Problem: GX520 (Small Form Factor) connects two monitors. Thanks.

Question

Hello, guys:

I have one Dell OptiPlex GX520 (Small Form Factor). There is only one video output, but now I want to connect two monitors at a same time, namely, extend my version region for expand spreadsheets over two monitors.Could you give me some suggestions? Had better to give some web links. I appreciate your helps truly.

Dev Mgr · Answer

The GX520 SFF only has a PCI slot (see it's specs here (check the expansion bus section)).

As it's an SFF chassis it means it has to be half-height (or also referred to as low-profile).

Here are several PCI cards, and some are low profile, but the few I checked didn't seem to come with the metal bracket to use it in a low profile chassis. This would mean you need to make one yourself from the existing bracket, or buy one elsewhere.

volcanofire · Answer

Dear Dev Mgr: Firstly, thanks for your helps. How about this video card? The mental bracket problem is not big, I can do it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814129046 Thanks.

Dev Mgr · Answer

That looks like it may fit, but you'd lose the S-video out, which may not even affect you.

volcanofire · Answer

Hi, Dev Mgr:

I just found that one review said that it is not a low-profile video card. It's pity.

I think that my problem is a typical problem for SSF desktops. Could suggest one or two for me? After that, we can top this topic.

Thanks.

beatphreek · Answer

I just ran into this today. I totally forgot a client ran dual monitors on all their desktops and ordered them SFF's which severely limits what you can put into them.

Since you are just going to be using this for business needs, then the cheaper cards will probably serve you well.

I found about 9 at new egg today. Just filter the video cards by pci and then enter l-p bracket in the search terms. You'll find several to choose from. Prices range from 40-400.

This is the one I'm going to go with:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150040

It's vista ready so if they upgrade to Vista that won't be an issue.

volcanofire · Answer

Hi, beatphreek, thanks your response. What's your desktop? It is OPTIPLEX GX520 (SSF)? Did you try this video card already? If I buy it, I can use two monitors at the same time, one is for integrated video card original in GX520, and another is for this new PCI video card, right? Thanks,

beatphreek · Answer

They haven't arrived yet.  I won't know for sure if it all works out ok or not until next Tuesday or Wednesday.  But yes, they are for a 520 SFF.  I'll post if it is a viable dual monitor (onboard vga and the new card) solution then.

volcanofire · Answer

Hi, guys:

My IT guys gave me a hint using VGA splitter as following: http://www.touchscreens.com/vga-y.html#description But I saw that The website says that “Shows same image on both screens”, what does this mean? You know that I want to expand spreadsheets over two monitors. Shall we do it using this VGA splitter?

beatphreek, I am waiting for your good news.

Thanks.

Message Edited by volcanofire on 09-01-200605:01 PM

Message Edited by volcanofire on 09-01-200605:02 PM

speedstep · Answer

Manufacturer Part# : VTK X1300256PCI-SFF Dell Part# : A0683274

Small Form Factor design fits in Low Profile desktops and workstations (short bracket mounted on card). The card is convertible to standard ATX design with the included tall bracket for standard chassis as well.

Dual DVI or Dual VGA

Message Edited by SpeedStep on 09-02-200609:45 PM

volcanofire · Answer

Hi, SpeedStep, Are you sure that this card is fit for GX520(Small Form Factor)? You know, the price is a little high, and I googled it but no results match exactly. Thanks so much.

speedstep · Answer

@volcanofire wrote:

Hi, SpeedStep,

Are you sure that this card is fit for GX520(Small Form Factor)? You know, the price is a little high, and I googled it but no results match exactly.

Thanks so much.

Since I do not physically have one in my hand I have no idea.

What I do know is that it has a dell part number and therefore I can order with
my Dell. Its PCI not PCI-E or PCI-X which I would believe to be ok if the GX520
has regular PCI 2.3 slots. If it has PCI-E X1 slots then a different model would be
the correct one. I have however seen PCI-E X1 cards in the X1300 variety.

This is what it says at the dell Link.

"X1300 SFF PCI graphics card. Its Small Form Factor design fits in Low Profile desktops and workstations (short bracket mounted on card). "

beatphreek · Answer

VolcanoFire, the card I listed worked very well today.  I installed 2 of them and I only needed a needle nose plier to attache the small form factor slot adapter.   Dual monitor worked flawlessly with the desktop expanded across both monitors like you wanted.  I bought 2 of those cards for under 105 with shipping, so they will probably fit your budget as well.

volcanofire · Answer

Dear beatphreek:

Very happy to see your post. Before I make decision, I have the following questions that need your helps:

1. You computer is OptiPlex GX520 Small Form Factor or Desktop? Are you sure there are two PCI slots?

I just checked my main board, there are two slots, a little different, one has a extra pins, the same part for these two ports has 60x2 pins, as follows

-------------|----|

-------------|----|-?-|

<---60x2 pins-->

Is this GX520 Destop?

2. Why did you order two video cards?

Did you really install the two video cards for the two PCI slots?

Do you try to use one PCI video card and one VGA output original? Shall we extend one sheet over two monitors?

3. Confirm your video card：

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150040

XFX PV-T64K-NT Geforce FX5200 128MB 64-bit DDR PCI Low Profile Video Card with L-P Bracket – Retail：$46.99

I very appreciate your helps.

Message Edited by volcanofire on 09-08-200612:35 PM

Message Edited by volcanofire on 09-09-200612:46 PM

beatphreek · Answer

I misrepresented what I was trying to say obviously.  I had 2 computers... so that's why there were 2 video cards mentioned... I installed 1 videocard in each system and with that video card and the on board video I was able to get a dual monitor configuration set up.   I was working on the desktop, not the sff.  The desktop does still ahve the half-height pci though just like a small form factor would.  The card is a small form factor card with a small form factor bracket included.    1 card for your computer is all you need.  That is indeed the video card I used.  It will work for what you want.

volcanofire · Answer

Dear beatphreek:

It's clear for me, thanks.

Shall we need to set up something in the BIOS? If it does, could you briefly write down the steps of installment of this new PCI video card for me? Bother you too much, ...

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Problem: GX520 (Small Form Factor) connects two monitors. Thanks.

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