New PC with twin monitors

WobblyDog

I have a five-year-old low-spec Dell PC with integrated Intel graphics and Windows 7. It has one VGA output and one HDMI output. I've got a 1920x1080 27" Samsung monitor attached to each and it works OK. I didn't need to buy any special hardware or software. If you want monitor resolution above 1920x1080, then I think it becomes more complicated.


If you already have a PC, you might want to borrow another monitor and check whether it can already support dual monitors, I was pleasantly surprised to discover than mine did.

bluesnake

you also get a usb to video converter to allow second screens on laptops or PCs. While these may not be good for watching high speed changing data like films, for normal surfing and text they are excellent.

also some laptops support dual screens via a docking station, if you do not decide the PC box route is the best

True_Blues

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice.

Fightsback wrote: »

An example of a couple of 22inch IPS monitors are:

http://www.ebuyer.com/739144-lg-22mp58vq-22-dvi-hdmi-ips-monitor-22mp58vq-p

Fightsback - I'm not sure if I'm going mad but I thought that these were about £80 when I first looked? I later checked and that had been discontinued (with a note about obsolete model) and now they are back at £115. Very strange...


I've searched and followed your advice (1080p and have HDMI input) and found these for £80, any thoughts:


http://www.ebuyer.com/639658-samsung-s22d300hy-21-5-hdmi-led-monitor-ls22d300hy-xu?mkwid=sxdORo77E_dc&pcrid=51508043699&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAiAgavBBRCA7ZbggrLSkUcSJACWDexA4Pg3QPAH4nN1qhxjn-q8TFBvqBEF7I_O_6JMRcyyZBoCiXLw_wcB


I'm going to order later this month - I'm going to wait for the horrible 'black friday' event to see if there are any last minute offers before buying.

SailorSam

What do you use 2 screens for ? I see things like the stock exchange with all these traders sitting in front of multi screens, and wonder why they need them. My eyesight is so bad it takes me more than enough time to watch just the one.

Fightsback

True_Blues wrote: »

Fightsback - I'm not sure if I'm going mad but I thought that these were about £80 when I first looked? I later checked and that had been discontinued (with a note about obsolete model) and now they are back at £115. Very strange...


I've searched and followed your advice (1080p and have HDMI input) and found these for £80, any thoughts:


http://www.ebuyer.com/639658-samsung-s22d300hy-21-5-hdmi-led-monitor-ls22d300hy-xu?mkwid=sxdORo77E_dc&pcrid=51508043699&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CjwKEAiAgavBBRCA7ZbggrLSkUcSJACWDexA4Pg3QPAH4nN1qhxjn-q8TFBvqBEF7I_O_6JMRcyyZBoCiXLw_wcB


I'm going to order later this month - I'm going to wait for the horrible 'black friday' event to see if there are any last minute offers before buying.

Yep they were originally lower in price, snooze and you lose. The Sammys should be ok but were are in budget territory here so don't expect miracles. See the reviews here at amazon, weed out the idiots from the genuine reviewers.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-S22D300HY-21-5-inch-Monitor/dp/B00J59YC2Y/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

True_Blues

SailorSam wrote: »

What do you use 2 screens for ? I see things like the stock exchange with all these traders sitting in front of multi screens, and wonder why they need them. My eyesight is so bad it takes me more than enough time to watch just the one.

Variety of reasons really, at work I'm often working on one file on one screen and importing information from another. I got used to 2 screens and found it really difficult when I had to switch back for a short while.

jshm2

£500 PC is achievable in what you want.

But I think you would be better to get a laptop and an extra monitor to plug into it. Instead of just going for a Desktop with 2 monitors.

It doesn't read like you need the grunt of a full desktop and the other monitor looks more for convenience needs. You'll find a laptop more comfortable if you're doing a lot of typing. Not to mention being able to take it with you on the road.

True_Blues

jshm2 wrote: »

£500 PC is achievable in what you want.

But I think you would be better to get a laptop and an extra monitor to plug into it. Instead of just going for a Desktop with 2 monitors.

It doesn't read like you need the grunt of a full desktop and the other monitor looks more for convenience needs. You'll find a laptop more comfortable if you're doing a lot of typing. Not to mention being able to take it with you on the road.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with most of your points and it would be applicable to many, it’s just that I am looking specifically for a desktop. I already have a laptop (which spends a lot of time on the road), so I’m looking for something that stays at home, plus I prefer 2 identical screens that are aligned rather than the laptop screen and a monitor.

True_Blues

All,

Thanks for the advice. I've purchased the pc from the box and added the RAM without a problem. I'm now installing the graphics card but it needs a 6 pin power source. I can't see anything obvious - any help would be greatly appreciated.

If any one can help then please message me and I'll send photos

Thanks

cookie365

If the psu has an 8 pin graphics connector that should fit the 6 pin on the graphics card

Otherwise you could use something like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/pud/Akasa-AK-CB4-6-cable-adapter/B00118EWLS/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1482352307&sr=1-4&keywords=molex+to+6+pin+adapter

But be careful - if the PSU doesn't have a 6 pin adapter there's a good chance it doesn't provide enough power for your graphics card, in which case things may get all smokey and burny.