@KSMKTG Thanks very much. That photo is workable. For future reference though it would be better to take a photo like this "face-on" rather than off at a rather extreme angle, since that can make it harder to see or identify ports that might be partially obscured by cables.
But that's not a problem in this specific case, and the good news is that if you want to buy new cables anyway, you can make some improvements. You are correct that the blue cable and white cables are your video cables. The blue cable is called a VGA cable and the white one is called a DVI cable. VGA is the lowest-end display connector and is the only connector still around that uses an analog signal, as opposed to DVI and everything else that now uses a digital signal. As a result, VGA will look a bit worse than any other connector type. Additionally, you are currently running your two displays from two completely separate graphics cards. The connector that the VGA cable (blue) plugs into, as well as the unused black DVI output underneath that cable in the photo, are run by the Intel GPU built into your processor. Meanwhile, the DVI cable (white) that's plugged into that separate bracket is a separate and very likely more powerful GPU. In general, you want to run all of your displays off of a single GPU, specifically your best GPU, unless you have a specific reason for doing otherwise or you simply have more displays than available outputs on a single GPU. Neither would seem to be the case here.
In terms of what to do, using the display model information that ChrisM added to your first post, it seems both of your displays actually have DVI inputs (the type of connector that the white cable would plug into). You might want to check the underside of whichever display is currently using the VGA cable (blue) to confirm that it does in fact have a DVI connector. If so, then what I'd recommend doing is buying a pair of DVI cables of whatever length you require. If you're in the US, this page shows DVI cables from a manufacturer I've had consistently good experiences with, available in a variety of lengths. Then make sure to connect both of the new cables to the GPU connectors that are on their own bracket, specifically the two white DVI outputs arranged side-by-side in your photo. For whichever display was previously using the VGA cable, you might need to manually change its input to DVI, which you would accomplish with a button on the display itself -- although it might also automatically switch over.
At the end of this, you'll have both displays running from the same GPU and you won't be using an analog signal anymore, so whichever display was previously using VGA should look a bit better.
@KSMKTG I don't think there's a way for regular users here to look up display models by serial number. But the display model should be printed on a label somewhere on the back of the display itself. Otherwise, you could upload a picture of the video input connectors available on the display.
And you'd also need to specify what exact Dell system you have so that we know what display outputs you have available to work with. If you have a desktop system, a picture of the video output connectors would be even better since desktops can have a variety of graphics cards, which in turn offer different video output connectors.
As for power cords, you'd just need a regular PC power cord for that. Those are easy to find. Something like this.
jphughan, thanks so much for the reply. It sounds like I've got more crawling around to do. I'll see what I can find in terms of model numbers and connections. I'm trying to set up a standing desk, and looks like it will be a bigger project than I anticipated!
@KSMKTG Happy to help! Sit/stand desks are great. I have one made by Uplift. One thing I'd strongly recommend getting is an anti-fatigue mat. They should be considered absolutely essential. They make the difference between being able to stand comfortably for about 30 minutes vs. hours on end. I'd recommend the CumulusPRO mat. They also have a Cumulus9 that uses softer foam and is better suited for short-term stints (like in a kitchen where you might stand over the sink washing dishes), but the PRO has a firmer foam better suited to longer-term work.
Also plan to put your surge protector on the desk or in your cable management tray so it goes up and down with the desk.
@KSMKTG It looks like a Dell moderator looked up those display serial numbers you posted and added display model information. So that covers half of the picture. The only remaining piece is the display output connectors available on your system. If it's a laptop, you can just provide the model name. If it's a desktop, it might be better to take a picture of the entire rear panel in order to see what display outputs are available, since sometimes those can vary based on the specific configuration of the desktop model. Once the display output connectors become clear, I'd be happy to suggest suitable cables for your displays.
Dear jphughan - you're so kind. Your instructions were perfect. The 2nd monitor does have a DVI connector. I've got an order going on Amazon and will have the cables on Wednesday. You're a life saver!
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
June 8th, 2020 15:00
@KSMKTG Thanks very much. That photo is workable. For future reference though it would be better to take a photo like this "face-on" rather than off at a rather extreme angle, since that can make it harder to see or identify ports that might be partially obscured by cables.
