new video adapter for dual monitors

My boss is having me look into setting up dual monitors on one of the computers in the office. I found out that we only have one VGA connector and will need to purchase and install a video adapter. I have other questions but I will address them later, what I need to know now is how can I find out what kind of adapter I need and what will work with my system?

Im not sure what kind of info you will need so I'll give you the basics.

HP Compaq dc5700 microtower
Intel Core 2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz
1 GB RAM
Win XP Pro.

Anything else - I'll gladly tell. Thanks

 

Here are the product specifications for this computer.

Looks like you have 1 PCIe 1x slot for a video card.

Most cards at this link will do the job.

Depending on how you want to setup the dual monitors, you may be able to get away with a cheaper solution. If you simply want to duplicate the display, you could get away with a 'Y-cable' that splits the single output to two monitors.

Or if you want to extend your desktop, and do different things on both, then you will need a card with dual-output.

 

What he wants to do is on one monitor have solely for the GPS we are going to have installed (so he can see exactly when and where the trucks are at all times) and the other monitor for work stuff up (quickbooks, dispatching software.. etc). Is that do able?

 

Yes, definitely!

However, for that, you WILL need a dual-output video card.

Do note that you will need the manufacturer's drivers for the card (as Microsoft's won't give you the ability) and then configure it to 'Extend your desktop'

 

I looked over the link of cards you gave me and not a clue I have

Which one would you recommend to achieve this task?

 

Well, what interface does your monitor have?

VGA

http://thetechnut.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/vga2.jpg

or

DVI

http://www.circuitassembly.com/WhatsNew/DVI/dvi%20assy.jpg

Or some other animal?

 

its VGA

 

You can use a DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor to a DVI port. Some cards come with such adapters. If not, you can buy the adapter separately.

 

Hence why I was trying to determine such. I had a card with DVI ports that would have worked, but I didn't see an adapter with it.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3475671&CatId=1558

This card does.

 

If I install this card it will allow me to use two monitors? I wont need anything else, will I? (beside the monitor of course )

 

Comes with dual-port card, and adapter so you can connect a VGA monitor to the DVI port, and the drivers to extend your desktop.

Should be enough for the job!

 

Thank you much, I'll let ya know if I have any problems

 

I bought one separately, from newegg.com. I would think tigerdirect sells them separately but couldn't find them. For newegg, see dvi-to-vga adapter

 

Yeah, not like it would be a HUGE deal, but if you can get one with the card, why not?

 

Of course, assuming the card he wants comes with an adapter. I was just pointing out that they can be purchased separately if necessary.

 

roflmao why am I always called "he"?

Anyway, thanks tips guys

 

dyamond is SUCH a butch name, don't you know?