New Screen Soon but How Many?

[fusion1275]

Hey all,

Am looking at a new screen finally and was wondering a few things...

1) Would you recommend a dual screen set up? I would be using it mainly for gaming so not sure these days if its worth it or not?

2) Or just splash out on a nice large screen?

3) How are the driver situation from nvidia these days with regards to a dual monitor setup? Can I still have my SLi running or does that stop as the signal will be using both gfx cards to both screens, ie one per monitor?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Diablo]

Personally, now that I'm running a dual screen setup, I couldn't go back. I have one screen for internet/email/itunes and one for games or word documents. I can't manage without that second screen now.

A nice large screen is a nice enough idea, but if you do anything besides gaming (like browsing the web, typing documents etc. its so much better to have a second one (maybe a cheap 17" as a second, and a big 24" for the main).

I don't know about crossfire, but SLI is fine for dual screen now. Just use one graphics chip to output to both screens using both outputs. For any more than dual screen, you can't have sli, and if you want to game across two screens (not just have the game on one monitor), you need that new 5870 clearview or whatever its called technology.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Im with diablo here, couldnt live without my 2 monitors, Ive got a pair or Samsung T240's and its one of the best upgrades Ive done.

Hate just having 1 monitor when Im in the shed now LOL

 

[monkey7]

Agreed on the dual monitor, I hate doing without. Although I must say I use a lot of AutoCAD / office applications so I might need it a bit more than the average user.

Your screens don't have to be symmetrical as long as you configure the software right. Yes there will be colour and size differences but as long as you don't run the same application on both screens and the screens have a distinctly different function it's fine. Meaning you could use your old screen as secondary and splash out on a nice big screen.

 

[Judderman]

Dual Monitors

Definately go with dual monitors, I have 2 x samsung synchmater 226bw and they are brillaint to work on.

When playing games i just use the one monitor but that still means i have the other monitor to do stuff on inbetween playing.

Im afraid i do not have sli/xfire so not sure about how that effects a dual monitor setup

 

[I Hunta x]

for sli and crossfire just hook both monitors up to the primary screen. worked for me

 

[FarFarAway]

I had dual 24" Dell's but got rid of one. Still use the ol' Plasma as a 2nd monitor sometimes. Depends on your productivity imo, I used to need 2 fo sure so you may do too.

 

[siravarice]

I used to use two screens when I had a laptop and I've now gone back to a single screen. There are pro's and cons of each, personally I would rather have a 32" HD Plasma Screen as a monitor, but they are a bit expensive. When you think about it, you only really look at one screen at one time...

 

[monkey7]

Not really to be honest. I've found myself alttabbing and searching the taskbar(s) a lot less since going dualscreen.

It's particularly useful when you work on something that needs source information, like translating a file or drawing something from (drawn) requirements. But like Kemp said it depends on your productivity.

EDIT: also, it's useful when you have something you have to watch all the time. IRC for example when you have to moderate / operate a channel.

 

[siravarice]

In relation to Monkey7, thats a very good observation, it totally depends on what you are doing, really if you can borrow a monitor for a bit and try it out, then see what you think from there.

 

[FarFarAway]

And frankly a 32" Plasma is a pretty naff monitor...

 

[tinytomlogan]

And frankly a 32" Plasma is a pretty naff minitor...

your right, totally wrong shape for a minitaur

 

[siravarice]

Well having used one it can personally say its brilliant, playing games in HD was amazing, you need a big desk though.

 

[Rastalovich]

Yeah some gameage u can do, but I really don't like doing desktop stuff on them. HTPC stuff with a remote is good.

Love to have a room with one of those monitor-tree things, with like 6/9 monitors on it. :drool:

 

[monkey7]

Love to have a room with one of those monitor-tree things, with like 6/9 monitors on it. :drool:

£££

I've been looking at them, the price for that amount of monitors is .... intimidating

 

[Rastalovich]

Wouldn't it be kewl tho.

I mean I'd be happy just having the tree to start with and attach a main one in the middle and stick some of the rag-tag ones I got around it for now, perhaps the 32" tv above, then switch them out as time goes by.

Some kind of nice switching so u can use them for separate pcs or like a line of 2 or 3 for 1 pc.

ugh >.<

 

[FarFarAway]

your right, totally wrong shape for a minitaur]

Says Mr Typo

Well having used one it can personally say its brilliant, playing games in HD was amazing, you need a big desk though.

I've got a 42" Plasma and whilst gaming is good, desktop stuff is a no-go absolutely

 

[-VK-]

C'mon...you totally know you want 6 x 30" monitors.

You too can have your very own monitor wall

 

[Rastalovich]

*sneaks a peak at w3bbo's monitor*

 

[fusion1275]

I think I will go for the twin screen setup. It will come in very handy and also look good/impressive.

I just need to find out what screens to look for now!?!

I'm pushing towards dell or samsung and prob around 20" which I think will be big enough with them side-by-side... don't you???

Usage will be mainly programming and some heavy gaming. I am dual booted with Linux and windowz, both Sli set up using up to date Nvidia drivers.