Dual Monitors - Graphics

"Steeeeam" <steaaam@steeeeam.cam> wrote in message
news:zquce.1941$j54.589@fe3.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Hi all,
>
> I have acquired a second monitor and would like to use it to run dual
> screens from one machine.
>
> I've done some research to try and find out a decent way of doing this,
> but the more I look the more possibilities there seem to be.
>
> I have come to the conclusion that I don't have to take out my current
> video card and replace it with a dual-header, but that I can get another
> PCI card and run the second monitor from that.
> Is that correct? If so, can anyone recommend a decent (but not too
> expensive) card and suggest any pitfalls I should watch out for?
>
> However, if I've f*cked this right up, please don't hesitate to let me
> know....I can take the criticism.
>

It is definately possible, but actually finding a PCI video card at a
reasonable price that will also work as a secondary video card can be a real
pain in the ass...

You'd probably find it easier to buy a new AGP card that will do two
monitors at once.

"Steeeeam" <steaaam@steeeeam.cam> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I have acquired a second monitor and would like to use it to run dual
>screens from one machine.
>
>I've done some research to try and find out a decent way of doing this, but
>the more I look the more possibilities there seem to be.
>
>I have come to the conclusion that I don't have to take out my current video
>card and replace it with a dual-header, but that I can get another PCI card
>and run the second monitor from that.
>Is that correct? If so, can anyone recommend a decent (but not too
>expensive) card and suggest any pitfalls I should watch out for?
>
>However, if I've f*cked this right up, please don't hesitate to let me
>know....I can take the criticism.
>
>I have a Dell Dimension running XP home, if that has any bearing on it.
>
>Cheers
>

PCI bus video cards are hard to find, as most stores won't stock them
because of very low demand.

For the same price, or maybe even less, than you will pay for a PCI
bus video card you can purchase an Sapphire (ATI Based) AGP video card
with both DVI and VGA outputs. With that plus a $5 DVI to VGA adapter
you are all set to run two monitors.

nVidia also makes cards with both VGA and DVI outputs but the last one
that I worked with (in a Dell system) would not configure for two
monitors.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm