Optiplex 7010 dual display issue

Question

Hi All,

I just bought a refurbished Dell U2412M 24"monitor to replace the Dell E177FPC 19" that I use as a second monitor. The one I already have is a Dell 2405FPW 24". My existing setup has the big dell directly into the VGA output on the desktop, and the small one is in the DP port (which goes to an active HDMI adapter and then to an adapter to VGA and then a VGA cord to the monitor. Both work fine. When I plugged the new one in, the 240FPW was blinking on and off and the new one had no display. My display adapter (Intel HD graphics 4000) shows 2 monitors hooked up but only one is displaying. I tried deleting the driver and reinstalling and changing what ports each monitor is connected to (multiple configurations). No change. How do I fix this?

Thanks

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

I do not think so.  I remember reading when going from HDMI out to DP in you need active adapter because DP in requires a clock signal.  HDMI out does not have clock signal.  One of your monitor has DVI in port.

MacktheKnife · Answer

Hi.  Yes, that is how I use it.  One of the monitors is blank and keeps flashing the power saving message.  The other one blinks on and off randomly.

redxps630 · Answer

you need to choose 'Extend Desktop to this display' option for Multiple displays inside Display>Screen resolution, if your system is able to see two monitors connected.

redxps630 · Answer

try disconnect old 24' monitor, connect the new 24' monitor to each of the two video ports on your pc and test it.  do you get stable video?  do the same test w the old 24' alone.  if both monitors are stable as single monitor on either video ports, but can not produce normal video when connected to pc together, that would be strange.

MacktheKnife · Answer

Yes it is. Not only that (yes, that's one of the first things I tried), but when connecting the 19" dell monitor to the other port with either one of the 24" connected they both work fine. I'm wondering if the onboard graphics can't handle two 24" monitors? The onboard is Intel HD graphics 4000.

I'm also wondering if I used a DP to DP cable instead of the adapter if that would work?

I'm grasping at straws here.

redxps630 · Answer

the business class optiplex pcs I see come with small video card w DMS-59 connector to connect to two monitors.

can you try connect both to the 2 DP ports? previously your two monitors are not matched in resolution so you may get by by using VGA+DP. now both have same resolution. it would make more sense to use two DP. your new monitor has DP. your old 24 monitor has DVI-D. you just need a DP to DVI-D adapter. Also one more reason your old setup is not optimal. VGA is analog and DP is digital. mixing them to dual monitor is not great idea.

7010 spec Video • 15-pin VGA connector
• two 20-pin DisplayPort connectors

MacktheKnife · Answer

Yes, my next plan was going to be using both DP ports.  Went to buy a DP to DP cable yesterday, but they were sold out. Going further afield today in the attempt and getting 2 new cables.  If I got the DP to DVI-D adapter does it have to be an active converter?

MacktheKnife · Answer

Thanks for all your input. The new DP cables and the DP - DVI-D adapters came in this morning.  I installed and things are working like a charm. Thanks!

tiamarie070811 · Answer

Hello. I have a dell optiplex 7500 and on the computer it has a vga port and two display ports, I have tried everything to connect both monitors but it is not working and I need this computer for work asap. The monitors are both HP. Can you help me

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 7010 dual display issue

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