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22719
February 13th, 2011 09:00
OptiPlex 755 USFF and Multiple Monitors
I have an OptiPlex 755 Ultra Small Form Factor and am looking at adding multiple monitors to the system.
There is an excellent post that talks about using a special y-adapter cable specifically for the OptiPlex755 USFF to have two monitors (http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/w/desktop/optiplex-usff-dvi-dual-monitors-and-why-you-can-39-t-connect-2-vga-monitors-in-extended-desktop-mode.aspx)
While this is one option, I have a few questions that I am hoping for some guidance on:
1. Using the Y-adapter cable with one monitor being VGA and the other being DVI, are there any quality issues
2. If I was looking to have three monitors, what external hardware solutions would be recommended to allow me to do this. As an example, I have seen the Matrox TripleHead device. Are there additional devices and what would be the issues?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Jeffrey
FoxNWolves
7 Posts
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February 13th, 2011 10:00
I can give a desent respnse to your first question. There are really no drops in quality when it comes to DVI or VGA hook-ups or aleast there shouldnt be. If there was you prolly wouldnt see it besides the monitor is right next to your PC so the response time would be instant.
Maybe for your second question, you might need a video card that has two monitor outputs, ATI's 4650 has dropped in price and has such outputs. There is a newer card out that is simialr as well I think its the 3550 or somethin. Hope this helps.
JeffreyElliot
3 Posts
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February 13th, 2011 11:00
Thank you for your insights on the first question.
The challenge with the USFF is that there is *no* expansion slot in the unit which rules out any internal video cards and only leaves external solutions.
Thanks again for your help.
Ten98
19 Posts
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February 14th, 2011 06:00
Speaking personally, I can see a difference between using VGA and DVI outputs to drive flat panel monitors. There is a tiny amount of interference when using VGA which can cause a "buzzing" effect towards the bottom of the screen when using a flat panel.
How much interference you get is going to vary depending on the amount of electrical interference at your location and the quality & length of the VGA cable.
On the USFF it is your only option, one screen connected via DVI and one via VGA.
You do get USB video adapters, this website stocks a few relatively cheap options made by a company named "Startech". Theoretically, you could add several more screens using these.
However, USB video adapters are extremely limited, place a big strain on the CPU and you should not expect any kind of performance from them, so if you're worried about the response times of a VGA cable I would give these a miss.
JeffreyElliot
3 Posts
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February 15th, 2011 11:00
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I have decided to try the special cable with the USFF for two monitors. Your points are well taken on the USB video adapters. Your insights on the USB video adapters is something that is not talked about in the reviews and is feedback well taken.
Jeffrey