Just a general question here......

I have a ASUS 24" Full HD 1920x1080 monitor that's already setup on my DAW and want to add a second monitor (32" Samsung LED 720p TV). My graphics card (in my sig) has 1 HDMI & 1 DVI. I don't have a lot of space on my computer desk and have to use the top shelf (about 2 1/2 feet higher than the desk top) for the 32" (which I'll be using it as a TV as well).
 
Since I only have 1 HDMI & 1 DVI, which monitor should I use the HDMI on? Or should I just get an DVI to HDMI converter and use both as HDMI?
 
The audio for will be going through my Focusrite 2i4 and don't need any audio via the monitors........I just want the bigger one for internet TV/movie purposes and when I'm on Sonar as a second monitor. 

Seems to me that you should use the HDMI for the TV,IMHO.
 
 
My question is Can I come over to YOUR house? 
 
Nice!

bapu
My experience with two monitors is that both must have the same resolution. 
 
Meaning, if I am correct, you need to setup the system to the lower of the highest resolution of both devices.
 
When I tried dual monitors that were not capable of the highest resolution monitor things got weird. 

Good point.....I hadn't thought of the resolution affecting the setup....
 
Hopefully, my graphics card has an option in its software to deal with that......IDK.....will check that out tonight.

Beagle

bapu
My experience with two monitors is that both must have the same resolution. 
 
Meaning, if I am correct, you need to setup the system to the lower of the highest resolution of both devices.
 
When I tried dual monitors that were not capable of the highest resolution monitor things got weird. 

 
That's when things got weird?

Well..... weirder.
 

Mesh
Nobody knows?
 
 

The question was too general. 

Seriously, Mesh?  A REAL question about computers in the Coffee Hause?  shouldn't this be moved to the Computer forum???? 

was just a joke, mate.  

Hi,
 
My preference and understanding goes with Bapu here ... you should have the same monitors connected to a video card that can support both ... and I am not sure that I would use a separate/secondary hook up for it ... I would recommend getting a better video card that can handle 2 monitors easily enough ... and yeah, I think that different resolutions will likely overwork the card a lot.
 
I have not regretted spending on my first "good" (or "great") video card, and spent about $300 dollars for one, but it has been worth it and then some ... (GTX 970 and GTX 760 and a spare GTX 780 that did not like one motherboard) ... and adding 2 monitors has not been an issue, since my mains are both DELL's and they are very similar in totality. 
 
I'm not the expert on this, however, and recommend a quick stop at the Transilvanian Brainfarming Factory and get their view first ... but in general, I do not think the video card can handle separate displays like that unless it is a duo type card, and those cost a lot, still ... and even I do not use those setups that use two cards on the same computer.
 
Hope this helps

Mesh
The graphics card below is what I have and it does have 2 connections for a dual monitor setup (HDMI & DVI)....mine's just not the "Turbo" version, but everything else is the same.
 
... 

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html
 
I would look for a card that has two HDMI setups ... but that's me ... take a look at the link, so you can see where the 7870 cards "fit" in the scale ... it's a good card, but I'm not sure I would use it for 2 monitors. 
 
That's just my preference ... please check with a local computer dive, where the folks have a better understanding of these things ... I used to go around with a copy of this benchmark test so I would know if they are selling me a dead beagle, or a stuffed beagle ... which would be very uncool! But, generally, I went by the list and already knew what processor needed to be in it, and this has been the case for my 4 computers, all of which are "strong" on the video department, and in fact, the DAW computer loves the video card ... it can handle overloads really easy! I like it when Abelton says it's too much and the videocard says ... got more spaghetti sauce?

Mesh
Instead buying a new video card, I was actually thinking of getting a HDMI to DVI adapter ($5 dealeo) and hook them both up (since my graphics card does support a 2 monitor hook up).
 
Why do you think I shouldn't use this card for 2 monitor?
...

Just me ... probably because I have been around computers and admins since 1990 and got to see many issues with various situations, and the evident result was that ... only a card that actually had two HDMI's could safely and properly handle 2 monitors, without a lot of hassle and issues ... Andy, one of my roomates, probably redid his computer 34 times within 2 years, because of these kinds of situations and poor video cards ... and I learned from my friend and other roomate (admin) that ... geee ... your computers work fine ... sure ... if you get the right stuff!
 
Don't go by me ... check with the local computer shop/nerd and evaluate your choice ... so you know what you are up with before you do it ... generally, I would not recommend 2 different monitors at all, even if you had a really good video card.
 
I think I do not trust your video card. 

Mesh
The graphics card below is what I have and it does have 2 connections for a dual monitor setup (HDMI & DVI)....mine's just not the "Turbo" version, but everything else is the same.
 
 

GEEEEESH!  Does that thing have a V8?????

So was this a MAJOR General question of just a HUGE General question?
 
Lifetime members want to know.