I'm trying to setup a dual monitor system. I thought I had an idea that would work for what I wanted to do, but I'm having problems getting it to work. What I have going on is: I have two computers and two monitors. I have a work computer that I work with and a computer set up as a a server that hosts some websites that I have built and work with. I'm planning on adding a third monitor in a few weeks. I would like to be able to have a dual monitor setup on my computer that I work with my web development on. Giving me the ability to work with code on one side and show the design on the other and work with some other open windows also. My ultimate goal is to have this dual monitor setup working and then be able to switch the secondary monitor over to my server when needed, giving me the ability to work with the sites on the primary monitor and then have my server feeding the secondary monitor (switching out of Daul monitor mode). I went out today and got a Radeon 7000 64MB video card http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/VisionTek-7K-Video-Card-RAD7K64A-/sem/rpsm/oid/127969/catOid/-13011/rpem/ccd/productDetail.dowith daul monitor capabilities. I installed it and have both monitors working from the primary working computer in dual monitor mode. I actually think that this may be a bad card for this, is there something better for this setup at a cheap price (I paid $50). I also picked up a 2-port KVM switch with built in cabling Belkin F1DK102P. http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0219493 I thought that this would help with the switching of the secondary monitor. I can't seem to get the Belkin KVM to work and switch the secondary monitor to the server. I have tried to set it up with the working computer (new radeon dual monitor card) taking the primary monitor cord and one of the cords from the Belkin KVM. The other cord from the Belkin KVM going to the servers video card. I have the secondary monitor hooked into the KVM switch. I thought that this would work for what I was trying to do, switching the secondary monitor into displaying the server OS. The secondary monitor will not fire up when it is set up through the KVM. Could anyone help me with this? At a later date I plan on adding a third monitor and not having to worry about this, but do not have the money now. Hopefully this post is understandable and not all over the place. Thanks
Can't really shed much light on the switch problem but if you check out Newegg.com (assuming you're a US citizen) you should be able to find something along the lines of a ATI radeon 9600 or so with dual monitor capabilities as to be honest $50 for a 4+ year old 7000 is a pretty bad deal. I realize you're not looking for gaming performance here but it just helps to be somewhat up to date, better change for compatibilty and longevity.
Thanks for the info on the card. I just made a quick purchase thinking that I would have this figured out quickly and be able to work with some stuff yesterday. No computer stores were open (just electronic stores) and didn't want to wait for shipping online. I may change my mind on that choice and purchase online and return the 7000.
No problem man, yeah it might be your best bet, I won't guarentee that it will solve your problem but at least you'll have a good card on your hands.
I got this figured out after working on it the other night. When I purchased the video card, I was trying to get a quick setup for dual monitors and it was sunday night. I decided to get a different card with better performance. The 7000 only had 64mb on the card and was having trouble running multiple windows on the dual monitors (without choppiness), plus I paid $50 for it. I got a eVGA GeForce 6600 LE with 256mb for $82 w/3 day free shipping and handling. My problem w/the KVM switching was the sequence that I was switching my 2nd monitor out of dual mode to run my server and shutdowns. I was getting my LED's on the switch mixed up. The second monitor is hooked into the back of the KVM switch, then branched out to each box. My work computer has the new card with a KVM branch into it along w/the main monitor that I leave up for the work computer all the time on it. Basically I need to make sure that if I turn off the server, I do that first and them switch back to the work computer. Not sure If this is easy to follow w/o a diagram or better explanation, but I thought I would post my solution.
I'm sort of following you, either way I'm glad you could work something out and get a nice video card.
I've got a Zonet 4-PC KVM switch, and not had the issue you're describing throughout my tinkerings. It *might* be the way that the particular KVM you have acts like that. Just some speculation on my part.
