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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Video, Display and Touch
- Dual Monitors-What Adapter to Buy

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08-06-2016 10:57 AM
I am trying to add a second generic lcd monitor (NEC) to this pc. I am already using the adapter that came with the computer in the VGA. I still have a DVI port available. In looking at adapters I have no clue as to what adapter I need to buy to connect to my PC. Can anyone tell me what to buy or if this cannot be done? Thank you very much in advance.
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08-06-2016 08:47 PM - edited 08-06-2016 08:52 PM
@Procats, welcome to the forum.
Here are the Back I/O ports on the computer:
- Figure : Back I/O ports
- USB 2.0: 4
- LAN (Ethernet)
- DVI-D
- DVI-I
- Audio center/subwoofer
- Audio rear speaker out
- Audio side speaker out
- Audio line-in
- Audio line-out
- Microphone
As you can see, Item 4 is DVI-D (Digital only) and Item 5 is DVI-I (Digital and Analog). The adapter that you will need depends on the cable on the monitor and which of the ports that you used for the first monitor; Item 4 or 5. If the monitor has a VGA cable, you would buy a VGA to DVI-? adapter.
Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.
I am not an HP Employee!!
Intelligence is God given. Wisdom is the sum of our mistakes!!
08-06-2016 08:47 PM - edited 08-06-2016 08:52 PM
@Procats, welcome to the forum.
Here are the Back I/O ports on the computer:
- Figure : Back I/O ports
- USB 2.0: 4
- LAN (Ethernet)
- DVI-D
- DVI-I
- Audio center/subwoofer
- Audio rear speaker out
- Audio side speaker out
- Audio line-in
- Audio line-out
- Microphone
As you can see, Item 4 is DVI-D (Digital only) and Item 5 is DVI-I (Digital and Analog). The adapter that you will need depends on the cable on the monitor and which of the ports that you used for the first monitor; Item 4 or 5. If the monitor has a VGA cable, you would buy a VGA to DVI-? adapter.
Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.
I am not an HP Employee!!
Intelligence is God given. Wisdom is the sum of our mistakes!!
08-06-2016 10:27 PM
I definitely have my main monitor on what you have as number 4 with an adapter that came with the computer. However the one you have as #3 definitely says DVI and looks like what you have down as #3. Do I have this wrong? The second monitor I am trying to set up has a smaller plug with the usual prongs and without the - below where the prongs would go. Thank you so very much for replying. Very frustrating when you don't know what is what. Always learning though.
08-06-2016 10:38 PM
Thank you for the additional information, @Procats.
I don't have any #3. I have a #5 which is the DVI-I.
What is the connector on the monitor cable; VGA, DVI, etc.? This is important to assure we get the correct adapter.
@Procats wrote:Always learning though. This is very important! I have been using computers for 25+ years. I can definitely say that I am always learning. The component manufacturers keep developing new products frequently.
I am not an HP Employee!!
Intelligence is God given. Wisdom is the sum of our mistakes!!
08-24-2016 07:00 AM
I wanted to thank you (even though some time has passed) for your help on setting up my dual monitor. My mother got ill and passed away and I was unable to get back online and thank you for your help. What you sent me has been a learning experience and did help. Thanks again. Procats
08-24-2016 10:10 AM
You are very welcome!
I am so sorry for your loss, @Procats. You have my sincerest condolences.
I am glad that my information helped solve your problem. I am always glad to help.
I am not an HP Employee!!
Intelligence is God given. Wisdom is the sum of our mistakes!!