problems with dual monitors

Question

i have a Dell Dimension E521 with a (256mb) ATI Radeon X1300Pro video card and im attempting to get dual monitors but when i plug the monitors into the onboard video card and the ATI Radeon X1300Pro card my pc wont start up and it gives me an error saying something is plugged into the onboard video card and to remove it. i tried using 3 other video cards but it said 'This device cannot start (code 10)' with all of them. I have the most updated drivers for everything. Any help will be appreciated.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

Ozzzzysh,

It is either one or the other. If you go into the System Setup - Video- Primary Video, you have two choices:
Auto = uses added PCIe video card
Onboard = uses integrated video card

Choose Auto and connect both monitors to the added PCIe video card. Then choose either Clone Mode or Extended Mode.

Ozzzzysh · Answer

so you can only have 1 addon video card? That video card has to have two ports to have dual monitors?

DELL-Chris M · Answer

Ozzzzysh, No. You can disable the onboard video, then add a PCIe video card and a PCI video card.

Ozzzzysh · Answer

oh, ok Thank you

gpro · Answer

Chris, what's wrong with a single PCIe card with two ports?

DELL-Chris M · Answer

gpro, I mentioned using one PCIe video card in my previous post, but, he then asked, 'so you can only have 1 addon video card?', so I then addressed that question.

gpro · Answer

aah, yes... sorry, not paying attention.

patrician · Answer

GOOD GRIEF! Just got this week a new E521 with nVidia 7300 LE -- website specifically said the card supported dual monitors, but i find only one PCI connection on back of E521.............do i have to run the second monitor through the VGA, or, do i even have to void warranty by cracking the box open and adding a second PCI with two connections??!!?!?!?

patrician · Answer

Re 'Ozzzzysh, No. You can disable the onboard video, then add a PCIe video card and a PCI video card,' 3 questions:   1. i want to upgrade the video card nVidia 7300 LE i chose for my 521... Can one through a compatibility check or otherwise know  before one buys a new video card online whether such new card will match up with  my E521? In other words, for example, CRUCIAL has  a function on their site which tells you instantly which products they sell will fit your precise PC motherboard. Are there any video card manufacturers who offer a similar service BEFORE one buys??   2. what nVidia cards would you recommend for an E521 for viewing DVDs and playing games for kids rated for kids 10 and under, ie, no Unreal Tournament, Quake 4, Half Life 2, etc.....   Tx

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problems with dual monitors

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