Having 3 monitors set up????? Video Card help 2???

Question

I have a nvidia Ge Force FX 5200 and currently am using 2 monitors for the dual monitor feature. it also has an s-video out. I was wondering if i could also use a tv through the s-video and have 3 monitors?
I think thats my only choice since my pc on can hold 1 video card and since its watt capacity inst that high for newer video cards.

if not is there such thing as a splitter that not only duplicates the image but adds another screen? (i highly doubt that lol)

If i can do the 3 monitor set up using my current video card, is there a converter that will convert s-video to vga or svga? ( i kinda doubt that but don't know lol)

Please Help Me?!?!?!!?!?

Thanks a million :)

Answer 1

Hiya xglitterxboyxloverz,

No, your AGP 5200FX will only do 2 at a time and the S-Video to VGA converter is costly.

You have 3 options:

1) Yes, there is an SVGA/VGA splitter that will duplicate 1 monitor and add another screen. They cost less then $15, here is one to check out:
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=25246-DT&cat=VCD

2) You can extend your desktop without opening the computer by adding a USB 2.0 VGA adapter. This solution is very easy to setup, works in a jiffy and you can drive the 3rd monitor at a decent resolution. Here is one to check out:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1088606&CatId=215

3) You might want to add another PCI card to your existing AGP card. This option will give you the ability to add 1 or 2 more monitors with very little added power drain. PCI is internal so you would have to open the case for installation. Here is a dual head PCI card that would work:
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=V9000-P64&cat=VCD

The splitter is the cheapest but will only mirror a display and not extend your desktop.

The USB might be the easiest if you have an open USB 2.0 port available to plug it in to.

The PCI solution is the most popular but involves opening the case.


GOOD LUCK!!

ps. Feel free to e-mail for futher details as I use the GeForce 5200 FX dual on one of my machines.

Answer 2

I believe the 5200 will drive two outputs only. So DVI + DVI or DVI + S-Video.

There are adapters out there that will make two 1024 by 768 screens look like one 2048 by 768 monitor. They are limited in resolution support and I would wonder as to the video quality.

They are also more expensive than a new video card, but that option may be limited for you as you would need a quad head card for a single card solution.

You could try getting hold of another video card. If you have an AGP motherboard, or only 1 PCI-E slot then there are still some PCI (non-E) cards around.

At work I run a 3 monitor system with two off a dual head AGP N-Vidia card and one of an old PCI Matrox Millenium. So I know it can be done.