How to use dual monitors if both are vga and i have only one vga port

[HennieP]

Hi, i need help please, i currently have two monitors and want to use it as dual monitors on my gaming pc, my graphics card is a Palit GTX 750 Ti StormX OC (2048mb) http:// . My problem is that both my monitors have only vga cables and my main monitor is already connected to my open vga port on my graphics card. I bought a dvi-d to vga adapter to connect my second monitor via that adapter to my computer, but that doesn't seem to work at all, i think it's because since the vga cable is only analog and the graphics card produces digital signals through the dvi-d port. Is there any cheap way to get my second monitor also working with my primary as dual screens?
(keep in mind that both my screens only have vga cables and cant take any other)

Thank you!!

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

No, not a cheap way. You will need a converter, not an adapter for it to work. Look around for pricing, they vary from store to store, but they aren't cheap.

 

[HennieP]

No, not a cheap way. You will need a converter, not an adapter for it to work. Look around for pricing, they vary from store to store, but they aren't cheap.

 

[HennieP]

Thank you so much, also thought i would need that at the end. Thanks again for such a fast reply

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Keep in mind that a lot of descriptions may include the word "converter", when it actually is an adapter. Theres no point for true DVI-D to VGA adapter to exist, but it should work with a DVI-I to VGA adapter instead. That's the cheap option, not guaranteed, but very likely it'll work, if you get the right adapter. That's probably only for one of them though, look at your graphics card, and tell me what are your options, please.

 

[bignastyid]

You need a converter like this
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-DVI2VGAE-1920x1200-Adapter-Converter/dp/B00C93JQXS

 

[InvalidError]

Most GPUs have had only one set of analog DACs for 10+ years, which limits them to driving only one analog display at a time directly. If you want to use more than one VGA output with modern GPUs, you will need digital-to-analog converters for extra outputs as others have pointed out above.

Or you could get some cheap LCDs - you can get FHD ones for ~$100 these days.

 

[HennieP]

Keep in mind that a lot of descriptions may include the word "converter", when it actually is an adapter. Theres no point for true DVI-D to VGA adapter to exist, but it should work with a DVI-I to VGA adapter instead. That's the cheap option, not guaranteed, but very likely it'll work, if you get the right adapter. That's probably only for one of them though, look at your graphics card, and tell me what are your options, please.

 

[HennieP]

My options that would connect to my graphics card would be either a vga cable, a hdmi cable or a dvi cable, i looked online and saw my port on my graphics card is called a dvi-d port because of the 4 less pins. So i won't be able to use a dvi-i adapter that changes into vga because it wont fit. I did try the dvi-d to vga adapter though but like i previously said that doesn't work 🙁

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

VGA -> VGA cable
DVI-D or HDMI -> VGA converter

 

[InvalidError]

So i won't be able to use a dvi-i adapter that changes into vga because it wont fit.

Even if you had a DVI-I port, you would still not be able to use DVI-I because the GPU's one and only set of RGB analog outputs are already driving the VGA port's RGB signals. At best, you might get a mirrored display. Modern GPUs lack the necessary analog outputs to directly drive more than one analog display at a time.

In a year or two, GPUs without any analog output capabilities might become the norm since so few people use modern GPUs with CRTs or ancient analog LCDs.

 

[HennieP]

VGA -> VGA cable
DVI-D or HDMI -> VGA converter

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

HennieP, on the bottom right of each message/post, there is a button that says "Reply to *name*", click on that and it'll bring you to a new page where you can reply to any message you'd like, and your response you want to write below "[/quotemsg]".

 

[HennieP]

Thanks guys, i understand now, seems like my options are to find either a converter or just a new screen that is capable of connecting without any extra adapters to my computer

 

[HennieP]

HennieP, on the bottom right of each message/post, there is a button that says "Reply to *name*", click on that and it'll bring you to a new page where you can reply to any message you'd like, and your response you want to write below "

". [/quotemsg]

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Close enough. Alright. Is there anything else you wanted to know? You should pick a best answer, as it's already been answer. Pick the one you feel is going to help others as well, who may find this thread later on.

 

[kittle]

I have the same setup on my work PC. Dual link DVI -> splitter -> 2 monitors.

We use a splitter cable something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5DG2174771

If your monitors are small enough then it can work, but for a larger monitor it will not work. Its fine here in the office because we still use 19" monitors running at 1280x1024. but this setup will not work on my home pc with a 27" monitor running at 2560x1440

Fortunately that cable is cheap.

 

[bignastyid]

I have the same setup on my work PC. Dual link DVI -> splitter -> 2 monitors.

We use a splitter cable something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5DG2174771

If your monitors are small enough then it can work, but for a larger monitor it will not work. Its fine here in the office because we still use 19" monitors running at 1280x1024. but this setup will not work on my home pc with a 27" monitor running at 2560x1440

Fortunately that cable is cheap.

A splitter would clone the displays. If you are running 2 monitors from a single port that looks like DVI its probably not DVI but a DMS-59 port.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMS-59

 

[InvalidError]

One option for connecting to displays to a single VGA output is something like Matrox' Dual/Triple-Head-To-Go.

I wonder if anyone on THG remembers about Matrox. They used to be the #3 GPU designer.

 

[HennieP]

Close enough. Alright. Is there anything else you wanted to know? You should pick a best answer, as it's already been answer. Pick the one you feel is going to help others as well, who may find this thread later on.