Dual Monitor Set Up? Please Help?

[Phantom Menace]

Sorry ahead of time if this is a dumb question but I could use some help.

I just bought a new Dell: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1210379087706

and I want to run two monitors with it. At work, I use a laptop with an external monitor, giving me double the space to work, etc. I want a similar set up with this new computer so I bought a new video card as the built-in video does not have two monitor ports. Unfortunately, the video card I bought is too wide for the "slim" profile of the tower so now I have to return it.

Is there a simpler solution? I saw some "Y" cables on Dell's website but the rep on the phone said that it would only "mirror" the monitors for presentations, etc. http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...4&sku=A0485050
But he didn't sound too sure. Actually, he said he wasn't sure if the "Y" splitters would allow me to have a dual monitor setup or just one monitor mirroring the other.

Please, post links, pics, etc. on how I could--for the least amount of money--get two separate monitors out of my new computer? The computer is not for gaming. It will be used strictly for school, research, and internet.


Thanks for any constructive advice.

[Eric the Ricer]

I'm not sure if there are any video cards for the slim towers. There might be some out there, but that will be your only option that I know of. I run a dual monitor set up at home too, with an aftermarket video card. So basically thats the only option I know.

[Phantom Menace]

Originally Posted by Eric the Ricer

I'm not sure if there are any video cards for the slim towers. There might be some out there, but that will be your only option that I know of. I run a dual monitor set up at home too, with an aftermarket video card. So basically thats the only option I know.

You don't think that cable splitter would do the trick?

[Eric the Ricer]

Well a splitter doesn't really do anything except split it. There is nothing else involved. It's the same as any other splitter, it doesn't add any thing extra, just lets you get one thing to two places. Most of the time splitters are used for a monitor, and also something like your TV. So if you wanna watch a movie, you can watch it on your tv also.

I'll look for some slim tower video cards for ya. Maybe I can find something you haven't.

[Phantom Menace]

Originally Posted by Eric the Ricer

Well a splitter doesn't really do anything except split it. There is nothing else involved. It's the same as any other splitter, it doesn't add any thing extra, just lets you get one thing to two places. Most of the time splitters are used for a monitor, and also something like your TV. So if you wanna watch a movie, you can watch it on your tv also.

I'll look for some slim tower video cards for ya. Maybe I can find something you haven't.

Thanks bruh. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.

[Eric the Ricer]

Most the articles I'm trying to get in to are pwnt by the work server. I'll give it a shot when I get home in a few hours

[roast]

Unfortunately, that integrated video chipset does not support dual monitors. If you use a splitter with your current setup, it will only mirror the output. Keep in mind though, you don't need two ports on a video card in order for it to support two monitors... it just needs to support dual monitors.

If you are on a budget, the card you need is here: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=A1632234

It's $49.00 and it will fit perfectly in your slim chassis. It's one of the video cards dell sells as an upgrade specifically for your inspiron desktop 530s.

I work for Dell tech support, and I'm DCSE certified in just about every Dell product. Everything from printers to poweredge servers. If you have any questions, hit me up.

[Phantom Menace]

Eric & Roast,

Thanks for the prompt replies. I placed my order with Dell and should be good to go. Again, thanks guys!


/thread.