Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > 2 PC/1 Monitor Video Options
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brett4u6   05-21-2008 at 06:31:05 PM

I apologize if this thread is in the wrong place. But my question is video related, even if the hardware in question is not.

I've got a 22" LCD monitor with VGA and DVI-D inputs. My PC has a video card with DVI-D output only. My wife wants me to set up her work laptop (Lenova T60) to be able to share the same monitor/mouse/keyboard as my PC. Her laptop only has VGA out.

What is my best choice for connecting the PC and laptop to the same monitor via a KVM switch?

I see my choices as

  • Use a DVI to VGA adaptor on my PC graphics card, buy a VGA KVM switch, and use the VGA input on my monitor
  • Buy a USB docking station for her laptop w/ DVI-D out, and buy a DVI-D KVM switch


My concern with the first option is will I see a degredation in video quality converting from DVI to VGA (It's a gaming machine)
My concern with the second option is cost...almost twice as expensive as the first option.

If there is a third option, I'm all ears.

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JDocs   05-21-2008 at 06:51:50 PM
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Look at an analog connector KVM switch + DVI adapter. Its definitely a cheaper option. Performance should be similar.

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MadHacker   05-21-2008 at 06:56:33 PM
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I have 2 machines sharing the same monitor...
one plugs into the DVI port the other plugs into the 15-Pin DIN port.
I just use the input selector to select between different machine when I need to.

my 2¢

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nvalhalla   05-21-2008 at 07:03:23 PM
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as long as the components are of decent quality, the VGA adapter shouldn't cause a noticeable loss of quality. There aren't any other options than those 2.

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nukemaster   05-21-2008 at 07:18:29 PM
- 0 +

MadHacker wrote :

I have 2 machines sharing the same monitor...
one plugs into the DVI port the other plugs into the 15-Pin DIN port.
I just use the input selector to select between different machine when I need to.

my 2¢


same

------------------------------ http://i33.tinypic.com/sw3a5y.png
http://tinyurl.com/26uxxb - C2/i7 Temp? http://tinyurl.com/cj3pw - VGA power?
http://tinyurl.com/5v55wk - C2 Mem performance? http://tinyurl.com/6pmbke - SLI/Xfire?
http://tinyurl.com/yfmxdc9 - Part Guide?
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Wolfshadw   05-21-2008 at 07:15:53 PM
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I'd agree with MadHacker. Use the KVM switch to be able to use the same keyboard/mouse on both systems, but connect the gaming rig via the monitor's DVI port and the laptop via the monitor's VGA port. Use the input selector on the monitor to switch between the two.

I actually use this set-up for my gaming and all-purpose rig.

-Wolf sends

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NVidia Geforce 8800GTS-640/Creative X-FI Extreme Music/Dual-Boot XP-64&Server2008
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Silver Graphics badge TheGreatGrapeApe   05-21-2008 at 07:24:15 PM
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Yah I agree kinda with what MadH says, just for your keyboard concerns, why do you need to share that? Just get cheap keyboard and mouse.

KVM is not necessary unless you absolutely must share the same keyboard/mouse (like for ergonomic reasons) and have no dual input LCD. No point in wasting money if you don't have to. Of course some people like the esthetics of a KVM.

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brett4u6   05-21-2008 at 10:24:47 PM
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Desk top space is limited for a separate keyboard/mouse. And the wife is not one to be swapping them back and forth each time.

Don't know why I didn't think about using the monitor to just change the video source. I guess that's where you guys come in:)

I can get cheap switch to share the keyboard and mouse..

Reply to brett4u6
nukemaster   05-21-2008 at 10:48:45 PM
- 0 +

You can get a switching usb hub(each port has a button to allow it do go from computer a or b so i have mouse, keyboard, MCE Remote and UPS for monitoring on it). Got one at walmart for like 20$ or so thats what i use where desk space is limited.

 

or just use a kvm and do not plug in the monitor ports...

 

What i use(but mine says USB 2.0 and works at that speed) - It does limmit the number if inputs/sec so gaming mice are not as good on it(500 inputs per sec gets cut to 370 and 128 gets cut to 90, I use 2 mice because of this)

 

http://www.acrox.com.tw/productdetial.asp?id=134#Title


Message edited by nukemaster on 05-21-2008 at 10:54:44 PM
------------------------------ http://i33.tinypic.com/sw3a5y.png
http://tinyurl.com/26uxxb - C2/i7 Temp? http://tinyurl.com/cj3pw - VGA power?
http://tinyurl.com/5v55wk - C2 Mem performance? http://tinyurl.com/6pmbke - SLI/Xfire?
http://tinyurl.com/yfmxdc9 - Part Guide?
 Reply to nukemaster
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