Need a KVM Switch

phyco126

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Nov 6, 2011
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First is a PC I built - Core 2 Duo E8400 and I use USB for everything but video and networking. I use this for gaming on Windows XP since my newest computer apparently doesn't support dual-booting with anything as old as Windows XP. Boo.

Finally is my current and newest PC. Again, I use USB for everything but video, sound, and networking. This computer is for gaming, school work, video and photo editing, etc.... So I figure I need a KVM switch but I quickly got lost. KVM switches appear to control the monitor's resolution? Does that impact gaming? Also, they are expensive for a box that you just push a button to switch from tower to tower, but regardless, I need one.

Any suggestions? Any further reading someone can link me to?
 

Preecher

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Jan 10, 2006
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KVM switches do not control resolution. Its just a pass through for the video. Using the KVM may add a little latency but its never impeded me from playing games including FPS games.

Belkin makes a pretty good switch. I'd make sure to get one for DVI. Depending on the model you get, it might limit your resolution (the first one I had was VGA and maxed out at 1600 x 1200). I suspect a current model will do at least 1080p. Typically they also support audio and usb for each PC going through the KVM.

Also, most KVM's like the belkin have a keyboard shortcut so you dont need to press a button on the KVM to switch PC's. Its been a while but its something like TAB+TAB+1 for PC 1, TAB+TAB+2 for PC 2, etc... just really fast.