Question about Intel 4500 Graphics on Dell PCs.

[justmehereajax]

I am just wondering if the built-in video cards on those Dell Vostro 220 PCs can be used in a Dual monitor setup with an add on video card.

The Intel 4500HD chipset is relatively new and robus so If I buy an inexpensive nVidia PCIE card, will I be able to do dual monitor support?

Dave

[felixmo]

Yep, you can pair any two video cards together to create a dual monitor setup.

However, if you add the second video card by yourself (by opening the case) you will void your warranty. Check if you can configure the Vostro with a secondary video card during the steps where you get to pick the parts online.

[willy]

There's no video card in the baseline Vostro 220. It comes with onboard video.

If you want dual monitor setup, all you need is to add a video card with with 2 output video ports. Most the cards on the market come with 1 x VGA + 1 x DVI. Some come with 2 x DVI. Pick the one that matches your monitors.

If you don't game, the low(er)-end cards from either nVidia and ATI are fine. I personally would choose a passive (no fan) card (ie. ATI 3450 or 4350) ...

[justmehereajax]

Yep, you can pair any two video cards together to create a dual monitor setup.

However, if you add the second video card by yourself (by opening the case) you will void your warranty. Check if you can configure the Vostro with a secondary video card during the steps where you get to pick the parts online.

Thanks man.

I will buy something in during Boxing Day or in the new year. My laptop isn't cutting it no more.

Dave

[justmehereajax]

There's no video card in the baseline Vostro 220. It comes with onboard video.

If you want dual monitor setup, all you need is to add a video card with with 2 output video ports. Most the cards on the market come with 1 x VGA + 1 x DVI. Some come with 2 x DVI. Pick the one that matches your monitors.

If you don't game, the low(er)-end cards from either nVidia and ATI are fine. I personally would choose a passive (no fan) card.

The reason I asked this question... sorry I wasn't clear earlier... I want two video cards...not just dual monitors working...

I want the opportunity to add an addition monitor/TV ... greater than 2... if necessary. That means 1 VGA/DVI from onboard, 2 VGA/DVI from addin card.

Dave

[Amourek]

I don't think Intel onboard graphics can do that. I know AMD & nVidia can though.

[macuser]

Yep, you can pair any two video cards together to create a dual monitor setup.

However, if you add the second video card by yourself (by opening the case) you will void your warranty. Check if you can configure the Vostro with a secondary video card during the steps where you get to pick the parts online.
Not true, it's simply not supported. If you have problems with the video card, then Dell will not provide support for the video card because it wasn't provided by Dell in the first place. The warranty for the rest of the system will still be valid.
The reason I asked this question... sorry I wasn't clear earlier... I want two video cards...not just dual monitors working...

I want the opportunity to add an addition monitor/TV ... greater than 2... if necessary. That means 1 VGA/DVI from onboard, 2 VGA/DVI from addin card.

Dave
Probably not going to work. Usually, the onboard graphics controller is a PCIe device that gets disabled when a video card is plugged into the PCIe x16 slot.
If you actually want that many displays, build yourself a system with two low-end cards.

[ppl4golf]

I don't think Intel onboard graphics can do that. I know AMD & nVidia can though.

Not true, it's simply not supported. If you have problems with the video card, then Dell will not provide support for the video card because it wasn't provided by Dell in the first place. The warranty for the rest of the system will still be valid.

Probably not going to work. Usually, the onboard graphics controller is a PCIe device that gets disabled when a video card is plugged into the PCIe x16 slot.
If you actually want that many displays, build yourself a system with two low-end cards.

+2
Getting an addon video card and shut off the x4500 seems like a bit of a waste.
I also am pretty sure it's not going to work for triple-monitor setup.

[terrybear]

there is a radeon 4xxx 3rd party videocard out there that has 4 dvi's that would do what your looking for in general I believe. ncix has it I believe

[felixmo]

If you have problems with the video card, then Dell will not provide support for the video card because it wasn't provided by Dell in the first place. The warranty for the rest of the system will still be valid.

