Dual Monitor setup

[jcato2001]

Can someone answer a few questions for a dual monitor beginner please?

I have two computers at home. Each running to its own monitor. I have 2 pci x 16 video cards. 2600xt and a hd 4670, one gets the job done, the newer one is twice as good as the old one and has dual monitor support.

4670 link is:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127415

In a nutshell, whats the cheapest/best way to run two applications off the same PC, but use two monitors and have one application running on each monitor?

1. How do I run 2 monitors off the same PC, running different applications off the same card? aka settings, software/hardware/connections etc.. (explain to a newb)

2. If you have a dual video slot pci x 16 board, do both video cards have to be identical?

3. Is it possible to run two vid cards to seperate monitors on the same motherboard not SLI, aka independantly?

4. IF question 3 is not possible, then I'll have to run either 2 monitors off the 4670, or buy another just like it and run them SLI. If that is the case, I guess I connect a monitor to each card in SLI, correct?

Thanks in advance. Its good to learn!

 

[Oakley707]

The simplest way would be to connect the two monitors to the back of the 4670. When attached go into the Catalyst Control Center and change the settings to "Expand my Windows Desktop onto this monitor" for the second monitor. This will allow you to run two programs on two different monitors.

1. Software = Catalyst Control Center, Hardware = 4670, Connections = DVI or VGA connections (either or will work)
2. No.
3. Yes it is.

Also, to note two ATI cards use Crossfire, not SLI. SLI is nVidia specific.

Let us know if you need more help.

 

[jcato2001]

You rock.

So I'm now buying a motherboard and processor. I guess I'll just keep the two video cards I have and run them both on a dual slot pcie x 16 board.

Anymore to configure then or just plug in both cards, run them each to a monitor, and then the PC just "knows" to run each monitors video through the respective card?

 

[Oakley707]

You can run both cards with different monitors. However, if you have the 4670 which has dual monitor support, I would simply connect both monitors to the 4670. The display will be better and easier to setup. Maybe you can sell the old one?? Or put it in another computer.

What motherboard and processor are you buying?

 

[jcato2001]

You can run both cards with different monitors. However, if you have the 4670 which has dual monitor support, I would simply connect both monitors to the 4670. The display will be better and easier to setup. Maybe you can sell the old one?? Or put it in another computer.

What motherboard and processor are you buying?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.181196

pentium e5200 and a cheap overclockable gigabyte board for $112, then I Found the artic freezer 7 92mm fan for $22.

So gonna overclock it pretty hard, and should beat out my socket A 462 athlon 2800+, and my 939 athlon 3200+, each one has 1.5 gig of ram in it, but I picked up 4 gigs of corsair:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184
for 19.99 after rebate and I got the MSI card for 49.99 last month after rebate so...

Roughly $205 bucks, then gonna sell all the old parts so maybe cost $100 or so after all done?

I guess I should just hook up both monitors to the 4670 like you said, and it'll still prolly be better than both the old one put together, although maybe not by a whole lot.

 

[Oakley707]

If you can avoid having two different cards, I would. That 4670 will be able to handle two monitors with EASE. It is a very powerful budget card.

I have heard good things about the Artic Freezer 9, however, I currently have the Xigmatek S1283 and LOVE it. You should be able to snag it for pretty cheap too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

Otherwise sounds like a great upgrade for ya. Let us know if you have any other questions

 

[jcato2001]

If you can avoid having two different cards, I would. That 4670 will be able to handle two monitors with EASE. It is a very powerful budget card.

I have heard good things about the Artic Freezer 9, however, I currently have the Xigmatek S1283 and LOVE it. You should be able to snag it for pretty cheap too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003

Otherwise sounds like a great upgrade for ya. Let us know if you have any other questions

I really appreciate all the help.

 

[Oakley707]

No problem. One quick question before you pounce on that Xigmatek. It is LARGE... Make sure you will be able to fit it in your case. I have the CoolerMaster Centurion 5 and it just barely fits. Have a great upgrade build.