Graphics cards display output options

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » July 13th, 2005, 15:18

Dear Gamesmaster,

As I begin musings on getting a new graphics card (Doom 3 unplayable, BF2 doesn't even run..) the first, and to me most important, question I have remains unanswered. Here is the question:

On a fancy new card with TV output (whatever really doesn't matter) can you use 2 monitors AND the TV out at the same time?

You see I can currently do this with my Matrox Parhelia, which is specifically designed for video editing etc. where you need 2 monitors and a video out running at the same time. I'd really only consider upgrading if this is the case with the more popular ATI/Nvidia cards.

Thanksyou,
Mrbobbins esq.

Post by **deject** » July 13th, 2005, 16:36

as long as the card has two monitor outs and S-Video (or composite if you're lucky) all modern cards can run whatever you can plug into them.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » July 14th, 2005, 11:44

deject wrote:as long as the card has two monitor outs and S-Video (or composite if you're lucky) all modern cards can run whatever you can plug into them.

I'm pretty sure they never used to be able to do it, just cos it has 3 outputs on the back doesn't mean it can handle running them all at the same time, anyone done it?

Post by **Dr. kitteny berk** » July 14th, 2005, 11:51

i've not done it, and i'm pretty sure some cards have limitiations like that.

if that's the case, your best option would be a good card, and then a cheapy PCI card (think 5200 or 9200) to run theTV off of.

mrbobbins · Post by **mrbobbins** » July 18th, 2005, 21:24

Dr. kitteny berk wrote:i've not done it, and i'm pretty sure some cards have limitiations like that.

if that's the case, your best option would be a good card, and then a cheapy PCI card (think 5200 or 9200) to run theTV off of.

Hmm think i've found a solution along these lines:

http://www.maximopc.org/imagenes/articu ... G_4605.JPG

Just read about this board in PC Format, AGP and PCI-E, can run both simultaneously, it's only £42 so a cheap mobo upgrade then I can choose whichever PCI-E GFX card I can afford, while still using my old one, this could be the winner.