The warranty will be void on the entire computer because on nearly all computers purchased from companies like Dell, there is a sticker on the case which will rip if you open up the case to install something like a graphics card.

Once the stickers rips or has been tampered with, your warranty is void. Because the technicians will know you opened the computer and you can't prove that the computer failed because of one of Dell's parts or one of the one's you installed, your on your own if the computer fails.

Dell will provide support for the video card if you order the computer with it, because since Dell is putting it in the computer, you can assume that Dell has tested the video card with these models of computers to ensure that they work.

But if you install it yourself, then you have to contact the video card manufacturer about issues related to the video card, which probably won't help because they don't know anything about the rest of your system and if any other part of your system is incompatible with the video card.

Dell probably can't help you because if they haven't tested your specific video card, then they won't know how it affects the rest of the system.

Hope that explains why you should order your computer with an additional graphics card, vs. putting it in by yourself.:D

[felixmo]

Not true, it's simply not supported.

You can use any of these combinations, starting from Windows 98SE and higher.

* 2 multi-monitor supported graphics cards
* 2 single monitor graphics cards
* 1 dual-head graphics card (Matrox G400 dual head)
* On-board graphics and a graphics card

[macuser]

The warranty will be void on the entire computer because on nearly all computers purchased from companies like Dell, there is a sticker on the case which will rip if you open up the case to install something like a graphics card.

No. Why do the manuals for my Dell Dimension 4550, OptiPlex GX150, and PowerEdge 860 ALL have instructions for opening the case and installing things in expansion slots?
Once the stickers rips or has been tampered with, your warranty is void. Because the technicians will know you opened the computer and you can't prove that the computer failed because of one of Dell's parts or one of the one's you installed, your on your own if the computer fails.
THERE IS NO STICKER.
Dell will provide support for the video card if you order the computer with it, because since Dell is putting it in the computer, you can assume that Dell has tested the video card with these models of computers to ensure that they work.
Sure.
But if you install it yourself, then you have to contact the video card manufacturer about issues related to the video card, which probably won't help because they don't know anything about the rest of your system and if any other part of your system is incompatible with the video card.
If you're technically inept enough to have problems checking for the presence of a PCIe x16 slot, a PSU that can support the card, and drivers, then it's your own fault. It's also your fault if you can't isolate faults when they happen, especially since with a system with integrated graphics, you can simply pull the video card out and try the system with just integrated graphics.
Dell probably can't help you because if they haven't tested your specific video card, then they won't know how it affects the rest of the system.
It's not probably; they won't help you because it's not a Dell-provided part.

[resu]

Three or four outputs (DVI + Displayport) are standard on high-end workstation cards, but you'll have a hard time a consumer card with the same number of outputs. As mentioned previously, the onboard IGP and an add-on video card -cannot- be used at the same time.

You'll have to buy something like http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/ or http://us.kensington.com/html/14499.html.

[macuser]

You can use any of these combinations, starting from Windows 98SE and higher.

* 2 multi-monitor supported graphics cards
* 2 single monitor graphics cards
* 1 dual-head graphics card (Matrox G400 dual head)
* On-board graphics and a graphics card

Out of context quoting much? That was in response to the warranty issue.
I'm curious as to where you got that information from, the Dell doesn't ship with Win98SE. In my experiences with boards with Intel chipsets, the onboard video device has always been disabled after installing a card on the bus used for discrete graphics cards.

Eg. Intel 815E, has AGP bus. In the case of my OptiPlex GX150, there's both integrated Intel graphics and an AGP slot. Plugging an AGP card into the slot disables the integrated graphics.

Intel G31, has PCIe. GMA X3100. I built a system with an Asus P5KPL-CM recently, and the integrated graphics is disabled when a graphics card is plugged into the PCIe slot.

Therefore, the behaviour of Intel chipsets should still be the same.

[felixmo]

Mostly all desktop computers provide manuals with instructions on how to open them, even some laptops.

There are stickers on most desktop computers from companies like HP, but I guess Dell computers don't have the sticker.:D

I certainly know how to troubleshoot computer problems, but some people do not, that's why there are forums to help people. And some people need help from tech support.

