Connecting to monitors to a single PC

[Smithson]

I want to connect two monitors to my PC. I've bought a cable that splits into two outputs. Can anybody offer advice for the necessary settings on a Window 7 PC? I'd like to duplicate the screen on both monitors. Thanks in advance.

[Tywais]

Does your video card support two monitors as that is the best way to go? Then you use Clone mode to see the same on both displays. If using only a cable splitter, than there is nothing different on Windows 7 as with a single monitor. You can not configure each separately in case they are two different resolution monitors as you can with a dual head video card.

//edit - what brand and model of video card do you have then I can look it up to see what can be done.

[Smithson]

^ Thanks. I plan to try it tomorrow. Can you pls tell me how I check to see the brand of video card?

[Tywais]

^ Thanks. I plan to try it tomorrow. Can you pls tell me how I check to see the brand of video card?

Actually just look on the back and see if you see more then one video output jack. Some will have two identical connectors like below and some will have one plus a smaller blue VGA connector. Or photograph the back of it and put it here.

[Smithson]

Thanks, the card only has one output.

[Tywais]

Thanks, the card only has one output.

Than your monitors should have the same native resolution if you are to use a splitter. That is they should both be rated for example 1920x1080 or similar match in order to get the best quality on them. Or get a dual head card or just another single head if you have a slot to put it. This will allow you to set separate resolutions to each monitor if they do not match. If both of your monitors are the same brand and model than no problem.

[MichaelJohn]

You should really get a video card with two outputs.

You can get VGA/HDMI or 2 x HDMI - depends on the connection on the monitors which you should buy.

You can also buy a USB to VGA adaptor which work okay!

[nickmanchester2]

i've just done this on windows 7 with 2, 23 inch samsung monitors I got second hand for 6000b for the pair - aw yeah! It worked for me with one HDMI and one DVI on a single video card.

its looking pretty sweet, but I advise not trying to use them both all the time, just use one straight ahead and one to the right as its gonna hurt your neck trying to use both.

[Smithson]

I've got the computer connected to a 52" TV for watching movies, so I would like to add another monitor for working on. If it means buying another card I would probably get a new PC instead. I don't mind adjusting the resolution each time. Thanks.

[Tywais]

I've got the computer connected to a 52" TV for watching movies, so I would like to add another monitor for working on. If it means buying another card I would probably get a new PC instead. I don't mind adjusting the resolution each time. Thanks.

If your 52" is full HD, 1920x1080, then be sure to get a full HD monitor then you have a native resolution match between the two with the splitter.

[attrayant]

You can also buy a USB to VGA adaptor which work okay!

I got one of these for my laptop because I wanted to have a third monitor. It works fairly well, although it was expensive at around 2,000 baht. I suspect you could find a better video card for less.