Multiple Monitor FAQ
Many times, computer users don't know where to start when looking to add a second monitor to their setup. There are many different options that you have when using multiple monitors on your computer. Check out the following FAQ to get you started.
Can I Run Multiple Monitors on My Desktop Computer?
Most of the time, you can run multiple monitors on your desktop computer. However, you will need to check to see if your computer's hardware is capable of doing so. To do this, look at the back of the tower on your desktop computer. You will see a panel where all the miscellaneous cords are plugged in. Look specifically at the part that your monitor cord connects to. This is your video card.
If you see an extra monitor port on your video card that is not being used, then you can run multiple monitors. You will just need to buy an additional monitor and connect it to that port. The port will be either a DVI or VGA port.
If you do not have an extra monitor port on your video card, you will have to upgrade to a better card to use multiple monitors.
What Kind of Video Card Do I Need?
If you do need to get a new video card, you have many options. Some good reputable companies that sell video cards are EVGA, Sapphire, XFX and MSI. Make sure that you get a video card with "dual monitor out" connections. This will allow you to run multiple monitors.
Your video card interface connectivity will depend on what type of motherboard you have. Contact your computer manufacturer to find out this information. Some common video card interface connections are AGP 4X/8X, AGP PRO 4X/8X, PCI, PCI Express 2.0, PCI Express x1 and PCI Express x16.
Can I Run Multiple Monitors on My Laptop?
Most laptops cannot run dual monitors. This is because laptops have built-in graphics cards that are normally soldered into the main board. Most of these graphics cards have only one monitor out connector.
However, you can get around this if you have a free USB port on your laptop. You will need to get a USB monitor hookup. These adapters work by allowing you to connect an extra monitor to your laptop through an available USB port. The signal from your video card is translated through this adapter into a usable signal by both your laptop and your computer. Simply explained, it is an external graphics card.
What USB Display Adapter Do I Need?
As of 2009, there are not a lot of USB display adapters on the market, so your options are limited. Two adapters that have gotten some great reviews are the EVGA UV-12 and the EVGA UV-16. They are basically the same thing, except the UV-16 allows for higher screen resolutions.
After you have the adapter, simply plug in the VGA or DVI connector into it, and connect to your laptop.
Is There Anything Else I Need?
If Windows does not automatically detect the USB monitor, you will need to download some drivers for it. You can find everything that you need to know at Display Link (see Resources).
Can I Use an Old Monitor as My Second Monitor?
You can use an older monitor. Even if it is an older CRT monitor, it should be connectible to either the desktop graphics card or the USB monitor adapter. Most all monitors use a VGI or DVI connection. If your monitor connects in a different way than DVI or VGI, then these methods will not work for you.
Tags: video card, your computer, your laptop, your video card, extra monitor