Setting up Dual Monitors

MLU · 05-27-2012, 08:14 PM

I an looking to set up my work PC with a second monitor, but this isn't company sanctioned. I know the easy way would be to install a new graphics card with dual VGA or DVI ports, but being that this is not company sanctioned I'm not eager to go cracking open the case. I know what I'm doing, but this is a POS I'm working with here and the people I work for would place blame on my adding the video card if it went down, regardless of whether or not the fault was at my hand.

Is there an external option? This is an older Compaq Presario, so I doubt that it has anything sophisticated enough to just run a Y-cable off the VGA port. I am looking to extend not duplicate the desktop.

NOLAnuffsaid · 05-27-2012, 09:32 PM

i think this is what your looking for

Newegg.com - Rosewill RCAD-11002 USB to HDMI Adapter

http://is.gd/YPsC6f

MLU · 05-28-2012, 06:26 AM

Well, that's with HDMI. What I need is VGA because they're just a couple cheap 17" monitors.

buzd · 05-28-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLU

Well, that's with HDMI. What I need is VGA because they're just a couple cheap 17" monitors.

Newegg.com - IOGEAR USB to VGA Video Adapter GUC2015V USB to VGA Interface

Your response time won't be as fast because it's USB, but it's servicable for day to day stuff.

Denzien · 05-28-2012, 12:11 PM

Screw it. I install my own hardware at work all the time.

Edit: also - dual 17s? Really? Those in portrait mode are probably the equivalent of a single 24".

MLU · 05-28-2012, 04:26 PM

It's not my PC and I'm going to fork out as little as possible, especially for something that I will never use away from the office and will never be able to resell for much.

Denzien · 05-28-2012, 10:17 PM

I always take my hardware with me. And a video card that supports dual outputs can be had for less than a week's worth of lunches.

J-Donk · 05-29-2012, 03:48 AM

If price is a big deal, and your doing it on a cheap because its for work. You may want to look into getting a splitter. Amazon.com: Tripp Lite P516-001 VGA/XVGA Monitor Y Splitter HD15M/2XF: Electronics

MLU · 05-29-2012, 06:37 AM

Won't a splitter just give you mirror images on dual monitors?

Zack Lee · 06-04-2012, 07:13 AM

MLU, let us know if you end up using the adapter and how well it integrates. I bought a card to go dual monitor about a year ago only to find out that I would also have to upgrade my power supply. That put the cost and trouble over the mark that made it worth it for me so I sent the card back and still have an extra monitor just sitting here.