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dual monitors with intel gma x3000
Well I'm about to buy a Dimension E520. The only thing holding me back at the moment is this question:
Will intel's onboard GMA x3000 chipset support my dual monitors?
Both monitors will be 19 inch E197FP Analog Flat Panel.
Also, if i go with the onboard graphics, that doesn't keep me from using a dedicated graphics card later on, right?
Thanks!
Will intel's onboard GMA x3000 chipset support my dual monitors?
Both monitors will be 19 inch E197FP Analog Flat Panel.
Also, if i go with the onboard graphics, that doesn't keep me from using a dedicated graphics card later on, right?
Thanks!
mombodog
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December 21st, 2006 05:00
Brainonska511
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December 21st, 2006 05:00
Onboard graphics do not support dual-monitors, you'll need a video card with two outputs.
Since they are analog monitors, you'll probably need at least one DVI to VGA converter; a dedicated card will have at most one VGA port, and more likely, it will have 2 DVI ports instead of 1 DVI and 1 VGA.
suluclac
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January 5th, 2007 00:00
After that, I held off on buying the machine.
Now it's between a "high end" E520 (about $909 with 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache), or the low end XPS ($999 with 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache).
What is the price difference really for? Is the XPS more "upgradable", are the components used better? I primarily want to use the machine for web application development. But of course I also want to have the capability to play the latest games, if i chose to.
One more thing, should I spend the extra $70 to get the 19" digital monitor instead of the included analog?
Thanks for your help!
-Gary
Brainonska511
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January 5th, 2007 03:00
Digital monitors give sharper pictures than analog monitors, so that $70 is up to you.
Since you want to play the games, you should get a machine with the lowest end graphics option possible and then upgrade it yourself.
Get the following:
Processor: Core 2 Duo (1.86GHz is enough, going for a higher speed won't do too much, money is better spent in other areas)
Memory: 1GB should be enough, the upgrade to 2GB can be expensive through Dell.
Hard Drive: whatever you need for storage, don't go with a RAID 0 array, as it is twice as likely to fail compared with an individual drive setup.
OS: Whatever you need, Home or MCE should be fine. Only get Pro if you need to join a Domain. Feel free to choose an express upgrade to Vista Home Premium.
Video Card: Cheapest available through Dell. Then upgrade after you get it. I recommend at least a 7600GT (midrange graphics card, ~$100-$150). If you want to go with a faster card, you can go with a (increasing speed) 7900GS, X1950Pro, or a 7950GT.
Sound Card: Go with the most basic integrated available. If you want a dedicated sound card, you can get one cheaper in the aftermarket (a version of the X-Fi Music card is available through Newegg for between $40 and $70).
Monitor: Your choice, digital gives sharper pictures than analog
Modem: Skip out on the 56K modem if you use a broadband connection, it will free up a PCI slot in your new machine.
CD Drive: Just get a single optical drive, such as the DVD+-RW drive, it will be able to handle all your burning and reading needs.
Floppy/Media card reader: your choice
Warranty: No more than 2 years for a desktop
Antivirus/Firewall: You can skip out and use ZoneAlarm (Firewall) and AntiVir (Antivirus) for free, or if you want to buy protection immediately, PC-Cillin is pretty good.
Also keep a look out for coupons/Hot Deals on Dell Desktops (Google: Dell Coupons).
Message Edited by Brainonska511 on 01-04-200711:29 PM