Hi tslu69,

The Optiplex 990 does have a multiple display option in BIOS but video setting will only be visible when a video card is installed on the system.  It is listed under the System Configuration tab. Check this link:

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Please reply for any clarifications.

Hi Satya,

So there is no way that I can use the vga port and displayport to hook up two monitors with the current onboard Intel graphics card without installing another graphics card.

Unless I need a third monitor then I need the extra graphics card otherwise these isn't a point.

HI tsulu69,

Sorry about the delay. If the TV has an option to plug-in a VGA cable and display port cable, you can connect two monitors without installing another graphics card. However the resolution may be compromised. In case the TV does not have option to connect display port or VGA cables, you will need to buy a display port to VGA converter available at a local store.

Please revert for any clarifications.

Hi Satya,

I have two monitors, both with option of VGA connection. I'm trying to use the optiplex 990 vga port for one and the other via the displayport. I do have a displayport to vga converter. My problem is I'm not able to enable multiple display in the bios since it is not visible. Earlier on you pointed out that for the multiple display option to appear, I need to put in a graphics card. Well, unless i wanted to hook up a third monitor otherwise it doesn't make sense.

So I'm wondering whether it is possible at all to hook up the two monitors that way.

Hi tsulu69,

You got it right. In the absense of graphics card on this computer, you can only connect 2 monitors (One through VGA and second through Display port via display port to VGA cable).  For this, you don't have to change any options in BIOS setup. You can enable multiple displays in clone mode from display properties window.

For more information on how to set up multiple displays: support.microsoft.com/.../307873

Please reply if you have any further questions.

Hi Satya,

My windows 7 is not detecting the second monitor that is plugged in to the displayport. When I get to Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization->Display->Connect to an external display, all I can see is one monitor. That's was why I thought it is not enabled in the bios.

I'm just wondering, could it be my displayport is not working? Any ways to diagnose that?

Thanks

Hi tsulu,

I believe right now you have connected the primary monitor using the VGA port and trying to connect the second monitor to the display port using a display port to VGA converter.

If we need to check the functionality of the display port, disconnect the primary monitor from the VGA port and connect it to the display port. This will help us identify if the display port is working. Also ensure the screen resolution is set to lowest. We could try other combinations of adapters, like display port to display port or display port to DVI based on the ports available on the monitors.

Please reply if you have any other questions.

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