Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > [Solved] HOME-BUILT SYSTEM -- DUAL MONITOR PROBLEM

[Solved] HOME-BUILT SYSTEM -- DUAL MONITOR PROBLEM

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - [Solved] HOME-BUILT SYSTEM -- DUAL MONITOR PROBLEM

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bbutler247   11-08-2009 at 08:57:33 PM

I have built a modest system around an ASUS P4S800D-X motherboard. It works fine and is sufficient to my needs. I would, however like to utilize dual monitors for a number of reasons. OS is WinXP Pro SP3.

The problem I'm having is getting 2 cards to work together. I have several ATI PCI cards that all work as a lone installation, but stop working when the second card is installed. I do not currently have an AGP card to try in the mix......could that be the answer? Perhaps I need one AGP and one PCI???

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Butch

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Best answer from WR2
You can use both.
Radio Shack has the DVI to VGA adapters but they're pretty expensive.
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WR2   11-08-2009 at 09:05:08 PM

Dual monitors = 1 video card. Two video card not usually required.
List your ATI video cards for us.
I'm guessing none of the have 2 video card outputs?

You maybe having a PCI IRQ conflict keeping you from running 2 video cards.
What IRQ are you assigning to your video cards?

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bbutler247   11-08-2009 at 09:17:12 PM

The IRQs are set to be automatically assigned by the BIOS, so I really haven't checked them. The error I'm getting in the Device Manager for the second card is "This device won't start".

The ATI cards are a Radeon 7000 and a Rage 128 GL........I know, both are older cards, but I was trying to solve the compatibility issues before updating the cards......

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bbutler247   11-08-2009 at 09:20:15 PM

Forgot to include the main Graphics card.......ATI Radeon 9200

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bbutler247   11-08-2009 at 09:23:29 PM

The 9200 has dual outputs, but I don't have a DVI monitor.....both monitors have VGA connectors.

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WR2   11-08-2009 at 09:49:12 PM

You can get a DVI to VGA connector for just a few bucks.

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WR2   11-08-2009 at 09:55:35 PM

Something like this AMC DVI-8700 DVI (Male) to VGA (Female) Adapter $3.50
One NewEgg customer review comment: "This turned my GeForce 7800GT card with 1 DVI and 1VGA port into a dual monitor setup for my new VGA flatscreens! I almost purchased a new graphics card with 2 VGA ports, but I got this adapter for a couple bucks instead."
You might be able to pick one of these adapters up at a local Radio Shack.

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bbutler247   11-08-2009 at 10:01:01 PM

Lemme show my ignorance for a minute.........So, you're saying I can use both outputs at the same time? I always thought they were "either-or"??

Reply to bbutler247
WR2   11-08-2009 at 10:08:06 PM
Best answer

You can use both.
Radio Shack has the DVI to VGA adapters but they're pretty expensive.

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