Dual monitor pc set-up.......As title, anyone got/use one?

[Hood]

Not so long ago when I was messing around with some CNC software I had 4 monitors hooked up so that I could view PLC on one, CNC control on another, CNC screen editor on another and then my normal stuff on the other.
I am back to two now as I don't need the extras but would hate to go back to 1 again.
At the workshop I only have the one but I don't really have the need for multiple monitors there.

 

[Screwdriver]

just got this given other day

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...raphics-card-n750ti-tf-2gd5-oc-gx-249-ms.html

LOL yeah. I grabbed a similar top spec card quite recently for the Mac Pro. Sadly while it has unbelievable graphics and 3d performance, it's not Mac friendly. Mac friendly supercards are outrageously expensive, think four figures!

But while it works beautifully, it really needs flashing to work with the Mac boot rom so the screen is blank until the OS loads. I have restarted the machine once this year, probably only a couple of times last year.

With two monitors (and multiple boot drives) it takes a fair amount of blind clicking while randomly scooting around in the dark with a mouse to get it to boot. So I just leave it on non-stop. Keeps the sitting room warm...

 

[Screwdriver]

My excuse for it was "I don't do adverts" ....always hated them spoiling the program so tend to watch more on the computer, quick to download a full series to watch when you want.(torrent)

Plus I edit a lot of photo's, the newer 34" screens have a curved screen a big no no for photo work.

One of my pics from the "Mach loop"

That's a belter!

I just take a feed from the HDMI and send dodgy films to the main telly. Good old fashioned Panasonic plasma. BT are making those sites tricky to visit recently. Thank goodness for Tor.

<incidentally, grab yourself a copy of "Downsizing". It's great fun and one of the best films I've seen for some time>

 

[slim_boy_fat]

One of my pics from the "Mach loop"

Have I seen your pics over on DW?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

just got this given other day

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...raphics-card-n750ti-tf-2gd5-oc-gx-249-ms.html

Ooooh, lucky boy [I think....]

 

[Xup]

Have I seen your pics over on DW?

Used to post some of them up for the pilots/crew on the Fox2 site

 

[gaz1]

well when i get that one daughters pc gets upgraded to another graphics card

so shes rather happy with that

only problem she watches what she wants to watch at best of times as shown her what to do and now i leave her to it

ive done it for years as i no longer watch digital tv havent done in last 4 years

 

[rtbcomp]

I have 2 pcs & 2 monitors, can switch each to duplicate or extended. One monitor has VGA & HDMI and the other VGA & DVI inputs, the PCs have corresponding outputs, 2 sockets on each video card. On Windows 7 and later (and some version of Linux) hold the Win Key and press P to switch between the configurations.

 

[Blake's 7]

I have 2 pcs & 2 monitors, can switch each to duplicate or extended. One monitor has VGA & HDMI and the other VGA & DVI inputs, the PCs have corresponding outputs, 2 sockets on each video card. On Windows 7 and later (and some version of Linux) hold the Win Key and press P to switch between the configurations.

View attachment 135556

You beat me to it..... I have a very similar setup with a Windows 7 box and a Linux Mint box both sporting graphics cards with twin outputs hooked up to 2 monitors. When I want to switch monitors between the PC's I just use the buttons on each monitor to select the source.

 

[fizzy]

No one else gone for the 34" option instead of a dual setup, hate to be without my 3440X 1440 res now.

I used to have 3 screens but old hat now - I also use a 34".
You can run 3 screens side by side on the 1 monitor - so much easier!

 

[Screwdriver]

I used to have 3 screens but old hat now - I also use a 34".
You can run 3 screens side by side on the 1 monitor - so much easier!

Very impressive beast indeed but I tried a similar (slightly smaller) version and it was impossible to use for critical design work or especially video. You absolutely must have a perfect view of a flat monitor front and centre. With the larger screens there is too much parallax error compared to two or three separate monitors you can rotate so they are face on.

 

[Maker]

I've got my laptop and a 6" 4K display* next to it playing youtube, hopefully soon I'll get my mitts on a monitor or two to use with the two PCs I've got here.

Thank goodness for Tor.

I was under the impression you couldn't torrent through Tor? You certainly can't do it as quickly.

*It's my phone.

 

[MCKDAVID]

looking into this at the moment, although I have a rough idea of what I need after speaking to our it guys, when I started looking at the details and prices for these graphic card things, it's a minefield just way too many anacronyms, and options. Not my field, nor does any of it interest me frankly, not a technophobe, just a user of them, don't know or really care how they work. Basically I'm clueless as to which is actually the best option for what I'm after. It's clear the collective knowledge on here is way way above my limit, I'll take advantage of slims post, and ask the question.

what graphics / video card for two screen? what's the recommendations. Looking for advice on units with a sensible budget for a new works machine. I'm not into games / graphics or anything fancy, this will be works PC, running on Window 7 professional (have it already) predominantly doing 2D cad (AutoCAD 2017) and the very occasional 3d model works (Navisworks - mostly viewing not processing). I'll be running 2 x 22" screens, although a third screen could be useful, but I have no idea how that would work? 2 off the graphic card, and one off the mother board connection I suppose?..

any thoughts.. cheers

sorry for the hijack mr slim....

 

[Hood]

Nearly all graphics cards will run 2 monitors so if you are not too bothered about high end stuff then you don't have to spend a lot. Most of my computers previously had £50 or under cards in them and they did fine for my use. Only reason I have a highish end card now (or it was at the time, well outdated now I suppose) is I was given it for fixing up a PC for someone.

 

[MCKDAVID]

cheers Hood, I agree, I'm also pretty sure a basic one is sufficient, that's why I wanted to check...

I don't mind spending out if necessary / justified, but there's so many different types / choices. Not knowing what I'm looking at, I'm sure that I could end up paying well over the odds for something that a cheapy is equally capable of doing just as well, or worse not doing what I needed for Acad..... seen a few in the 000s? not sure how anyone could justify that for a card, but there you go...

 

[Hood]

........... seen a few in the 000s? not sure how anyone could justify that for a card, but there you go...

If you are a graphics designer or a game designer or whatever then I suppose it is just a tool of the trade so .....
Mine is now about 7 or so years old I think but still go on eBay second hand for £100 upwards

 

[MCKDAVID]

aye suppose it's right, like us spending thousands on tools, so aye fair comment...

 

[8ob]

Is it possible that our @slim_boy_fat is actually

...................................

Bob


Q

 

[slim_boy_fat]

sorry for the hijack mr slim....

Not a problem, glad to be of [some] service

Is it possible that our @slim_boy_fat is actually

Well, 2 out of three ain't bad [i.e. glasses...sometimes, nerdy.....depends on who you ask......hair......damn!]

 

[gerrymoore]

After seeing that 34" monitor (jealous) can I ask ...my graphics card is an Nvidia GeForce 8600GT - can this be used with these modern monitors (displayport or HDMI inputs) ie can I get an adapter or do I need a new graphics card??