2 Graphic cards = 2 monitors?

[vostro220help]

I just got a new computer, (my 1st with a non-onboard graphics card) and it also has an on-board graphics card. Can I use the on-board to add a monitor? i have an HD monitor and an SD.

[computeruler]

you cant use both at the same time because of driver issues and stuff but most gpus come with 2 moniter ports anyways

[patio]

What he meant to say is you cannot use both onboard graphics and an addon vid card at the same time...
However there are graphics cards that you can run 2 monitors on at the same time.

[computeruler]

yup thats what i ment! sorry if it sounded confusing

[Kurtiskain]

Sorry to get confusing even more, but is the new card AGP or PCI-e?
If so then you should be able to, I have

Simply boot from the onboard first, and allow XP to install drivers for the AGP/PCI-e Card and you should be away, just remember to make the graphics card monitor primary inside windows tso that it runs all your games through the graphics card rather than the onboard.

This will not work with just a standard PCI card, something to do with XP and not starting the PCI card at bootup.

Hope this helps

[BC_Programmer]

that heavily depends on the motherboard features. most automatically disable the on-board graphics when they detect another card installed in the AGP or PCI slots.

[Kurtiskain]

that heavily depends on the motherboard features. most automatically disable the on-board graphics when they detect another card installed in the AGP or PCI slots.

OK, could you set it to boot from onboard AGP first though?

may have just been my luck that 90% of boards I have come across will let you use both onboard + AGP card...

Goodluck

[BC_Programmer]

OK, could you set it to boot from onboard AGP first though?

Of course- it's usually set that way.

Some might make you go back into the BIOS and re-enable the on board right after installation(for those that disable it), other motherboards just give you strange looks, like a cow looking at an oncoming train.

bear in mind my last experience with on-board graphics was a Socket 7 with an integrated SiS chipset that needed a jumper set to use a separate card.

[ale52]

Here ya go...

http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=3071

Alan <>< 

[BC_Programmer]

err... that's a splitter... One video card, two displays.

[Kurtiskain]

Performance wise, it is better to use the graphics card for both monitors.
You can normally get VGA/DVI/HD adapters for $5

[soybean]

Yeah, but he's never said whether his graphics card has connections for two monitors.

[Kurtiskain]

Yeah, but he's never said whether his graphics card has connections for two monitors.

True that, I apologise

[Trizle1]

If your mother board has an AGP slot, that will do the trick. Ovie aka Trizle

[computeruler]

and a pci or pcie slot they all work and can support a graphics card that can run 2 moniters