Triple Monitor Setup...how with my specs?

[joez]

Hello all,
Thanks in advance for the help.

I want to upgrade my monitor setup to use three displays. Given my specs below, is it possible without needing to replace my video card or motherboard? What would I have to do to accomplish this?

ASUS P5B-E LGA 775 Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2667
EVGA e-GeForce 7900 GTO


Thanks again,
Joe Z

 

[arges86]

use a DVI-D Y cable for one of your dvi ports... they're like 25 bucks or so

 

[joez]

Will that just mirror two of the monitors, or will it truly act as three separate screens? How will Windows react to this? (currently on XP)

 

[joez]

Just wanted to add a little information....hopefully it helps. My mother board has:

1x PCI-E 16x Slot (used by my 7900
3x PCI-E 1x Slot
3x PCI Slot

 

[schizz69]

Will that just mirror two of the monitors, or will it truly act as three separate screens? How will Windows react to this? (currently on XP)

The DVI-D Y cable will enable 3 separate displays, got it running in front of me now (using a 2900XT)

 

[4745454b]

I don't see how splitting one single into two will give him seperate displays. It should just mirror it. I've never used one, so I very well could be wrong. Are you looking to game on all three at the same time, or just view pages on all three? If you are looking to game, I'd replace the motherboard. Get one that supports has two or more 16X slots. Buy two video cards, and your done. If you just want to view pages on them, or game on one with other pages up so you can check email/IMs, then buy a video card that fits in the 1x slot.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161197

Expensive, but it will enable 2 more monitors on your system. I didn't look up your system specs, your motherboard doesn't have onboard video does it?

 

[Nik_I]

i don't understand how a splitter cable can give you two separate displays rather than a mirrored one. it doesn't make sense. and for the OP, maybe a tripleheadtogo would be useful?

 

[theelcaminodude]

I'm pretty sure your video card can only support 2 screens through its 2 dvi ports and your mobo has no onboard video. Bare minimum you'll need to get another video card to support an extra monitor.

 

[joez]

Will XP be able to run the secondary video card listed above since it will require running two different drivers? Isn't that card an ATI? So would that create issues?

 

[joez]

The DVI-D Y cable will enable 3 separate displays, got it running in front of me now (using a 2900XT)

The ebay auction found here says: DVI-D Splitter replicates single output into two outputs
http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Splitter-For-Dual-DVI-D-Male-to-Female-x2-Y-Cable_W0QQitemZ400040471549QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item400040471549

Doesn't this mean it will not work? Can you please link me to the cable you are using?

 

[delti90]

I'm going to have to agree with everybody, a splitter isn't going to work for a display not to be mirrored, you could buy this though:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814100017
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815290006

 

[4745454b]

What OS are you using? If your using XP, your fine. XP can load and use two different video drivers. If you've moved to vista, you'll only be able to load one, so the one I linked wouldn't work. It could, but you'll need to dump the 7900 for something newer.

 

[joez]

I'm running XP now....if I ever upgrade to vista/7 then I'll get another mobo and video card setup.

 

[joez]

I purchased the PCIE-1x video card. I now have 2- 17" dell 1704fp monitors on either side of my 24" dell 2407wfp monitor. Each 17" is turned on its side. Works perfetly with the software included by both ATI and nVidia.

Triple mointors rock!