Also, sometimes if you call Dell, and you can a tech-savvy person on the line, they can actually help you with your problems instead of reading the answers off of somewhere.:D

[justmehereajax]

I haven't had the chance to buy new hardware for about 2+ years. Thus, I don't know anything as of recent concerning this issue. This is especially true for Intel stuff.

All my computers and laptops are older. Most of them are AMD/ATI based. My AMD/ATI based PC has the option to do 'SURROUNDVIEW'. This is the 3/4 monitor integrated + add on PCIE solution from ATI based on the ATI Xpress 200 chipset from 2004 :razz:. It has enabled me to use 3 monitors to surf the web, watch movies and even play surround gaming based on SoftTH. I can play LiveforSpeed, GTR2 , FarCry 1 and CoD4 single player all on three monitors. Check out SoftTH with Call of Duty 4 Single Player (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9NVy4y1w8M). Playing CoD4 single player on this is awesome. :)

Now I want a new PC with Intel and nVidia. I am not playing games per se but I would like the option for later.

From what I know, the only solution to get an additional graphics card is PCI based. I don't have the money to buy one of those dual PCIE mobos. I think its going to be cheaper with a nVidia integrated based board.

I thought Intel enabled this solution but it looks like not. When I buy a new Dell PC hopefully, I am going to switch motherboards for an nVidia one. I think nVidia also has a solution like ATIs. At the end, this should be cheaper.

Thanks for all your help peoples.

Dave

[JWL]

When I buy a new Dell PC hopefully, I am going to switch motherboards for an nVidia one.

FYI, If you buy a Dell PC and switch the motherboard, your Windows license is no longer valid. It is an OEM license that is valid with that PC and "that PC" is defined as the motherboard.

[macuser]

When I buy a new Dell PC hopefully, I am going to switch motherboards for an nVidia one.

As far as I know, Dell is still using BTX motherboards in their desktop PCs.
If you're thinking of switching motherboards, why don't you build a new machine by yourself?

[terrybear]

From what I know, the only solution to get an additional graphics card is PCI based. I don't have the money to buy one of those dual PCIE mobos. I think its going to be cheaper with a nVidia integrated based board.

I thought Intel enabled this solution but it looks like not. When I buy a new Dell PC hopefully, I am going to switch motherboards for an nVidia one. I think nVidia also has a solution like ATIs. At the end, this should be cheaper.


nvidia is not a cheaper choice, also buying a dell just isn't worth it as someone else pointed out ya void your warrenty for 1 & 2 ya will never find a motherboard go fit in it properly.

My advice to you would be to go to ncix, use there system builder & build yourself a system based on a AMD 790GX motherboard that will have 3 possible video options then ( onboard, pci-e graphics slot 1 & 2). Build it based on a Phenom II cpu & you should be fine for awhile.

If you need help in that reguard I am shure myself or some of the other folks out there would help you in what parts to use in that reguard.

[justmehereajax]

Sorry my story wasn't so clear...

I should have typed a bit more on what I am really gonna to do.

Step 1: Buy a Mid-Range Dell for $400ish or less.
Step 2: Rip it apart. Take what I need. (CPU, RAM, DVD, HD, etc.) I don't really care about warranty. I never really had a PC hardware problem for the last 5 years. Not gonna cry if 'BOOM'. I want an Intel PC now. No more AMD/ATI because I want something different to learn.
Step 3: Using what is left reuse old PC parts from other PCs (HD, RAM, DVD, Case, PS, whatever) buy a Cheap Intel CPU ($50ish) and put it into the Dell and then I have two PCs from leftover parts. (One good and one OKish). The good PC is mine, OK PC htpc.
Step 4: Reuse Windows XP somehow from older PC on New PC. I still don't like Vista.
Step 5: Work, Play and be happy.

I think this would be cheaper and fun. I can ravage some PC parts lying around to do this.

