This tip was originally provided by jstarman and copied to the Computer Tips board

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Multi-Monitor Set-Up

For anyone contemplating a multi-monitor set-up, below are a few tips to use without having to complete any research. Upon my investigation, I found that everyone had a different opinion as to the correct way to set up multi-monitors.  Some people said the video cards must be from different manufacturers as to avoid operating conflicts.  Others said the video cards must be from the same manufacturer. Some claimed you needed to upgrade the power supply to a 350-watt power supply while others said it did not matter. Some even said the monitors must be from the same manufacturer. I even heard you needed to purchase a quad video card for about $1000.00 while others said to purchase four separate video cards. Enough with all of the worthless computer expert opinions�?SPAN>  Here is what I found to work:

Dual Monitor Video Card - AGP�?VisionTek Nvidia GeForce4 MX 440

64 MB - Works with two monitors  $149.99

2. Single Monitor Video Card �?PCI - VisionTek Nvidia GeForce2 MX 200

32 MB - For 3^rd Monitor - $59.99

3. Single Monitor Video Card �?PCI - VisionTek Nvidia GeForce2 MX 200

32 MB - For 4^th Monitor - $59.99

4. 350-Watt Power Supply - $49.99

Any combination of monitors will work. I use a 19�?Micron.PC monitor and 3 �?19�?Envision Flat Screen monitors.  Soon I am upgrading to 4 Flat Panel LCD monitors. Currently the 17 �?Flat Panel LCD monitors range from $500 �?$800�?a bit pricey.  Hopefully the price range will be reduced soon.

My current computer (almost two years old) has a 1 Gig. AMD Athlon Chip with 512 MB DDR RAM.

As for the software to complete the package, I use Windows ME to configure the multi monitor set-up.  Go to “Display Properties�?& “Settings�?to configure.  Make sure you click on the box for “Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor�? The multi-monitor video card will include software from Nvidia for the set-up however, I found it complicated to use. The VisionTek technical support recommended to use the Windows set-up as described above.

Only one ISP is required as I use a cable modem which supplies plenty of bandwidth. And believe me, I use mucho bandwidth.

Even if you only upgrade to two monitors it’s well worth the expense. With two monitors, the 350-watt power supply is not needed. So for $149.00 (video card) plus the cost of another monitor…go for it!  I guarantee you will thank me.

Ask any questions and I will attempt to answer them.  This weekend I am taking my family to the nation’s capitol for some sightseeing so I may not respond until Sunday evening or Monday.  Hope this helps and have a great weekend.