Set Up a Dual Monitor System on a Budget

Forget super huge 52 inch LCD screens. They're expensive. Why go bigger when better is easier?  Dual 19 inch LCD monitors will give you nearly three feet of screen space, or "desktop real estate".  You can use your brand spanking new LCD and your old CRT, or even two CRT monitors.  Check out our unbeatable prices for this holiday season: http://stores.ebay.com/hcdi .

A dual monitor set up is an incredibly thrifty, low cost way to increase your productivity or your fun.  Think of the multiple windows you can have open, the convenience of viewing a DVD on one monitor and surfing the web on the other. If you have the need for an expanded desktop display (and who doesn't) it's as easy as adding another monitor.  Individuals as well as businesses can benefit from this configuration.

We use this set up here at hcditrading to better serve you, our customers.  We can also set it up for you when you order. (This is considered an upgrade/customization). If you'd rather do it yourself (DIY), see below.

 Literally double your screen size with this handy how-to!

Requirements:

• Two LCD or CRT monitors, or a combination of either.
• One Computer. (we suggest a Dell, Dude)
• Windows 2000 or XP (XP makes set up very simple)
• One additional graphics card from the same vendor.  (in other words, if your computer has a PCIe ATI Radeon card, you need an identical one)
• OR, a dual VGA PCI video card and the drivers. (changing out your card requires some experience- don't attempt this without supervision)
• Below are two examples of a video/graphics card and a dual video/graphics card:

    Standard PCI video card        Dual PCI video card- note the two blue connectors

To find out which card your computer has, go to:

• Start menu.
• Control Panel.
• System.
• Click on the Hardware tab.
• Click on the Device Manager.
• Click on the + (plus sign) next to Display adaptors.
• Write the brand and model on a post-it note.
• Click the "X" at the top to close everything.
• Click Cancel to close your Device Manager.
• Remember not to make any changes.  If you purchased the computer from us, call our Tech Support line for assistance.

Check our site to see if we have the graphics card you need: http://stores.ebay.com/hcdi

We have thousands of video cards from numerous vendors in stock!

To add an additional card or replace it with a dual card:

To add another card:

• Install the drivers from a CD. (note- if you are using the same brand or model of your current card, skip this step)
• Shut down your computer.
• Unplug your power source.
• Open your Computer. (stay grounded- static can build up and damage your computer's components!  Maintain contact with the metal chassis inside.)
• Locate the graphics card.  (see pictures below)

• Remove the retaining screw from a blank card slot and remove the metal cover. Don't lose the screw!
• Gently push the 2nd card into an available PCI slot.  The slots are usually white, and there should be 3-4 depending on your system. 
• Staying grounded, replace the screw so that it secures the card's plate in place.
• Put everything back together and plug it in.
• Turn it on.
• Windows should detect and install the drivers.

  Click Start.

  Control Panel.

  Display.

  Settings.

  Under Settings, click identify.  There should display a number 1 or a 2 over images of 2 displays. You can adjust your screen resolution for either monitor separately.  (They don't have to have the same settings.) Click APPLY. Click OK. and you are ready.

To replace your card with another card:

• Install the drivers from a CD.
• Shut down your computer.
• Unplug your power source.
• Open your Computer. (stay grounded- static can build up and damage your computer's components!  Maintain contact with the metal chassis inside.)
• Locate the graphics card.
• Remove the screw from the retaining plate.
• Gently press the new card in place.
• Replace the screw.
• Close the Dell, dude. (even if it isn't a Dell, this should work.)
• Plug it in.
• Turn it on.
• See instructions above for set-up.

We are providing this as another service to you, our customers.  We use this dual monitor set-up and think you should, too.