At the end everything should cost me... $350 for the Dell, $60-70 for Motherboard with Dual Video, $50 for Intel Dual-Core Celeron/Pentium. Maybe some RAM...$30. I don't want to buy in pieces every single thing. I would buy the Dell PC. Anything is better than what I am currently hauling :)

Hopefully under $500 for everything before TAX. I am waiting for prices to REALLY drop. I have a feeling they will drop big in the New Year.

Dave

[felixmo]

Dell uses ATX now, but it uses its owm power supply design which won't work with any non-Dell motheboard.

[terrybear]

you can't do what ya want " diffrently " especialy if your tryin to do a dual triple monitor setup in the process ... AND for your price

[ppl4golf]

OP, I don't get your reasoning.

Intel system is good and everything but it is nothing special if you don't overclock it, and with the stock Dell mobos, I am not sure how much you can overclock.

Secondly, many people get Dell because they don't want to tinker or muck around too much. The prices on their low end systems are good when they are on sale but you're talking about saving the cost of the OS as the price difference.

If you have such a specific need, get the individual components is the way to go. Get a nvidia mobo for Intel and you can just get a nvidia video card and get quad-display.

[justmehereajax]

Sorry, I wasn't clear again...

Step 1: Buy a Dell and take away the CPU, RAM, HD, DVD and put them into a newly purchased ($70-$80) integrated mobo with an nVidia integrated chipset that comes with VGA, DVI, HDMI (nVidia 7150 or greater when the price is right). Put everything it in a mATX case + PS I have lying around. Install a copy of Windows XP.
Now I have a complete system with Dual Monitor (VGA and DVI) and an additional PCIE slot for add-on nVidia graphics for the future

Step 2: Buy a Dual-Core Celeron/Pentium CPU ($50) and put it into the Dell, and some purchased slower DDR2 memory ($30), scrap HD, DVD too.

I want the Dell parts to build another PC and to make a separate HTPC (Vista Premium to run Media Center) on the Delly.

I am sure this makes sense now.

It should be cheaper and easier now in making two PCs from whatever I have.
- I don't have to necessary reinstall VISTA on the DELL. Use factory restore DVDs or copy the HD over. Less work for me as installing systems takes sooo long. I have a Restore option on the HTPC Dell.

Dave

[ppl4golf]

Sorry, I wasn't clear again...

Step 1: Buy a Dell and take away the CPU, RAM, HD, DVD and put them into a newly purchased ($70-$80) integrated mobo with an nVidia integrated chipset that comes with VGA, DVI, HDMI (nVidia 7150 or greater when the price is right). Put everything it in a mATX case + PS I have lying around. Install a copy of Windows XP.
Now I have a complete system with Dual Monitor (VGA and DVI) and an additional PCIE slot for add-on nVidia graphics for the future

Step 2: Buy a Dual-Core Celeron/Pentium CPU ($50) and put it into the Dell, and some purchased slower DDR2 memory ($30), scrap HD, DVD too.

I want the Dell parts to build another PC and to make a separate HTPC (Vista Premium to run Media Center) on the Delly.

I am sure this makes sense now.

It should be cheaper and easier now in making two PCs from whatever I have.
- I don't have to necessary reinstall VISTA on the DELL. Use factory restore DVDs or copy the HD over. Less work for me as installing systems takes sooo long. I have a Restore option on the HTPC Dell.

Dave

First obstacle (already mentioned) and it would bang you head pretty hard is that the OS on Dell's HDD is NOT going to work with any other mobos (possibly not even an OEM x4500 mobo). You really think they don't have anything to stop amateur like us to clone the OS LOL!

I can see you 'refurbish' the CPU from the Dell rig but all the rest are cheap parts as they are and best to be left alone.

Last words of warnings, multiple monitors work pretty good in a desktop level (static images), they really suck crap if you try to play 2 different videos on 2 different monitors, even my 9600GT is not good in doing some of that.

[justmehereajax]

First obstacle (already mentioned) and it would bang you head pretty hard is that the OS on Dell's HDD is NOT going to work with any other mobos (possibly not even an OEM x4500 mobo). You really think they don't have anything to stop amateur like yourself to clone the OS LOL!


