Do I need matching monitors to run dual?

[anandtech2010]

I want to build a dual monitor desktop rig with (2) monitors. Do I need to purchase the same brand and same size and same model monitors for the dual output graphics card to work properly? Thank you experts.

 

[Qbah]

No, you don't. You'll be gaming on one anyway. The only thing that could convince you to buy two of the same kind is aesthetics. Right now I'm running a 24" 1920x1200 LCD and a 40" 1920x1080 HDTV. Works like a charm

 

[anandtech2010]

Both monitors show full screen with no margins?

 

[happy medium]

Both monitors show full screen with no margins?

yes if your not gaming

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Both monitors show full screen with no margins?

Yes, you can set different resolutions on each monitor. My main monitor is currently a Dell 2001fp (20"; about to order the U2410) and a couple of years ago, I bought an el cheapo 19" Acer LCD as my second monitor.

 

[anandtech2010]

No just using the monitors for Microsoft Office apps and watching stock charts and stock tickers.

 

[faxon]

using a 22" 1680x1050 LG monitor for my secondary, and a 27.5" 1920x1200 Hanns-G for my primary, dif pixel pitch and resolution, works fine. it's wonderful for when im doing my homework cause i can put 4 pages of a word doc on the primary and have my research open on the secondary, or when im running VMs i set the VMs to 960x600 and i can fit 4 on my main screen

 

[anandtech2010]

To Faxon-what would You recommend is the best buy right now today from Newegg for a 24-25" hi rez crisp and clear image monitor LCD? Thank You Ms.

 

[Qbah]

As the others wrote, you can select a different resolution for each screen. And everything will be fine.

The only abnormality will show up when you run something fullscreen on one monitor (like a game) - in this case the second monitor will look distorted. Unless it has the same native resolution as selected in the game, then it will be fine.

For office work you don't have to worry one bit though. Only when you're running some really old graphics card.

 

[Qbah]

To Faxon-what would You recommend is the best buy right now today from Newegg for a 24-25" hi rez crisp and clear image monitor LCD? Thank You Ms.

I'm not Faxton, but imo the best 24" right now is the Dell U2410. However, there's an excellent sticky in this sub-forum - here. Check the section for office work and select the best monitor for you

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm not Faxton, but imo the best 24" right now is the Dell U2410. However, there's an excellent sticky in this sub-forum - here. Check the section for office work and select the best monitor for you

After much debate, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the U2410 off of Amazon about 10 minutes ago (it was $531 there, and I had $225 in Amazon gift cards). I really have high hopes for this monitor and the second phase of my upgrade plan will be to ask the wife for a new graphics card for Christmas.

 

[anandtech2010]

What specs do i need to look for for a hi rez and crisp monitor with great resolution?

 

[anandtech2010]

Faxon..if thats Your eye in the icon then You are a Beauty

 

[IndyColtsFan]

What specs do i need to look for for a hi rez and crisp monitor with great resolution?

Honestly, the best thing to do would be to specify a budget first and then look for the best in that class.

 

[Qbah]

After much debate, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the U2410 off of Amazon about 10 minutes ago (it was $531 there, and I had $225 in Amazon gift cards). I really have high hopes for this monitor and the second phase of my upgrade plan will be to ask the wife for a new graphics card for Christmas.

A friend of mine bought it (after my recommendation) and the screen is amazing. I have seen a lot of screens in my life but this one beats them all. He also used a hardware calibrator and set it up perfectly. It's pure pleasure to just look at the screen. Working on it is even better.

You made the best decision for a 24" LCD imo

 

[anandtech2010]

What is the make and model qbah?

 

[Qbah]

What is the make and model qbah?

It's a Dell U2410.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

What is the make and model qbah?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...4&sku=320-8277

You can get it cheaper if you look for coupons or wait for sales. I think some have gotten it under $500 on some of those barn burning sales Dell has (typically near the end of the quarter). I just had some gift cards to use and decided that a new monitor would be a good idea now.

 

[anandtech2010]

Does NEWEGG sell anything close to the specs of that DELL Monitor?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I am not sure. Dell has made awesome monitors for years so I usually check them first. The HP ZR24W seems to get some good press and reviews in the LCD thread here say it is a pretty good competitor to the Dell, but it does not seem to be available on Newegg's site.