[steveguy13]

Hi, first time poster,

I have a Dell Inspiron 530S desktop with 1 GB of RAM, a 1.6(3 or 7?) GHz processor, a single VGA port and no graphics card. My objective: add a second monitor.

First off, I know my way around computers for the most part but am far from an expert. I asked a friend about this and had him open up my computer and show me around inside. He told me that he couldn't find a video card slot anywhere, which would mean i couldn't install one.... but I specifically remember opting not to get a video card with my computer when I ordered it... so I'm hoping he was wrong.

I've been told that I can't set up my dual monitors without a graphics card and I'd like to get this straightened out (I didn't realize how much a graphics card really mattered when ordering). Does anyone want to help me out? I realize I'll have to spend some money, but I have no idea where to start or what's compatible with what or if its even possible for me to do.

I'm not opposed to an external alternative (assuming one exists) if internal is impossible.

Thanks guys!
steve
<please do not post emails, use the forum to communicate>

[pete21]

you should have a agp slot on your motherboard for a graphics card / not sure if you have but if not you can use a pci graphics card make sure the pci card has a DVI and VGA connectors on it and you can plug 2 monitors into that! you will need a connector for the DVI so it will connect to your second monitor (cheap) also look on my website under here as i have dual monitor this way and a step by step

[Hybr!d]

As far as I know you need a dual output GFX card or two single output GFX cards, as pete said fit a second card if you need to.

PCI-E preferred, then AGP, then PCI depending what slots you have on your motherboard.

There are many GFX card makes/models out there, just ask if you need advice choosing one.

[Carbon]

Two PCI graphics cards, even single output, shouldn't cost much - if you're using XP you can even use two of differering types.

The alternative is using something like Matrox's Triplehead2Go and that's pretty expensive

[Razer]

I read "Dell" and think that since Dell are a terrible company, they gave you a motherboard which doesn't accept graphics cards to save money..

If you have a half decent camera you could post a picture to us and we can tell you what you are compatible with and what you're not =)

[spot]

Your computer technical specs are at http://www.euro.dell.com/content/pro...hs1&l=en&s=dhs

Ports, Slots, Chassis
Externally Accessible
Video: 1 VGA as standard & 1 DVI, VGA and 1 S-Video with add-in PCI-Express video card

PCIe x16 (Graphics): 1 Slots

So, yes, you can buy whatever they're advising as a PCIe x16 card with a two monitor option (or "dual output GFX card" as the in-crowd call them).

[Razer]

Thats the new model though, that doesnt come with the processor he said he has in his, he may have an older model

[spot]

Good lord, does Dell re-use Model codes? What's the point of a Model code then?

Right, who'd like to find the real technical specs for the Model the OP actually owns then?

[techontheedge88]

hmm i had this problem to and i did some research for you and i pulled this site

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/pr...m/dh2go/#close

this is for two screens but the have three if you want the and its all external tho. they also have an HD version thats what im getting

_________
| |----------------screen 1
computer ----------->| |
| adapter |
|________|-----------------screen 2


and this will stretch your desktop over both screens

[steveguy13]

Originally Posted by techontheedge88

hmm i had this problem to and i did some research for you and i pulled this site

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/pr...m/dh2go/#close

this is for two screens but the have three if you want the and its all external tho. they also have an HD version thats what im getting

_________
| |----------------screen 1
computer ----------->| |
| adapter |
|________|-----------------screen 2


and this will stretch your desktop over both screens

Thanks, that's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Would my system be able to handle that with only a gig of ram and the processor i have though? Under the product's features it says, "Uses your system's existing graphics card to deliver a stable platform for office, 3D design, and multimedia applications," and I still haven't figured out my card dilemma.