Query about multi-monitor setup

Devrij · 5 Apr 2012 at 11:04

My gf has this SFF work tower and she wants to add a second monitor to it, but it only has the one vga output from the integrated gpu. There looks to be some small pci blanks on the back, presumably corresponding with pci ports (doubt they're pci-express). She's using her netbook to run a 2nd display for now, but it isn't ideal.

What's the easiest/cheapest way to hook up a 2nd monitor for her to work on as an extended desktop?

Razargh · 5 Apr 2012 at 13:23

Without a GPU which are only available as PCI-e these days (i think). You wouldn't be able too. Check the board for a PCI-e slot and purchase a £30 Graphics Card.

cmndr_andi · 5 Apr 2012 at 13:43

As Razargh says, you really want to find out what the motherboard or PC model number is -so you can check what expansions slots are available.

If it does only have PCI slots then you will have to look at the second-hand market for a half-decent low-profile PCI graphics card - as these cards haven't been made in quite a few years.

If it does have at least one PCIE slot (even only a x1 slot) then you can use a cheap, low-end PCIE graphics card like an AMD HD 5450 or 6450.

Double07 · 5 Apr 2012 at 13:53

Depending on the age of the board it could be AGP, cards can still be had on the you know what auction site.

Devrij · 5 Apr 2012 at 14:52

I'd looked at these possibilities, and the 5450 would've been my first port of call, but I'm pretty sure it will be pci.

I'd looked at a usb display output, seeing as it's only for desktop work, but the thought makes me shudder. Presumably the cpu will take some of the workload on with a usb card as well, which this ancient little box could do without.