Posted: 2/5/2005 6:35:19 PM EDT
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Ok, I just acquired a brand new 21" monitor, but it won't fit on my desk. Since I don't want it to go to waste, I still want to hook it up to my existing computer but put it in the next room, so we can use it to watch DVD's on, instead of huddling around my existing monitor. So, the question is.... Can I hook up two monitors to the same computer, and if so, what equipment do I need, and how much will it cost me? |
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I've never done it but you could try one of these or something similar: www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=509&sku=29551 |
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There are a couple ways you can use 2 monitors. One is a splitter like in the link above. Or you can install a 2 head video card or a second video card altogether… but a 2 head card works best and is easiest to set up. A 2 head video card has 2 monitor outputs that will feed 2 different monitors, very common on many of todays video cards. One of these cards can display the same picture on both monitors or you can use it to stretch your desktop on to 2 different monitors. You can get a 2 head video card for $50 to $600 depending on the speed you want out of the card. Check your video card you might already have a 2 head card it is a very common feature on gaming cards made in the last 3-4 years. |
The best way to go is with a dual headed video card. I use a GeForce 6600 GT to drive mine - you'll want to make sure you get either conventional VGA (DB-15 plug) or a DVI depending on what kind of monitors you're trying to drive. I use mine to double my desktop using the built-in nVidia drivers. A program like UltraMon will allow you to mirror it if that's all you want to do. Once you've had two you'll never go back to just one. 
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KVM switch. (keyboard, video, mouse) You would only have to use the video portion of the switch. Basically you just plug the output from the computer into the switch then the outputs from the switch go to your monitors. By simply flipping the swotch you can go between monitors. No need to re-boot or anything else. They can be found very easily and are pretty cheap. Look at ebay. Just search the net for a KVM switch. I use one so I can have two different computers connected to I set of I/O devices. Mine came with all the cables to hook it up and it was only like $20. |