But that's not a problem in this specific case, and the good news is that if you want to buy new cables anyway, you can make some improvements. You are correct that the blue cable and white cables are your video cables. The blue cable is called a VGA cable and the white one is called a DVI cable. VGA is the lowest-end display connector and is the only connector still around that uses an analog signal, as opposed to DVI and everything else that now uses a digital signal. As a result, VGA will look a bit worse than any other connector type. Additionally, you are currently running your two displays from two completely separate graphics cards. The connector that the VGA cable (blue) plugs into, as well as the unused black DVI output underneath that cable in the photo, are run by the Intel GPU built into your processor. Meanwhile, the DVI cable (white) that's plugged into that separate bracket is a separate and very likely more powerful GPU. In general, you want to run all of your displays off of a single GPU, specifically your best GPU, unless you have a specific reason for doing otherwise or you simply have more displays than available outputs on a single GPU. Neither would seem to be the case here.
In terms of what to do, using the display model information that ChrisM added to your first post, it seems both of your displays actually have DVI inputs (the type of connector that the white cable would plug into). You might want to check the underside of whichever display is currently using the VGA cable (blue) to confirm that it does in fact have a DVI connector. If so, then what I'd recommend doing is buying a pair of DVI cables of whatever length you require. If you're in the US, this page shows DVI cables from a manufacturer I've had consistently good experiences with, available in a variety of lengths. Then make sure to connect both of the new cables to the GPU connectors that are on their own bracket, specifically the two white DVI outputs arranged side-by-side in your photo. For whichever display was previously using the VGA cable, you might need to manually change its input to DVI, which you would accomplish with a button on the display itself -- although it might also automatically switch over.
At the end of this, you'll have both displays running from the same GPU and you won't be using an analog signal anymore, so whichever display was previously using VGA should look a bit better.
Hopefully this helps!
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
June 2nd, 2020 09:00
@KSMKTG I don't think there's a way for regular users here to look up display models by serial number. But the display model should be printed on a label somewhere on the back of the display itself. Otherwise, you could upload a picture of the video input connectors available on the display.
And you'd also need to specify what exact Dell system you have so that we know what display outputs you have available to work with. If you have a desktop system, a picture of the video output connectors would be even better since desktops can have a variety of graphics cards, which in turn offer different video output connectors.
As for power cords, you'd just need a regular PC power cord for that. Those are easy to find. Something like this.
KSMKTG
5 Posts
0
June 2nd, 2020 10:00
jphughan, thanks so much for the reply. It sounds like I've got more crawling around to do. I'll see what I can find in terms of model numbers and connections. I'm trying to set up a standing desk, and looks like it will be a bigger project than I anticipated!
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
June 2nd, 2020 13:00
@KSMKTG Happy to help! Sit/stand desks are great. I have one made by Uplift. One thing I'd strongly recommend getting is an anti-fatigue mat. They should be considered absolutely essential. They make the difference between being able to stand comfortably for about 30 minutes vs. hours on end. I'd recommend the CumulusPRO mat. They also have a Cumulus9 that uses softer foam and is better suited for short-term stints (like in a kitchen where you might stand over the sink washing dishes), but the PRO has a firmer foam better suited to longer-term work.
Also plan to put your surge protector on the desk or in your cable management tray so it goes up and down with the desk.
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
1
June 5th, 2020 09:00
@KSMKTG It looks like a Dell moderator looked up those display serial numbers you posted and added display model information. So that covers half of the picture. The only remaining piece is the display output connectors available on your system. If it's a laptop, you can just provide the model name. If it's a desktop, it might be better to take a picture of the entire rear panel in order to see what display outputs are available, since sometimes those can vary based on the specific configuration of the desktop model. Once the display output connectors become clear, I'd be happy to suggest suitable cables for your displays.
KSMKTG
5 Posts
0
June 8th, 2020 06:00
Hi and thanks again! I never would have known the moderator updated my original question! I'll work on the second part of the issue.
KSMKTG
5 Posts
0
June 8th, 2020 14:00
KSMKTG
5 Posts
0
June 8th, 2020 17:00
Dear jphughan - you're so kind. Your instructions were perfect. The 2nd monitor does have a DVI connector. I've got an order going on Amazon and will have the cables on Wednesday. You're a life saver!
jphughan
9 Legend
•
14K Posts
0
June 8th, 2020 18:00
@KSMKTG Excellent, glad I was able to help. Hope you enjoy your new setup when your cables arrive!