One thing I wasn't looking at when picking my video card (Radeon HD 7770) was multiple monitor capability.
It supports up to six, apparently, and I should be able to get a spare monitor.
So I was thinking on setting up for dual monitors, I just want to know what it takes, like anything I need to buy for connections, and what the draw backs are.
I'm mainly looking at performance issues while playing games, though I don't plan on rendering the game on the extra monitor if I can help it.
Figured I'd ask here since I know the community better. ::)
Simple enough. Make sure your 2nd monitor supports one of the connections available on the back of the graphics card.
Plug it in and then use Catalyst Control Center (CCC) to define how you want to use the two monitors.
My Graphics card has two USB slots on it next to the plug for the monitor.
Using the main slot for my current monitor, and the only other connector that fits is the one on my motherboard, which when this was plugged into my motherboard I had no feed.
Looks like I'll have to go with a USB adapter, if that exists...
I don't even have the monitor, it was given to my mother in exchange for the one I use now which is much better, since she needed one for work purposes.
However she no longer works from home thus probably doesn't use it, so chances are I can get it back, just gotta contact her.
When I told my dad this, he said it probably wouldn't work since they have the be the same size, while I don't believe this to be true, but I am unsure.
I want to be sure it'd work before doing anything, so covering all worries I have.
Post the specific make of your GPU card. Post the specific make/model of both displays.
There are no USB ports on the GPU card, they'r either HDMI or DisplayPort. You can get adapters to convert, but I've never used those, so I won't be able to advise much on what to get as an adapter.
I'm running my system on two monitors of different size. So does Virgil IIRC.
I currently run 2 monitors at home, one from my video card, and the other off the motherboard. I had to go into the BIOS to set it to always activate the motherboard monitor first, because my system kept freezing up when I just plugged it in.
Seems to work OK, but I get a lot of video card remnant, or small little boxes that look like they're glued to the screen. It gets worse when I play graphics intense games like WoW or Diablo, and it happens on both monitors. Perhaps I'll post some screenshots here when I get home with more exact system specs. I've been meaning to post something about it on the WoW tech support forums to get some insight, but I haven't yet. I've tried several different things (fully updated drivers, older drivers, both for the video card and cpu), nothing seems to work.
They are different sizes as well, the one off the video card is my main one, a 24" widescreen LED. The one off the motherboard is an older 17" LCD, which only has the standard blue monitor cable. My video card only has 2 HDMI outputs.
Anyway, I would recommend running them both off the video card, and not doing what I have now, it just causes problems.
Quote from: Grauniad on September 03, 2013, 10:22:50 AM
Post the specific make of your GPU card. Post the specific make/model of both displays.
There are no USB ports on the GPU card, they'r either HDMI or DisplayPort. You can get adapters to convert, but I've never used those, so I won't be able to advise much on what to get as an adapter.
I'm running my system on two monitors of different size. So does Virgil IIRC.
They must be HDMI then, that's what I get for looking in the dark at 7:20 a.m in the morning. ::)
I'll have to get the make/model off the other one, but the make/model for my current display can be gotten now.
I just need to figure out where it is, so I'll get back to you on that once I find it...
It's right on the back, going to be a pain to read with how it's set up.
Got it, HSG1108, I'll make a call and try to get the other one soon.
Looked again and my display card has an HDMI and one DP port on it.
I wonder if my current monitor can use one of those instead to free up the other port for the other monitor.
It has a DVI port but I do not have a cord for that and it'd use the same slot it's in now.
Currently using that old big blue plug monitors use. :D
No slot for an HDMI cable or anything of the sort.
If I do a dual setup I'll need an adapter.
get a hdmi to DVI cable. DVI is just HDMI without the audio. so naturally the have an entirely different looking plug. :) they also make DP to HDMI and DP to DVI cables. using the DVI port on your monitor should/may give you a better picture.
