OK - this is killing me. Dual monitor help needed

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2003
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Here is the problem. I have 2 LCD monitors, one an HP 1902 and one an HP1940 - the 1902 only has a VGA input, the 1940t has both a DVI and VGA input.

I have an hp dx5150 microtower that has a Radeon x300 video card in it, plus integrated video (disabled when using the x300).

I've tried a DVI-I to VGA adapter and then a VGA "Y" Cable, and that just displays the same image on both monitors.

I know the card itself is capable of dual monitors - i'm just not sure how to get there. Please advise.
 

LOUISSSSS

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 2005
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check out display properties, when u click on the secondary monitor there should be a "extend desktop to this monitor"
 

zagood

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2005
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The video card has two connectors, if I remember correctly the x300 has one VGA and one DVI. Plug the 1902 into the VGA connector. Plug the 1940 into the DVI connector. Then follow what lou is saying.

If you use a Y-splitter, then yeah, you'll only be able to see one image repeated. You're only splitting one signal - you need to send separate signals through the different outputs as described above.

-z
 

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2003
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Negative - it does not have dual heads. We have other PC's with only one head using a Y cable that does split the signal.
 

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2003
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Worked like a charm - thank you zagood! I automatically assumed that having the other video card meant the internal one was disabled. D'oh!
 

zagood

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2005
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Awesome, glad I could point you in the right direction! Depending on how you look at it, it's either a clunky workaround, or a brilliant move to get the most of an underpowered system. Just don't try to run any 3d apps on it ;)

-z