Running dual monitors

[Martyuk39]

so you can have loads of apps on the go and don't have to minimise. I suppose it'd be like having 2560x1024 or whatever

I can't find a good Q&A on this.

Do I require 2 graphics cards? What about using one with 2 DVI outputs? Should I be concerned about the monitors? They'll both be LCD

Thanks

 

[dug777]

one gfx card with either a VGA & a DVI out, or two DVI outs is fine (latter is preferable if you are using large LCDs). NO reason why they shouldn't be CRTs except for they take up less space.

 

[virtualrain]

Dual monitors rock. A single graphics card with two outputs is all that's required.

Set up your monitors using the dual view option on your graphics card, rather than the span mode... I've had nothing but problems with span. The only problem with dual-view is that you don't get a task-bar stretched across both screens, but that can be easily solved by using a tool like "Ultramon".

Note that games will only run on one display, but you can still use the other for system monitoring, viewing a walk-through, etc.

Good luck.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: virtualrain
Dual monitors rock. A single graphics card with two outputs is all that's required.

Set up your monitors using the dual view option on your graphics card, rather than the span mode... I've had nothing but problems with span. The only problem with dual-view is that you don't get a task-bar stretched across both screens, but that can be easily solved by using a tool like "Ultramon".

Note that games will only run on one display, but you can still use the other for system monitoring, viewing a walk-through, etc.

Good luck.

lol, afaik 'span' isn't an option with ATI drivers...however extend desktop works perfectly, used with ultramon, i love my duallies

 

[lifeblood]

I've done dual display with just one video card and with two seperate cards. One card with two outputs is the easiest.

Two video cards is a bit more complex. I suggest you make sure both cards are supported by the same driver. For instance, I had a Geforce 4 ti4200 (AGP) and a TNT-2 (PCI) which both used the nvidia detanator driver and it was rock solid. I then moved up to a Radeon 9600XT (AGP) with a Matrox Millenium 2 (PCI) which required to seperate drivers, but was still rock solid. However, when I tried the Radeon 9600XT (AGP) with an nvidia FX 5700LE (PCI), it bombed.

I think I will move up to a nvidia 6800GT with the FX 5700LE. Three monitors will rock!

 

[Martyuk39]

Thanks for all your help.

Martin

PS - use the other monitor for a walkthrough? I wouldn't dream of such a thing! By the way I'm having this bit of trouble with Far Cry....

 

[imported_BadKarma]

Originally posted by: virtualrain
Dual monitors rock. A single graphics card with two outputs is all that's required.

Set up your monitors using the dual view option on your graphics card, rather than the span mode... I've had nothing but problems with span. The only problem with dual-view is that you don't get a task-bar stretched across both screens, but that can be easily solved by using a tool like "Ultramon".

Note that games will only run on one display, but you can still use the other for system monitoring, viewing a walk-through, etc.

Good luck.

Can you switch screens while gaming?
Say you wanna scroll through the FAQ on the other screen.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: BadKarma

Originally posted by: virtualrain
Dual monitors rock. A single graphics card with two outputs is all that's required.

Set up your monitors using the dual view option on your graphics card, rather than the span mode... I've had nothing but problems with span. The only problem with dual-view is that you don't get a task-bar stretched across both screens, but that can be easily solved by using a tool like "Ultramon".

Note that games will only run on one display, but you can still use the other for system monitoring, viewing a walk-through, etc.

Good luck.

Can you switch screens while gaming?
Say you wanna scroll through the FAQ on the other screen.

you can, but you'll lose focus on the game...jsut like normal alt-tabing...

 

[Busithoth]

^
Yeah, hit escape (or get into the menu) and you can move the mouse over to the other monitor in most games (alt-tab works in nearly every game, though) the game will pop out (if your experience is like mine) while you scroll / type on secondary monitor, but when you alt-tab back to the game, it should resume without issue. Enjoy! I used dual monitors for a while. I loved it.

 

[ironique]

Sorry to stray a bit, got a question. Is it possible to span a movie across both monitors if you have a dual monitor setup. Curious to know.

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: ironique
Sorry to stray a bit, got a question. Is it possible to span a movie across both monitors if you have a dual monitor setup. Curious to know.

i don't think so...you can clone it on either (the ati drivers are very good for doing this without having to actually set 'clone display' each time) tho...

span would be kinda pointless however, unless you like having a gaping gap in your display