two monitors, one computer...

[Old_Swift_acct]

it all depeneds on your video card DVI get a cable and adapter and go for it

[seh]

This to the OP... CPU is not short for computer!

Also, get a videocard that supports 2 monitors.. and just stick an extra 1 or 2 GB's of ram in there..512MB ram just doesnt cut it anymore..

[peat moss]

I would n't spend a lot of money on it , the computer is 4 years old ? Go to a computer swap meet or Craigs list and buy used .


# Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor - LGA775 Socket , 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin , 1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x16 , 1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x1 , 2 ( 2 ) x PCI




Specs :

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/del...-30981395.html

[Hookah]

I would n't spend a lot of money on it , the computer is 4 years old ? Go to a computer swap meet or Craigs list and buy used .


# Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 0 ) x Processor - LGA775 Socket , 4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin , 1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x16 , 1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x1 , 2 ( 2 ) x PCI


Specs :

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/del...-30981395.html

yeahhh, its about 4 years old now
and that cnet article is pretty useful too (though im about to make a thread complaining about dell's bios, as the article does too)

memory is fairly cheap these days though


if i buy 2 512mbs to throw a whole additional gig of ram into my cpu its only like 20 dollars, the extra video card, eh, if i get a free monitor, i think it'd be cool to run two screens, but i def do understand what you're saying about not spending to much on this pc.... installing either of the peices of hardware i know would be hard though

[iceman0113]

If you really want one, then I say just build a new comp completely. Mine's 4 years old too, but I'm waiting until SC2 comes out before I build it. What do you need two screens for? It's unnecessary unless you really need the second screen for something. 512, I'll admit is really weak, might as well buy 3 stick of 512 and have it at 2 gigs. I'm sure your mobo and bios will be able to handle that. Video cards are dirt cheap if your computer is that old. Newegg usually has a good deal going on, but more than likely, you'll find one that you need for less than $50.

[Hookah]

You need to understand the concepts behind multiple monitors as well. Being able to have multiple desktops is a function of the graphical output of your video card. If you purchase a splitter you are simply going to clone (repeat) the output to another source. If you have a graphics card that can display dualhead, i.e it can stretch the desktop across multiple screens rather than just repeating the output from one screen on another then you have a far more effective dual output system.

yeah thats what im hoping to do.

yeah im only running 512mb ram in 1 of my 4 slots

ive been Highly advised to throw some more ram in my cpu

You're still not getting it.
Put the RAM in the memory slot(s).
You can't connect RAM to a CPU; the heatsink would get in the way for a start.

yeahhhhh, i get that. i figured cpu was the same thing as saying pc, so, yeah, im aware of the memory slots
just not how you tell the difference of the 4 slots, of which are the 'matched pairs' with each other

[battues]

What do you need the second monitor for?
If you need the second monitor for watching movies You can always use a tv for a second monitor and then you don't need to buy any a new Graphic card.
But please understand 512mb of ram is very low sure thing you need to upgrade if you have enough money BUT having more Ram has nothing to do with using 2 monitors (It does however like iceman0113 mentioned has a lot to do with what you'r using the second monitor for)

[dadelor]

you would have to have atleast 2 sticks of 512's with the same specs to run them in dual channel if thats what you mean by matched pairs, and the ram has to be put in the next slot nearest the ram you already have installed

[peat moss]

@dadelor , love your avatar . I had an old one " Idiot Outside " I miss it sometimes .