How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop?

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syntheticpop
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2011/06/01 13:38:53 (permalink)

How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop?

A lot of folks seem to like using dual monitors to help speed up the workflow and keep switching windows to a minimum.  So just how do I go about connecting two monitors to a desktop computer?  Is it better to buy a motherboard that already incorporates on board video and additional connections such as VGA and DVI?

Well here's what I can do as far as the motherboard is concerned:

Buy a motherboard with on board video that has the extra VGA and DVI connections.

Or..

Buy a motherboard that has no on board video and no additional video connections.

I will buy a 3rd party video card that has VGA, HDMI and DVI.

I would like to use the DVI for both monitors since the video quality will be better than VGA -
but how do I go about doing that if I buy the motherboard without the on board video?

And if I buy the motherboard with the on board video, won't that conflict with my other video card? 

The monitors I will be purchasing does not have HDMI so that's ruled out.
 
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    Owen
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/01 16:12:47 (permalink)
    http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&source=hp&q=usb+video+card&aq=0&aqi=g5&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=dccf7ed4e09fcf15&biw=1259&bih=590
     
     
     
    They make a USB video card.
     
    #2
    tomixornot
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/01 20:48:17 (permalink)

    Plug in video card is preffered over using motherboard with built-in video.

    Most current motherboard with built-in video will support a max of 2 monitors, while a card can support from 2 to 6 monitors.

    Even if the motherboard has built-in video, it can be disabled at the bios, so you can plug in a video card. If your current DAW is working fine, just lacking multi monitor display, you don't have to change the motherboard. Either disable the onboard video or swap out your old display card.

    What resolution your monitor is going to be running ?

    hdmi(1.3) - good up to 1920x1200
    dvi - up to 1920x1200 (singe link) and up to 2560x1600 (dual link)

    Since the card you mentioned did not have 2 DVI.. and you have 2 DVI monitors, you need to check :

    - if a suitable HDMI(card out) to DVI(in) is available (not sure of this...as DVI(card out) to HDMI(in) is available, as I'm using one).

    - if both your monitors are having larger than 1920x1200 resolution, the card you mentioned will not support it, as you need a card with 2 DVI out or you can use DVI+VGA, as vga can have higher resolution than HDMI (provided you use the original cable and not replacement cables that does not connect to all pins).
    #3
    jrdalton
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/01 21:05:49 (permalink)
    Many modern Video cars have 2 ports - one for Hi-res video, and one for VGA.  Most flat-panels will run from either port with commonly available adapters.  Just plug 'em both in and Windows does the rest!  If Windows doesn't fine them automatically, go into COntrol Panel and select the two-monitor option.

    Have fun, you'll love it!


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    #4
    syntheticpop
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/02 15:40:34 (permalink)
    Well it sounds like I will have to use the DVI and VGA connections for the dual monitors unless I can use both the built in video card and the 3rd party video card at the same time (does anyone know if that is possible?).  Which type of monitors are best suited for a DAW like Sonar?  16X9 or 16X10 aspect ratio?  I want to pick up two 22" or smaller monitors.
    #5
    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/02 16:39:43 (permalink)
    I would like to use the DVI for both monitors since the video quality will be better than VGA - but how do I go about doing that if I buy the motherboard without the on board video?

     
    Get an HDMI>DVI adapter... and you'll have dual DVI

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
    #6
    jayson
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    Re:How do I suppose to connect dual monitors to a desktop? 2011/06/02 18:50:38 (permalink)
    Jim Roseberry

     
    Get an HDMI>DVI adapter... and you'll have dual DVI

    Hi Jim,
     
    I've always wondered what happens if the monitor has a resolution of 1920 X 1200 and you connect it to the HDMI port with a DVI adapter.  Will the resolution be adjusted down to 1920 X 1080 (HD standard)?
     
    Cheers,
     
    jayson
    #7
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