Quote from: MizInIA on September 03, 2013, 01:01:51 PM
get a hdmi to DVI cable. DVI is just HDMI without the audio. so naturally the have an entirely different looking plug. :) they also make DP to HDMI and DP to DVI cables. using the DVI port on your monitor should/may give you a better picture.
Without audio? You'll have to expand on that for me...
I think we have an HDMI cable somewhere, if I get the proper adapter I could set it up, and use the other plug for my second monitor.
Quote from: Blaze on September 03, 2013, 02:16:09 PM
Quote from: MizInIA on September 03, 2013, 01:01:51 PM
get a hdmi to DVI cable. DVI is just HDMI without the audio. so naturally the have an entirely different looking plug. :) they also make DP to HDMI and DP to DVI cables. using the DVI port on your monitor should/may give you a better picture.
Without audio? You'll have to expand on that for me...
I think we have an HDMI cable somewhere, if I get the proper adapter I could set it up, and use the other plug for my second monitor.
Basically HDMI and DVI speak the same language. The difference (other than how the port looks) is HDMI also carries audio in the same cable as the video. that is why TVs use HDMI where computer monitors traditionally use DVI. newegg and amazon both have hdmi to dvi cables for under $10 and I saw an HDMI to DVI adapter for $2.10 on amazon.
i don't know what resolution monitor you have but to cloud the waters there is also single link and dual link DVI (just buy the dual link and it will work on either.) the difference being dual link has more pins so it can carry more data and operate at higher resolution. wikipedia does a good job explaining it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface)
here is an article that explains the ports pretty well and isn't to geeky.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/32524/whats-the-difference-between-hdmi-and-dvi-which-is-better/ (http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/32524/whats-the-difference-between-hdmi-and-dvi-which-is-better/)
Please, help us to help you.
Who made your Radeon card? MSI? what specific model number does it have? Is your monitor a Hannspree?
Here is how I use Speccy to get everything about my graphics quick and easy:
(http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=13916.0;attach=14744;image)
The very best place on the Internet to buy cables is monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/). Use the PriceBlink coupon (http://www.priceblink.com/webcpns/couponslist.php?r=6592&c=8635&s=U&utm_source=tb&uid=8203e11e-cd18-ad83-d2ff-9f16c2f3fcfc&ver=3.7) to get the employee discount (same price for one as if you ordered 50 in bulk).
You only need dual-link DVI if you go over 1920x1080. The price and bulk is substantially more since it has all those extra wires.
Quote from: Grauniad on September 03, 2013, 03:49:11 PM
Please, help us to help you.
Who made your Radeon card? MSI? what specific model number does it have? Is your monitor a Hannspree?
If memory servers right (I almost fell asleep not ten minutes ago mind you) PowerColor made my card.
I don't know where I'd get the model number, presuming on the card itself.
Last second search brought this up, it's the exact newegg entry I bought the card from.
PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131477)
My monitor is indeed a Hannspree.
Attached file of Speccy, snipped out just the graphics section.
I can get the model number and other information from the other monitor tomorrow, just let me know what you need off of it.
Quote from: Grauniad on September 03, 2013, 03:52:45 PM
The very best place on the Internet to buy cables is monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/). Use the PriceBlink coupon (http://www.priceblink.com/webcpns/couponslist.php?r=6592&c=8635&s=U&utm_source=tb&uid=8203e11e-cd18-ad83-d2ff-9f16c2f3fcfc&ver=3.7) to get the employee discount (same price for one as if you ordered 50 in bulk).
You only need dual-link DVI if you go over 1920x1080. The price and bulk is substantially more since it has all those extra wires.
I'll take a look at that website if I can't find something in a nearby store.
And my current resolution is 1920x1080, would adding a second monitor count as going over 1920x1080?
Quote from: Grauniad on September 03, 2013, 03:49:11 PM
Is your monitor a Hannspree?
sorry all I could think of is this.
Quote from: Blaze on September 03, 2013, 04:15:30 PM
And my current resolution is 1920x1080, would adding a second monitor count as going over 1920x1080?
that is a restriction of the cable so no adding a second monitor doesn't count.
