Setting up dual screens
polycounter lvl 12
I am currently trying to set up a second display on my computer using my geforce 9800 gt graphics card, I have run int a problem as i don't know what kind of adapter i need for my old computer screen, i bought a DVI to VGA adapter but it doesn't seem to work i was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction on how to get dual screens on my computer.
What do i need or am i missing something?
Im not really that great with computers so any help would be great
What do i need or am i missing something?
Im not really that great with computers so any help would be great
Replies
If it's an old screen like you say then a DVI->VGA converter should do the trick.
Once you've plugged in the cable (I'm assuming it all fits together - it should go graphics card DVI output -> DVI/VGA adaptor -> VGA cable -> VGA input on monitor if it's a standard setup), then make sure you reboot.
Right-click on your desktop in Windows and go to Properties, then go to Settings tab, should be on the far right (I'm using XP here but it should be the same in Vista/7 I think).
Now hopefully it should just be a case of selecting the monitor marked "2" in the UI (it should appear greyed out probably), and then clicking the "Extend my windows desktop to this monitor" checkbox.
With luck, that will work.
If it doesn't (or if it doesn't even show a 2nd monitor) then you may need to install drivers (though this is unlikely), and if it doesn't show at all then maybe something is wrong with your monitor, your adaptor, or the cable you're using. Try to check them on a different PC or input device if possible.
Seems to be showing up but when i press " Extend Monitor" it apply's the change but nothing happens, I might be doing something wrong. Is there a way to troubleshoot somehow as i don't have any other computers in the house to try this on.
One issue could be related to "Screen refresh rate". If the second monitor is set to a rate it cannot handle, just switches off. In "Display Properties" select the second monitor (bordered with light gray) then choose "Advanced". Under panel "Monitor" set it to "60 Hertz", the lowest value, "Apply" settings then retry the "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor". If it turns on, you can then gradually increase the refresh rate up to the best for your device.
When i turn on my second screen i says no signal and goes into sleep mode, i checked the properties and its already on 60 hertz.
A warning: if the standard resolution is different, it could mess up your desktop icons order, but nothing more then a little drag and drop work to fix it.
If it works, you can turn off the pc again, plug the old monitor, and turn it on again and see what happens.
Another tip, but it shouldn't be your case. Dual monitor doesn't work on a SLI system when SLI is active. At least it's what I discovered with two GeForce 7950gts, don't know if this restriction apply to newer models too. If this is your case, just disable the SLI mode.
Apologies, couldn't resist.
Still.
What resolution is the TV actually capable of? I didn't think that TVs of that size could manage 1080p? If not, I'd imagine thats why you are losing parts of firefox - I would imagine the tv is more likely 1366 x 760 or something?? And 1080i rather than 1080p?
Just a thought, and quite possibly way off.
Yes, the tv outputs at 1080i. That's not why it would be cropping I don't think.
Remember 1080I isn't actually 1080 res, but 1080 interlaced, so you'll likely only be able to run at 720p.
So two suggestions:
Research the support resolution for your tv
Use hdmi