Can you use ONE graphics card to run dual monitors?

[spyder850]

i have an Nvidia 7900 512 MB graphics card which has one DVI output, an S-Video, and one VGA (which is currently being used by my Dell 19 Inch monitor).

My question is, if i have an adapter that converts DVI to VGA to work with a second 19inch monitor, will it allow me to use dual monitors? or what if an intergrated graphics card? can i use the one thats on my motherboard?


i dont have a second monitor to try this out....so has anyone ever tried/had this issue?


thanks.

 

[IllogicallyLogical]

You could just get a VGA splitter. This will allow you to hook dual monitors to a single VGA port.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=525173&CatId=467

Joey
CCNA, MCP, A+, Network+, Wireless#

 

[spyder850]

wow and it works just as if you have dual monitors? you can use the same mouse, same keyboard, everything across two screens?

thanks! i think i may have found my soloution.

 

[vacunita]

To answer you original question you should be able to use any of the outputs to connect to an additional monitor, and using the cards software, either clone the display: same thing on both monitors or the extend desktop: meaning you have an additional screen full of desktop where you can place windows and icons.

I have mine setup so that Movies are shown on my TV through the S-Video out. But connecting the DVI to a DVI capable monitor or a converter should allow you to have two screens with different content.

Having a splitter does not allow the second scenario, as it just effectively splits the signal: in other words you are seeing the same thing on both monitors which is kind of useless.

----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[electronicsfreak]

Yes the 7900 will run 2 monitors with ease. I run a 7950 with dual monitors. When you hook it up and load the computer , nvidia will bring up a wizard, just choose dual mode and go from there.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[spyder850]

so, electronicsfreak, i can run true dual monitors that way? does it mirror my original, as in i see the same thing across both monitors?

thanks for all your replies guys.

 

[electronicsfreak]

no, clone mode makes both monitors the same. dual mode makes 2 different desktops. I can drag itunes from my main monitor over to my secondary monitor or vice versa.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon