Point of having 2 monitors?

[big4x4]

Well, I just bought a new LCD monitor and I am thinking of whether or not to keep my old LCD. I have been messing around with 2 of them and so far all I can see as far as advantage wise is just being able to look at 2 windows simulataneously. IS it possible to play a game while browing the internet on the other screen? When I tried this, my secondary monitor went off. ANy help and insight will be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Capt Caveman]

I use dual monitors and could never go back to just one. I use my LCD as my main monitor and the second one to view system and game monitors.

Things open on 2nd monitor -
iTunes
Windows Task Manager
ATI Tool
X-Fi Control Panel
Misc Yahoo Widgets
X-Fire
BF2 Admin program
Firefox
etc....

When I'm gaming, my 2nd monitor is still available using both Nvidia and ATI video cards. And yes, I'm able to switch to the other monitor when gaming.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

When image editing, I use my 2nd (15" LCD) monitor for Picassa. Also for TV viewing via ATI TV Wonder, music, or any other app.

 

[big4x4]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
I use dual monitors and could never go back to just one. I use my LCD as my main monitor and the second one to view system and game monitors.

Things open on 2nd monitor -
iTunes
Windows Task Manager
ATI Tool
X-Fi Control Panel
Misc Yahoo Widgets
X-Fire
BF2 Admin program
Firefox
etc....

When I'm gaming, my 2nd monitor is still available using both Nvidia and ATI video cards. And yes, I'm able to switch to the other monitor when gaming.

How do you do that? When I open warcraft, my other monitor goes to standby.

 

[big4x4]

Just tried it on other games and it does the same thing. I tried changing settings but still get the same result. Any input on this?

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

run windowed mode

 

[Capt Caveman]

You don't have to run in windows mode.

I've never had to do anything to get the 2nd monitor to display while gaming on the main monitor. All I've done in Windows Display Properties is to extend the desktop to the 2nd monitor.

 

[big4x4]

Hmm... I tried the "Dualview" Profile in the nvidia console. That works but I am unsure of how to switch from my game to the other screen. Also, how do you extend the taskbar while using "Dualview"? Thanks

 

[Capt Caveman]

Maybe that's the problem. I don't use the nvidia console to set the dual monitors.

The taskbar does not extend to the second monitor. However, whenever I bring my mouse over to the second monitor and click onto something the game minimizes and gives me access to the primary monitor also. Or if you are able to run your game in windows mode, you'll have access to the taskbar.

 

[big4x4]

Tried your way but I cannot move my mouse to the secondary monitor. I give up! I guess the only way to do it is if you run the game in windowed mode

 

[morgash]

hey man
been runnin dual monitors for a whiloe now and i think there is a point some of you forgot to ask. are you runnin dual monitors on ONE videocard or two? it would help alot if you would get a decent PCI card to run ur second monitor, otherwise u cant watch movies while gaming and so on cuz one video card cant render both images. just to let ya know

Morgash

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: morgash
hey man
been runnin dual monitors for a whiloe now and i think there is a point some of you forgot to ask. are you runnin dual monitors on ONE videocard or two? it would help alot if you would get a decent PCI card to run ur second monitor, otherwise u cant watch movies while gaming and so on cuz one video card cant render both images. just to let ya know

Morgash

I've watched TV while playing Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory with a 6800NU, but Wolf lagged a bit. Playable though. Just need a faster video card, and maybe dual-core preferably.

 

[apoppin]

when will games support 2 monitors? it seems like the way to go

and can we expect x-fire or SLI support?

 

[lifeblood]

Two monitors on two video cards is the most flexable. With two monitors on one video card some games don't let you use the second monitor as mentioned previously in this thread.

I don't know of any game that is specifically designed for two monitors but I wish someone would do it. In Flight Simulator you can open the GPS, radio stack, etc and drag them to the second monitor.

 

[Madellga]

I tried using a 1905FP tpgether with my 2405FPW and had the same issues as the OP.

I could extend the desktop and have different applications running, but by starting a game the second monitor was always turned off.

My idea was to run WoW on the 2405FPW and have Thotbott on the 1905FP

To make things worse, the monitor turned off was the 2405FPW, not the 1905FP . No matter what I tried, Windows, Nvidia drivers or whatever Gremlin controlling my computer decided the 1905FP was the main monitor.

I tried swapping ports, cards, removing drivers, installing the 2405FPW again and the 1905FP later. Whenever the 1905FP was plugged, Windows would label it THE MAIN one.

At the end, I just gave up. The 1905FP is now in the second rig.

 

[akugami]

http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/

Ultramon FTW.