Can my video card support multiple monitors?

[leeym]

I've got a Dell Dimension 8300 with an Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 video card. Can this card support multiple monitors? If not, what options do I have to make this happen?

FYI, I tried Nvidia's online support but it's a dead end.

Thanks

 

[franklin97355]

Does the card have more than one connector?

 

[leeym]

it has one analog and another DVI slot.

 

[BadBigBen]

The GeForce 5200 can access more than one monitor, if and only if it has more than one Connector as Franklin mentioned...

there are various different versions of this Card out there, some have TWO connectors, ie. one VGA and one DVI, others again have one VGA only, still others have VGA and S-Video (for hooking up to a TV/VCR etc.)... still others only have a VGA or only a DVI port...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[leeym]

so can I hook up one monitor to the VGA and the other to the DVI? If so, do I need additional software to make it work?

Thanks

 

[rvnguy]

leeym,

The current (several past) NVidia driver sets include all that is required to utilize multi monitors.

You should have this on a NVidia CD but if not get it here:

NVidia

http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp

Select graphics > the GeForce series > your OS

Once installed you will have an application (NVidia) that alows many settings.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[leeym]

I think we're close. I downloaded and installed the new drivers. In Ctrl Panel I can see the various settings but don't see anything that refercnes multiple monitors.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[franklin97355]

Do you have both monitors attached and turned on?

 

[rvnguy]

leeym,

Ditto, and did you use the Nvdia install/setup program or update drivers from Control Panel.

Do use the setup program, It installs not only the drivers bt also its own settings/adjustment applet. I don't recall if it is optional but I have a icon for it in the task bar.

With their settings app, dual monitors are selectable along with the desired view. You can also set the resolution of each monitor & other settings

Hope this helps

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[theEclipse]

As I remember with nvidia the options wont appear for dual monitors until you have dual monitors plugged in.

Also-In order to plug in a normal monitor (VGA) into your DVI connector you will have to get a converter. I think they run about $15 at your local computer store.

Robert Carpenter
"Disobedience to conscience is voluntary; bad poetry, on the other hand, is usually not made on purpose." - C.S. Lewis (Preface to Paradise Lost)
ô¿ô

http://www.robertcarpenter.net

 

[leeym]

ok guys, i ended up installing a 2nd video card into my box and everything works fine.

However, the only odd thing is that the coloring is not quite the same. in fact, the screen is slightly darker. note that the monitor, its drivers, frequency, and resolution are all condigured the same.

any ideas?

Thanks

 

[franklin97355]

If you swap monitors what happens?

 

[leeym]

same thing occurs on the other one

 

[BadBigBen]

you may have to fiddle with the GAMA control for the DARKER monitor...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."