dual monitor setup: HP Pavilion P7-1020

[classact]

HP Pavilion p7-1020

Computer documention declares "dual monitor-ready"

What the documention *doesn't* say, it what you need to hook up  2 monitors.

Theere are two monitor ports on the pc - a VGA, and (after considerable research), a DVI-D port

One monitor currently hooked up to VGA port

What do I need in order to hook up the other monitor?  (hp pavilion f1703)   Simply a VGA-DVI-D adapter?

I bought a "DVI-VGA" adapter which did not work (didn't realize there were two different kinds of DVI adapters).

I just want to make sure I'm buying the right thing this time.

Thanks,

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

When I look at the layout of the ports on back of your PC, you have 2 choices:

Figure 2: Back I/O panel

1.  If your monitor has a DVI port, just get a DVI cable and run it straight from the monitor to the DVI port w/o an adapter.

If it only has a VGA port then you need a VGA to DVI adapter:

Paul

[classact]

Thanks.   I think they key here is VGA - DVI-D (emphasis on "D") as I previously purchased a DVD-I, not realizing there would be more than one type of DVD hookup.

Thanks. Hope it works this time.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Please let us know if it does (or doesn't).

Paul

[lasvegaswireman]

The emphasis on the "D" in DVI-D is digital signal only. There is no passive DVI-D to VGA (analog) adapter, only active converters that are expensive and have mixed reviews. If look at your DVI-D output, you will notice a wide flat pin with no pins above or below it. The 4 pins that aren't on your DVI output jack are the ones that would carry the VGA (analog) signals. A DVI monitor is the only thing that is going to solve your issue at a reasonable price.

Frank

[classact]

So then what I'm hearing you say is that if I just get a DVI-D adaptor, it's not going to work, and it would be cheaper to buy a new monitor?  Man, that blows. The BRAND NEW monitor sitting on my desk doesn't even have a DVI connection on the back of it. Criminy this is way more involved than it should be