Dual Monitor System

[athiker]

Need to build a system to handle dual monitors. Would be grateful for insight based on your experience. Not sure if a dual monitor card or using 2 separate cards would be the best way to go. Also any other pitfalls, I may encounter. Would like to keep the cost down, but do want the system to work ok.

Thanks

 

[Creig]

I would think that a single card with dual outputs would be better all around than two separate cards.

1) Will probably be cheaper

2) They're designed with dual video in mind. Sometimes two different cards are incompatible with each other. Just make sure that the card you purchase has dual monitor support listed as a feature. Some cards have VGA and DVI outputs on them but can only use one at a time.

3) Only takes up one slot, not two (GeForce FX not included in this comment).

4) Requires fewer resources

5) Uses less power

6) Produces less heat

 

[athiker]

Thanks, Creig

 

[ProviaFan]

ATI Radeon 9700, 9000, and most 8500, as well as Nvidia Geforce 4 video cards with dual outputs can handle dual monitors. They will usually have a HD15 (VGA) output as well as a DVI (digital video interface - for a LCD with digital connection). The DVI connection can be used to connect a second CRT with a (usually included with the card) DVI-to-HD15 adapter.