Other Monitor's model number is VS10807.
Attached a picture I found online of how the monitor looked, just a simple front view.
Mainly did that because while looking around for a confirmation picture I came across a model that was said to be using the same number but looked slightly different.
The picture I attached is how mines looks.
Blaze. Who makes it? Optiquest or Viewsonic?
Quote from: Grauniad on September 04, 2013, 03:40:03 PM
Blaze. Who makes it? Optiquest or Viewsonic?
I believe Optiquest does...
I think it's made by them and called the Q7 or something.
I'm not entirely sure, the monitor is not in my possession at this time, but will be in time.
Whenever my mother gets around to bringing it here, so no estimated date. :D
I hate double posting, but I was told to before since editing doesn't properly bump the thread, and this is an update.
Got the monitor today, went out to a few stores and none had the proper adapter cord I needed.
So I found one on Amazon, 69% off. Instead of paying $25 I get to pay $7.67 and it has free shipping.
Reviews are great too, didn't see any issues others had with it.
The only downside is I need to wait for shipping which is about ten days.
Not an issue considering how much I save. :D
Even better since it's coming from my money, which is $60 saved up from birthday cash.
Of course it's not on a card, so my dad is ordering it and I'm giving him the cost back from my money.
Edit: Just ordered it, discount went up to 77% dropping it to $5.66, however added $2 to shipping, meaning I saved one cent. ::)
However, my dad refused to take the money, saying he'll come get it if he needs it, which won't happen.
I know because he's done this before.
I pushed it, but he wouldn't take it there, even though he has to spend about $200 on the car he is getting me to get it cleaned.
He already spent $100 to get the title and temporary tags, has to spend more to get it cleaned since he is getting it for free from a hoarder.
More of this on the "What did you do today...? (http://knucklecracker.com/forums/index.php?topic=11840.165)" topic.
Adapter arrived today!
However it wouldn't plug in all the way due to the bulky plastic cover on the DP side, so I had to file the plastic down to get it to plug in.
Afterwords it wasn't working right so I rebooted, but decided to update my mouse/keyboard/audio driver control program, and now it's busted again and won't show up.
Meaning my mouse DPI is maxed out and moving ten pixels at a time...
Anyhow, anybody know how to set up a different wallpaper on the second display?
It's showing my current wallpaper, and I was hoping I could use my massive wallpaper collection on cycle on the second display while showing only one on my main display.
I've gotta go do some chores and reboot my computer again and hope my driver program works again, I don't want to have to fix it all over again, so I'll check back in a little bit.
Edit: Does uh, does anybody know how to get a smell out of plastic?
I got the monitor back from my mother, who smokes various things, and this thing reeks...
I've scrubbed what I could, and it still smells... :-\
Edit 2: Did a bit of research since I got a minute to, and looks like I need a program for the different backgrounds thing.
Oh well, whatever works.
Blaze.. updating posts means we don't see them.. :) I'll look into this in a few and see if I have any answers. Smoke is terrible, you can hardly get it out and believe it or not, it will even cover some inside parts. Just keep it in a well-ventilated area and over time the smell will diminish. You could on a clear day put it on the porch. Should take no more than two weeks.
From everything I hear, trying to clean it could do more harm than good.
Get your Mom to stop smoking, it's really bad for her health.
Quote from: Grauniad on September 19, 2013, 03:46:53 PM
I'll look into this in a few and see if I have any answers. Smoke is terrible, you can hardly get it out and believe it or not, it will even cover some inside parts. Just keep it in a well-ventilated area and over time the smell will diminish. You could on a clear day put it on the porch. Should take no more than two weeks.
From everything I hear, trying to clean it could do more harm than good.
Get your Mom to stop smoking, it's really bad for her health.
What he said!
