Dual-monitor setups: Do I need to have a particular kind of video card, or a special cable, or what?

Answer 1

It depends on a couple of things. First, what kind of video card is in the system currently? Is it a built in video card? What kind of computer is it and what OS are you running? What kind of video card slot does your computer have such as PCI-Express, AGP etc.

Usually the best solution is to purchase a Dual Head(two connectors) video card. They can be found online or at local stores like bestbuy and compusa. You have to know what kind of Video Card slot you have in your computer. If you don't know, the best thing to do is write down your computer type and model # and serial # and go to a local computer store and tell them you want a new dual head video card to hook up two monitors. Also tell them if you want it for general everyday computer use, or if you want it for gaming. They should be able to look up your computer specs online and get you a video card that works. They can install it for you as well if you don't know how.
Once it's installed, you can extend your desktop onto the second monitor, and drag programs or windows onto the second monitor. The second monitor can also be setup to simply mirror what's displayed on the first monitor. It's usually easy to setup in the video card software.

Answer 2

You'll need a video card that has a dual output on it. Each monitor has a plug, so each plug has to have somewhere to connect to.

Most video cards that have dual outputs include the drivers that support dual monitor setups on a CD that comes with it. They also have the adapter cables to hook the 15-pin VGA plug to them.

In some instances you could install another video card and hook the second monitor to it, but you'd need special software for that to work.

Answer 3

Yes, the video card has to come with two video ports but sometimes it has only one connector with a cable splitter (but comes with the splitter cable). The ones with a dual signal are often more expensive. One I have in mind is Geforce 6800, DUAL-DVI and TV-out.

Also keep in mind that the videodriver has to be the latest OEM one, like on Linux sometimes the dual monitor set-up might not work when using generic drivers. Ogten it just works great there too though.

Answer 4

Yes, to use multiple monitors individually (extending your desktop) you would need a video card with at least two video out heads. If you have this and once you connect both monitors, go to your display settings and set the properties for the second display.

If you just want the same video on multiple monitors, you could get a video sharing device which will split the video signal into multiple destinations.

Answer 5

Yes, you need a graphics card which supports dual monitors, just check the labeling or the manufacturer and you should find out if a particular card is strong enough to support this sort of feature.

Good luck and have a great day.

Answer 6

Yes, you need a special video card. I personally suggest Nvidia geforce 7600 (which is by the way on sale at either tigerdirect.com and was on sale at best buy) this card is tremendous for just about everything from hard gaming to cad drafting and design. I am running two 21" lcd monitors and i had to upgrade my power supply as it does take alot to run these. Feel free to contact me if you want pics of the setup or any additional information.

Answer 7

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