using integrated video and also expansion slot?

[jhunter97]

This may be a dumb question, but I did search first!

Is there any way (some patch or hack?) to use the integrated VGA slot on a desktop for a second monitor, while also using my ATI Radeon 3650 for the primary monitor? All I want to do is have my desktop spread across two monitors, no need for heavy graphics, no gaming at all in this configuration.

It seems like the integrated VGA plug is disabled when I am using the add-in graphics card, but I would like to run one monitor through each plug. Is that too much to ask? Do I just need to buy a second expansion card to get this functionality?

I am running a Dell Vostro 200 with Vista Home basic, core 2 2400 (sad I know).

Thanks for any help or advice! ~Jack

 

[evongugg]

Welcome to the forums!

If you have two ports on the video card use those two.

If you have one DVI port, get this:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Cables/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1223217

Get this if you have a VGA port:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&sku=A0417759

 

[evongugg]

This is the Windows part:

http://freepctech.com/pc/001/guide_dual_monitors.shtml

 

[evongugg]

Check the pinout on your computer and monitor before you buy.

 

[jhunter97]

Thank you so much Evon, and thanks also for the warm welcome!

If I buy the splitter you referenced above, will that only allow me to have the same thing displayed on two monitors? Or would it also allow an "extended desktop" where I can have different windows on each monitor?

 

[evongugg]

Either way, yes.