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31915
How/Where to Plug In 2nd Monitor
I just got a new XPS 8700 with what appears to be TWO video-in ports, a DVI and an HDMI. I use a two-monitor set-up with extended desktop view; one monitor has DVI, so I plugged it into that port and it works fine. The other monitor is older, and has only VGA, so I bought an adapter, VGA --> HDMI. I would assume that this gets plugged into the HDMI port on the video card.
HOWEVER, there is another HDMI port, which is apparently a audio/video HDMI OUTPUT. It does not make sense to plug the 2nd monitor into this port, because I'm not trying to just output the video card's signal to a monitor/display, but use TWO monitors at the same time, and set up extended desktop view,.
I'm just a bit confused by the existence of TWO HDMI ports, one on the video card (next to the DVI in), the other a few inches away. There is also a DisplayPort port, but I have no idea how to use that. I don;t want top screw up the machine or video drivers by plugging this older monitor into the wrong place.
Any hints, suggestions, thoughts, answers? Thanks.
andrewharley89
13 Posts
1
July 25th, 2013 12:00
Yes, the configuration in your 2nd paragraph would be the correct way to do it. My only preference would be to connect the DVI monitor into the HDMI port using an adapter and connect the VGA monitor into the DVI port with the corresponding adapter.
If the HDMI to VGA is the "converter box" then this configuration ^^^^ would be much more cost effective. The converter is usually at least $30-$40 but the DVI to VGA and the HDMI to DVI connectors can be acquired for around $15-$20 for the pair.
As a computer builder myself I would say that it does not matter whether you connect your monitors with the computer on or off, but as a consumer on a website of which you have a manufacture warranty, I'd say that would be the best idea ^_^
andrewharley89
13 Posts
0
July 25th, 2013 12:00
Both connections for your monitors need to be connected to the GPU at the bottom of your PC. Do not use the HDMI/DVI ports on the motherboard IO panel on the back of the PC (where your mouse/keyboard are plugged in), that is for using the built in Intel GPU that is on the CPU for computers that do not use/require an addition GPU and will not out-put a video signal unless specified to otherwise. After connecting bother monitors to the GPU you can then proceed to setting up the Extended display via 'Windows'. You will need a DVI>VGA adapter for your 2nd monitor, if your are using the Nvidia GTX 645, I believe some of the AMD HD7570's have a VGA port on them.
I hope this helps,
MrNews
8 Posts
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July 25th, 2013 12:00
Somewhat. There is no DVI port on the motherboard, apparently just an HDMI output port.. The GPU (video card?) has two input ports: a DVI, and an HDMI. It is an AMD 7570, but, unlike many of the product photos, does NOT have a VGA port.
I have already used the DVI input port for the primary monitor (an LCD), and the second monitor (CRT) has only a hard-wired VGA output cable. I am planning to attach the VGA --> HDMI adapter to this cable, and plug it into the HDMI input port on the GPU (video card?). Not sure if this will work.
Hopefully, this clarifies my configuration. Would you recommend turning the machines off, making the connection, turning the VGA monitor on, and then re-booting? Seems like a logical sequence.
MrNews
8 Posts
0
July 25th, 2013 13:00
Thank you. I purchased a VGA-->HDMI adapter for about $7 on Amazon, which should arrive today. It's not a box, just a cable. Re your alternate solution, it does make more sense to plug the DVI-capable monitor into the HDMI port, and the VGA into the DVI port. Dell included a DVI<-->VGA adapter in the box, but I would have to acquire a DVI<-->HDMI adapter myself. I will try my current solution, and if it looks/works badly, may try yours.
Alternatively, there is a nice 23" IPS monitor w/ HDMI connectivity (and cable!) for $170 at Costco. Might be time to ditch the good old 19" NEC CRT. ;-)
andrewharley89
13 Posts
0
July 25th, 2013 13:00
Very nice ^_^ I hope everything works out for you and you enjoy your new monitor/setup. I think it may be time to get myself a new 2nd display.