No. You did not get my way of things. I said I was going to first copy the original Dell HD to an older 40/80GB hard drive and put that into the Dell to make a HTPC

Use the original Dell HD (160GB) and format it to use it in my new PC with Windows XP with different mobo.


I can see you 'refurbish' the CPU from the Dell rig but all the rest are cheap parts as they are and best to be left alone.

I never purchased a Dell PC. But I don't think they will be that bad to be just left alone. Usable for sure. I am not overclocking or building a monster PC.


Last words of warnings, multiple monitors work pretty good in a desktop level (static images), they really suck crap if you try to play 2 different videos on 2 different monitors, even my 9600GT is not good in doing some of that.


I can't watch two videos at a time :)

Dave

[justmehereajax]

Last words of warnings, multiple monitors work pretty good in a desktop level (static images), they really suck crap if you try to play 2 different videos on 2 different monitors, even my 9600GT is not good in doing some of that.

The best software to play videos on multiple monitors is use VLC player and use either DirectX rendering or OpenGL. Use the option to run on multiple windows.

You can literally cut up a widescreen movie in 9 parts for 9 monitors. :lol:
Its so cool on 3 monitors, I wonder how it would look on 4 or more :D awesome.

My older 3 monitor PC did this very well. No problems whatever when running with VLC player. I watched 3 movies at a time once. I focused on one :)

Try it.

Dave

[ppl4golf]

No. You did not get my way of things. I said I was going to first copy the original Dell HD to an older 40/80GB hard drive and put that into the Dell to make a HTPC

Use the original Dell HD (160GB) and format it to use it in my new PC with Windows XP with different mobo.



I never purchased a Dell PC. But I don't think they will be that bad to be just left alone. Usable for sure. I am not overclocking or building a monster PC.



I can't watch two videos at a time :)

Dave

D,

I am pretty big in fiddling and reusing old parts but you're definitely more frugal than myself :D What you're trying to do seems to be a lot of work to take advantage of the 80GB differential. The problem is either one is way too small and one of the reason I don't consider a Dell is the stock HDD size is just not big enough unless there is a server catering your network.

'Refurb' the CPU means what you are trying to do - yank out the new E8xxx or E5xxx or whatever and put in your new rig.

[felixmo]

Make sure the CPU you are putting in the Dell is compatible with it, because the BIOS and motherboard might not be compatible with all generations of Intel CPUs, even though they use the same socket.

[justmehereajax]

D,

I am pretty big in fiddling and reusing old parts but you're definitely more frugal than myself :D What you're trying to do seems to be a lot of work to take advantage of the 80GB differential. The problem is either one is way too small and one of the reason I don't consider a Dell is the stock HDD size is just not big enough unless there is a server catering your network.

'Refurb' the CPU means what you are trying to do - yank out the new E8xxx or E5xxx or whatever and put in your new rig.

You probably guessed by now... Doing all this 'work' is actually a way to get my hands on tinkering on NEW Intel PCs again cheaply I suppose. Remember, I haven't had a major upgrade in 2+ years. This is a good primer back on what's what and what's not. Hopefully by the end of Christmas through new year I will get a better PC that is 4x the CPU power I have now.

The E7300 Intel Core2Duo on those Dell subsystems is at least 3x faster than my lowest AMD 3200+ and my highest AMD 3800+ :D. According to Passmark CPU list, the AMD 3800+ has a score of 484 while the E7300 is 1702!!! I don't really know the real world performance difference but WOW!!!

For the CPU switch from one PC to another, I don't see any problem. I don't overclock and they are easy to install. Refurb? FactoryDirect would say it would be a NEW PULL hahah I am never going to buy anything from them again for the problems they given me. >:(

Bargain bottom Dell PCs ship with those Celeron 440 Single Core CPUs. A Dual-Core Celeron/Pentium should fit right in.

I never used more than 40GB of Hard drive on my 160GB drive in my gaming PC (I just play racing games which are usually small ie LiveForSpeed). Also, I have a Server on my home network that I store whatever. It has 40GB internal HD + 250GB external HD. I usually burn things to DVD for backups.

Dave