Video Card Question
 

Hello. I just ordered two 2001 fps, and would like to have a set up involving at least two, maybe three monitors. The problem is that all my AGP slots are currently full, so when I get a new card I'll have to swap it with the old one. This means that I need one card that supports as many monitors as possible, or at least two.

Any recommendations?

Re: Video Card Question
 

You might want to consider a new motherboard. AGP is on the way out, PCI express is the new technology. You could also get a video card thats dual head to support 2 monitors. You can also buy another video card that works in a regular PCI slot. Any of those options should work. If you decide to upgrade a video card, make sure you read all the specs on it.

Re: Video Card Question
 

I know the Matrox cards a dual headed and come with a splitter. But for gaming performance, I hear they are not that great.

Or as mentioned above, get a dual head AGP card and an axtra PCI card.

Re: Video Card Question
 

Do the dual headed cards suck for gaming performance in general? I also do the occasional gaming.

Can you give me the names of some dual headed AGP cards that don't suck too bad for gaming performance?

Thanks.

Re: Video Card Question
 

I'm currently in the same spot as you (looking for an AGP card that supports dual DVI for two 2001's, or a second card to go into a PCI slot), and here is what I've been able to find.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&CatId=318
Looks good for gaming, but the power requirement might be a bit too steep for me.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&CatId=319
Cheap and will get the job done.

Hope that helps!

Re: Video Card Question
 

I am running 2 Dell 2004FPW's on this dual DVI AGP card:
XFX GeForce 6800GS

Also make sure you have at least a 400W power supply. I think some people have troubling running these cards at 350W.

Re: Video Card Question
 

[ QUOTE ]
I am running 2 Dell 2004FPW's on this dual DVI AGP card:
XFX GeForce 6800GS

Also make sure you have at least a 400W power supply. I think some people have troubling running these cards at 350W.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can vouch that this is a good card. I used to own one.

I currently run a XFX GeForce 7800GT, but that's overkill for most stuff today anyway. I also recommend getting a well-known 450W power supply, like Antec or Noisetaker (both reasonably priced, unlike PC Power and Cooling).

Re: Video Card Question
 

Thanks for the help guys.

Can I get some info or a link to some info on how to check/install a new power supply?

Re: Video Card Question
 

Also, I just discovered that there is a port on the back of my computer with a picture of a monitor next to it. I've never used this, as the computer came with an AGP graphics card installed.

Does this mean there's another, onboard card that I could use for a second monitor?

Re: Video Card Question
 

And another stupid question while I'm at it - I don't actually know the difference between AGP and PCI, how do you tell whether your motherboard supports one or the other?

Re: Video Card Question
 

I would open up your computer and check for power supply, usually written on the power supply somwhere the voltage.

As for AGP and PCI, your mobo probably came with 5-6 PCI slots, and 1 AGP slot, if any. if you computer is standing upright, it's the top most slot right above the 5-6 PCI slots.
Mobo picture

As for the slot in the back with the monitor pic, not sure, might be an extra video port.

What kind of computer do you have? Dell? give us a model number and name.

Re: Video Card Question
 

It's a Compaq Presario 6000.

Re: Video Card Question
 

looks like your comp came with an MSI G4 MX420-T AGP graphics card. Not sure wha the extra monitor port is since you current monitor is plugged in your AGP card.

Re: Video Card Question
 

While looking around online I found that the Presario 6000 has "integrated NVidia NForce graphics." Does that suggest an onboard card? Also, if there is an onboard card, it doesn't show up in my device manager under display adapters. Although, my AGP card is listed twice for some reason.

Re: Video Card Question
 

that could be it, I would go into your BIOS and check to see if on board video is enabled.

Re: Video Card Question
 

In BIOS there under PCI decives there is a "VGA controller" and "Other Display Controller" listed. One has a number next while the other has the word "Enable" next to it. I imagine this means one is enabled and one isn't, but I don't know which.

Re: Video Card Question
 

I am pretty sure, almost positive, that you can't use intergrated video and an AGP card. If you did not have a card you would be using the intergrated monitor hook up, that is part of the motherboard's features. These intergrated video options are not always very good, as motherboards that use them, are usually value PCs.
DQ