How to get extended desktop on 3 monitors?

[guptesandeep]

Hello,

I want to get extended desktop on 3 monitors. What is the best way to achieve this considering I will use Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit OS - use a single graphics card with multiple outputs (e.g., with a mix of HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort) or use multiple graphics cards connected to multiple PCIe x16 slots on the motherboard (if such a thing possible)? The conditions are: (i) at least one graphics output should be HDMI and (ii) I don't need VGA output.

Could anyone suggest me what hardware should I use for this setup?

P.S.: This is not for gaming purpose, but specifically to show three different applications on three monitors (e.g., presentation on the first monitor, spreadsheet on the second and web browser on the third).

[hellnoire]

Well, depends on the video card and if it's ATI or NVIDIA or INTEL you're using. ATI and NVIDIA can do it fine, INTEL usually has a bit of issues.

For the most part, it's buy three monitors, install the official drivers for your card, then plug them in. After that, Windows USUALLY extends the desktop. If not, check out the properties for your graphics card. If it's a powerful one, you might be able to run other things like games on it.

[guptesandeep]

Thanks hellnoire...

Any specific graphics card you can suggest?

[hsakarp_kahtap]

sandeep post your system config and psu/ details and your budget in rupees or dollar so we can suggest you a graphics card..

[hellnoire]

Thanks hellnoire...

Any specific graphics card you can suggest?

Honestly? Anything that could handle it. That's all I could suggest. I'm using a NVIDIA GT240, which has VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs. I'm using HDMI and DVI for my dual screen setup, and leaving the VGA open for a small 13inch or smaller monitor in the future.

EDIT: Using several cards would work too, depending on the brand, it's call CrossFire (ATI) or SLI (NVIDIA). Depending on what you want to do with your computer should imply what you should do: if you plan Linux later, then I'd throw it all on a single powerful card, so you won't need to worry about any issues down the road. (Some distros have issues with that, especially with ATI). On the other hand, if you're sticking mostly to Windows, ATI is a cheaper route to do the same thing USUALLY, just check the prices though.

[A Guy]

I'm using a NVIDIA GT240, which has VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs. I'm using HDMI and DVI for my dual screen setup, and leaving the VGA open for a small 13inch or smaller monitor in the future.

hellnoire, your GT 240 will only run 2 monitors at once. You could possibly split the DVI to run 2 monitors, but they would be clones of each other. You'd need 2 GPU's to run 3 monitors. Although some ATI cards with Display Port will run 3 monitors, but one would have to be plugged into the Display Port. A Guy

[hellnoire]

hellnoire, your GT 240 will only run 2 monitors at once. You could possibly split the DVI to run 2 monitors, but they would be clones of each other. You'd need 2 GPU's to run 3 monitors. Although some ATI cards with Display Port will run 3 monitors, but one would have to be plugged into the Display Port. A Guy

That's not what I read in the manual, but if that's the case... well, planning an upgrade later this year, so I won't be worrying yet.

[A Guy]

Yeah, it's not real clearly expressed. You can extend 2 displays, but only 2 of the 3 outputs will work at once. A Guy

[guptesandeep]

sandeep post your system config and psu/ details and your budget in rupees or dollar so we can suggest you a graphics card..

Prakash,

I don't have a set budget as such. The basic config that I am looking at is:

• Intel Core i5 processor
• 4GB RAM
• 320GB 72000 RPM SATA disk

I have to connect 3 monitors to this desktop so that the desktop is extended (not replicated) on to these 3 monitors.

Can you suggest a graphics adapter for this configuration?

[hsakarp_kahtap]

Prakash,

I don't have a set budget as such. The basic config that I am looking at is:

• Intel Core i5 processor
• 4GB RAM
• 320GB 72000 RPM SATA disk

I have to connect 3 monitors to this desktop so that the desktop is extended (not replicated) on to these 3 monitors.

Can you suggest a graphics adapter for this configuration?

Hi Sandeep Bro , Assuming you have a branded PSU(power supply) like cooler master , corsair, FSP saga, antec etc
go for "Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5770 - 1GB" Price: 7,245.00 in Delhi, you can even order online from them with free shipping at your doorstep .

Please Note: If you have a generic power supply like intex , frontech or any other , please replace them before purchasing a graphics card
suggested PSU , corsair 450 VX or FSP saga 500w, please don't go for cooler master extreme series PSU .