Advice on multi-monitor setups...

[Big Fat]

Hi guys,

I'm currently in the process of building my next computer in bits and pieces. I'm starting to consider what to do for monitors, and I think I have found a solution that I like.

Matrox makes the TripleHead2Go unit, which allows you to run 3 monitors at up to 1280x1024 each.

I like this idea, but in researching it, I read something that said "why not just buy another video card, it's cheaper"

So that's my question - can you run more than one video card (non-SLI or Crossfire) in order to run 3 monitors? The Matrox setup is EXACTLY what I'm looking for in terms of how the screen is displayed.

Also, right now I have two Benq FP731 17" LCDs. I know these aren't very good by today's standards, but they're fine for what I do.

I'm thinking I could find another (third) one cheap, and have 3 LCDs set up and ready to go.

I should also mention, while I enjoy the occasional game, it's not something I spend a ton of time on, and if all my settings aren't maxed out, it doesn't really bother me.

So... knowing all that, which setup would you recommend?

Thanks!

[Div]

If the Matrox setup is exactly what you are looking for, then I would go with it. But I am going to guess that its probably pricey...what's the best price that you have seen it for?

[Big Fat]

The Matrox box is about $350CDN from what I've seen.

Basically, my options are to get the box and a third LCD (around $500 total) or get two larger LCDs (20.1"s or 24"s and the proper graphics cards to run them)

I think the Matrox solution is cheaper in the end run.

[computer01]

$350?? Man... just grab a PCI video card.

I run a Matrox G450 PCI for my second and third monitors. It's a dualhead 32MB PCI video card with one VGA and one DVI port. The DVI only runs up to 1280x1024, but the VGA runs much higher. (2048 x 1536 I think.)

A card like this will run you a lot less than $350. If you can't find a Matrox, (who are renowned for being the best 2D card out there), then consider a low end ATI card - a 9250 or something that is dualhead.

[weebg]

Most games do not take advantage of multiple monitors.

depending on what you're doing, it might be cheaper to just get a bunch of PCI video cards and the appropriate VGA/DVI adapters.

I'm running 3 monitors at home (all CRT, mind you) - 1 PCIE and 2 PCI (ATI Rage Pro, oh baby!). It works fine (XP Pro) for me. :cheesygri

[Big Fat]

Hmm... interesting. See, that's what I was curious about - if I could run more than one graphics card.

Right now I've got a Radeon 9500 Pro - it's running two LCDs fine. What would be the best way to hook up 3 monitors in a situation like this?

I'm still running an AGP system.

[Aske001]

The Matrox unit is intended for computers that have a high-res graphics card, but only support one monitor, such as a laptop. The idea is that you set the card for a very wide aspect ratio, something like 2300 x 768, and then the Matrox unit will stretch the picture across 2 or 3 monitors.

If you have a regular desktop PC, you would be better off to buy a card that supports multiple monitors, or just add an extra card if your system supports that.

[computer01]

Hmm... interesting. See, that's what I was curious about - if I could run more than one graphics card.

Right now I've got a Radeon 9500 Pro - it's running two LCDs fine. What would be the best way to hook up 3 monitors in a situation like this?

I'm still running an AGP system.

Keep your existing AGP video card. Hopefully you have at least 1 free PCI slot. (Not PCI Express, but the original 32-bit white PCI slot).

Go and buy a dualhead PCI video card. Sapphire makes a Radeon 9250 128MB dualhead card that is quite cheap. On the side of the box, it will say "Radeon 9250 128MB V/D/VO PCI". This card should cost you around $70 new.

Install the card. Your Radeon 9500 drivers should be enough to drive the 9250. If not, download ATI's Cat6.6 drivers. Boot back into Windows and enable the third monitor that you plug into the new card. You'll also have a fourth port available for another LCD down the road.

Now go to http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/ and discover all the things you can do with your multi-mon setup. (Hint: Install UltraMon.)

That's it!