Help with setting up dual monitors to a computer?

Question

My boyfriend is a game design major that's been itching to get a dual monitor setup for his custom built computer. I don't know much about computers myself, so bare with me. I'll add info if requested!

I know that you need to have plenty of VRAM (says a guide) but I have to idea what that is to be honest... I also know that you need to have two port things in back of the video card. 

Right now he has a EVGA e-GeForce 8800 GTS video card. Specifications I found here :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082

I just need to know if this is going to work with the card he has now. Hooking it up and getting the monitor to work doesn't look hard but I just don't want to have to return the monitor or buy another video card. 

Thank you all who reply in advance, I'll be checking back and I'll be sure to award the best answer! Thanks!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This card can run a dual display setup, however there will be some problems. Firstly, he cannot configure them seperately, because it is only one graphics card. So for example, say the two monitors have different resolutions:

Monitor 1: 1024x768
Monitor 2: 1920 x 1200

With them both connected you have to run at the lower resolution.


Secondly with gaming, it depends on what he wants to do. You can have CloneDisplay, which shows the same image on each screen - however if he is expecting it to extend from one monitor onto the other he will more than likely have issues.

Also, using two monitors may cause his games to slow down. That graphics card is nice, but only has 320mb of RAM. This may cause issues with two monitors.


Using two monitors is no issue. The issue is HOW he wants to use them .Especially with gaming, he may want to consider purchasing a second graphics card - that is the only way to ensure each monitor will run perfect. One graphics card handles one monitor, and the other the other monitor.


If you can give me more detail as to what he wants to do I may be able to provide better answers =-)

Hung T · Answer

You'll need a powerful GPU. Yours is sufficient. You'll also need 2 VGA connections/2 HDMI connections and 2 HDMI-->VGA converters. You'll also need 2 VGA connectors. Since the card is a NVIDIA, connect both monitors securely. Open up NVIDIA Control Panel and go to set up multiple monitors. If all is well, you should see other options beside Single display there. If not, click on my displays is not on list. Click the button and see if more options come up. If not then reboot your PC and try again. If not then, look for the CD and install all the programs on it, see if it makes a difference.

aviatingamateur · Answer

Your boyfriend's 8800GTS can indeed drive two monitors independently.

Windows allows you to run two monitors on one video card, either in clone mode (both monitors displaying the same thing, requires the same resolution) or in extended desktop mode (driving both monitors independently, both can be at different resolutions).  It's all controlled under Display Properties.

Trending News

Help with setting up dual monitors to a computer?

3 Answers