Dual monitor set up

[sushisky]

Hi guys, I'm trying to build a rig with two monitors. But I'm kinda confused, since most cards come with 1 hdmi and 1 dvi. Would I have to find a card with 2 dvi or 2 hdmi ports in order for it to work?

 

[SavageCupcake]

Nope. Im using 1 dvi and 1 hdmi. Works perfectly.

 

[BamDanUK]

I can second what SavageCupcake said.
You don't need a card that has 2 dvi or 2 hdmi.

My card has 2 dvi and a hdmi port.
I use 1 hdmi and 1 dvi and works

 

[Mathius]

Nah, you can get DVI to VGA adapters and the like.....

NB,
If you use a VGA Monitor/Cable and connect it to a DVI port on the Video Card, you will need a DVI-I adapter, and not the DVI-D.
The DVI-I has the additional 4 Analogue pins (29pins)
The DVI-D does not have Analogue (25pins)


I very nearly found this out the hard way when I was building my 1st rig.

 

[Remmy]

I use 1 DVI, and 1 HDMI, or I did until 1 of my monitors just died, and I can't get another till around August time :/

 

[sushisky]

Do the resolutions differ in anyway when you use different inputs? (i'm quite new to this)

 

[Mark3Max]

No ,
I have 2 identical monitors and like the others that have replied I have 1 on dvi and 1 on hdmi , both at 1920x1080. I use a dvi to hdmi converter on the dvi-d port of my video card for 1.

 

[sushisky]

I see. Thanks for the replies. I was also wondering which card I should get. Are there any specific restrictions?

 

[sushisky]

Thanks for the replies. I'm having trouble finding a suitable graphics card though. Are there any specific restrictions as to what kind of graphics card can handle dual monitor output? (I'm mainly using my computer to play games, do video editing, watch hd video etc.)

 

[SavageCupcake]

Aslong as it has 2 outputs you'll be fine. What's your budget?

 

[remember300]

Thanks for the replies. I'm having trouble finding a suitable graphics card though. Are there any specific restrictions as to what kind of graphics card can handle dual monitor output? (I'm mainly using my computer to play games, do video editing, watch hd video etc.)

alot of the higher cards ive seen normally come with a dvi-i & dvi-d then 1 hdmi and a display port. i must admit these are Nvidia cards but im sure amd are similar.

and what kind of games and things you looking to play

 

[sushisky]

my budget for the card is preferably not over $300. $300 would be pushing the limit a little but if the card's good, I don't mind.

 

[vorticalbox]

alot of the higher cards ive seen normally come with a dvi-i & dvi-d then 1 hdmi and a display port. i must admit these are Nvidia cards but im sure amd are similar.

and what kind of games and things you looking to play

my 7770 comes with exactly when you described

 

[remember300]

my budget for the card is preferably not over $300. $300 would be pushing the limit a little but if the card's good, I don't mind.

id look around for a 670 or 680, if you dont mind second hand. go for evga cards and your covered under their warrenty. and will be paying probs around 300 for a 670

 

[sushisky]

aren't second hands kinda risky? And how would I determine if the graphics card would work with my psu?

 

[remember300]

aren't second hands kinda risky? And how would I determine if the graphics card would work with my psu?

what PSU do you have and if you go for evga cards, they offer exteneded warrentee on cards new and second hand, but check their site

 

[sushisky]

I'm going to get a XFX ProSeries 750W Black series, 80+ gold.
A side question here: I'm going to water cool my GPU. Is it worth cooling a 650 Ti or 660 Ti? Or should I just get a 760 or 770? (the 770 is around the same price as the 670 and 680)

 

[SavageCupcake]

Don't bother watercooling a mid range card. Spend the extra money on something like a 770 or 780. Then watercool those if you want to when you can.