 

[cava83]

that's one messy desk !!

I would not mind using a 32" as a second monitor, but I just find the resolution is defo not good enough!

Tried a 30" mac screen, amazing but got neck ache.

Dual 20" 4:3 for me, but they are £369 a pop for the ultrasharp ones!

 

[BenWall]

in the process of tiding up, hence why its messy

 

[kpowell911]

HMM how do I find out what graphics card I have? I dont want to buy the second screen if I Cant run it?

Thanks

 

[J273]

Heres my setup...the middle screens 30"er

Defo recommend it best upgrade ive bought runs at 2560 x 1600 native


There was a deal going not too long back where it could be had for £599 (i think)

 

[KDF]

Dual screens were soooo last year...


Quad plasma's are where its at

 

[BenWall]

Dual screens were soooo last year...


Quad plasma's are where its at

meh, would be a pain in the ass to work on.