You may find that an odor neutralizing product like Febreze (http://www.febreze.com/en-US/index.aspx) may help - but I'd certainly only apply it gently to the outside plastic with a cloth. For heavens sake don't spray it - you run the risk of causing damage. This stuff saved my life when I lived in the UK where everyone still smokes - I used to put it on everything.
On a related note: I was once told that a molecule of cigarette smoke is bigger than the gap between a Hard disc and it's read head - so smoke can do massive damage to a hard drive.
Sounds like an urban myth, but there was probably some truth in it years ago.
Interestingly, I noticed that 'dry powder' (http://www.wormald.co.nz/fire-products/fire-extinguishers/powder-fire-extinguishers-be?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Fire%20Products%20-%20Fire%20Extinguisher%20-%20Types&utm_term=dry%20powder%20fire%20extinguisher&utm_content=sskWb5gHg%7Cpcrid%7C26874490015%7Cpkw%7Cdry%20powder%20fire%20extinguisher%7Cpmt%7Ce&gclid=CMvsptqh2LkCFYYwpAodqGQAJQ) fire extinguishers are no longer used in office environments in the UK - insurance companies got sick of replacing computers that had sucked in the powder after an extinguisher had been deployed!
Quote from: Grauniad on September 19, 2013, 03:46:53 PM
Blaze.. updating posts means we don't see them.. :) I'll look into this in a few and see if I have any answers. Smoke is terrible, you can hardly get it out and believe it or not, it will even cover some inside parts. Just keep it in a well-ventilated area and over time the smell will diminish. You could on a clear day put it on the porch. Should take no more than two weeks.
From everything I hear, trying to clean it could do more harm than good.
Get your Mom to stop smoking, it's really bad for her health.
Yeah I know updating posts doesn't properly bump the thread, I updated that post after posting it, it was a new post so I figured people would see it still. ::)
Anyhow, I used a good cleaner on the base of it and I don't smell it anymore, since it smelled the worst on the base.
I suspect she had her ash tray there or something and she never cleans those, probably knocked it over a few times or something.
And trust me, we've tried, and now that she is no longer living with us (Us being my Dad sisters and I) since the divorce, she won't even make an attempt.
But that's a story for another time, probably not for these forums I suspect.
In other news, despite the little hiccup of the plastic cover being too big, everything is working fine, and I'm now able to put all those wallpapers I collected over the years to good use. :D
However I can't host games despite doing the same thing as last time, only difference is we changed bundle plans (slightly faster internet and cut some other stuff), same provider though (U-Verse).
I'm still looking around, but I may make a dedicated thread here since I have no clue what is going on with it. :-\
Quote from: Cavemaniac on September 19, 2013, 04:10:34 PM
Interestingly, I noticed that 'dry powder' (http://www.wormald.co.nz/fire-products/fire-extinguishers/powder-fire-extinguishers-be?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Fire%20Products%20-%20Fire%20Extinguisher%20-%20Types&utm_term=dry%20powder%20fire%20extinguisher&utm_content=sskWb5gHg%7Cpcrid%7C26874490015%7Cpkw%7Cdry%20powder%20fire%20extinguisher%7Cpmt%7Ce&gclid=CMvsptqh2LkCFYYwpAodqGQAJQ) fire extinguishers are no longer used in office environments in the UK - insurance companies got sick of replacing computers that had sucked in the powder after an extinguisher had been deployed!
Just how many fires broke out in offices for them to make the decision? :D
perhaps you mum could try an electric cigarette/nicotine vapouriser? a few of my customers have switched and it's much nicer going into their homes and not smelling of smoke when i leave (bit off topic i know ::))
Quote from: teknotiss on September 19, 2013, 06:32:41 PM
perhaps you mum could try an electric cigarette/nicotine vapouriser? a few of my customers have switched and it's much nicer going into their homes and not smelling of smoke when i leave (bit off topic i know ::))
Yes, it is off-topic, but allow me to end it with this.
She is beyond quitting, she's done so several times but has taken it back up.
And I never said what she smoked. ::)