Scott Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Do you guys not get Wikipedia where you live? Wikipedia is generally not a very reliable source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morpheus Posted November 15, 2010 Share Posted November 15, 2010 Hmmmm, I didn't think about this being an issue. Must test it sometime. Anyway, after all this, CJ's telly probably has Component video input (analogue RGB and CMYK) and a VGA connector! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 I have bought a new GFX card and I pick it up today and have a couple more questions 1. After fitting the GFX card do I need to change anything in the settings / bios or is it just a plug and play? 2. Do i need to disable my VGA onboard card? 3. If i use the GFX card to play into my TV via a HDMI card, could I still use the VGA output on a separate PC monitor? Not at the same time but when I want to use the PC in another room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 1. After fitting the GFX card do I need to change anything in the settings / bios or is it just a plug and play? 2. Do i need to disable my VGA onboard card? 3. If i use the GFX card to play into my TV via a HDMI card, could I still use the VGA output on a separate PC monitor? Not at the same time but when I want to use the PC in another room. 1. You'll probably need to install the driver for it. What I would do is before fitting the graphics card, drop the screen resolution in Windows down to something very basic like 800x600: this is something that graphics cards/chips tend to support even without the proper drivers installed. Then fit the GFX card. Then, once you've booted into Windows and installed the correct driver you should be able to crank the resolution back up again. This is the fail-safe method I would use, although it might not be necessary to drop the resolution down these days. 2. No need to disable onboard graphics. 3. That should work, yes. It's not something I've tried though. Windows XP has a "hardware profiles" setting in Device Manager whereby I think you can specify different profiles that will use different hardware, or the same hardware in a different way. e.g. you could have a "hdmi" profile which outputs graphics to the GFX card, and a "vga" profile which disables the GFX card and outputs only to the VGA port. Again, it might not even be necessary to set up profiles, it might just work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imi Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 Regarding point 2_ I would have thought it would be good to disable the onboard graphics in order to avoid it taking away unnecessary system resources like memory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 Thank you my friend. I am assuming Windows 7 will have the same type of profiles too. This should be interesting as I have never fitted a card like this before. Let's hope I don't mess things up completely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 Well, after a couple of problems, the card is in and running fine and dandy - albeit just using the vga output until my hole is drilled in my wall for connection to my TV. The problem I had was due to the mahoosive radiator thing attached to the GFX card. As I had already got 2 things in the other white slots (sorry, dont know their name) it meant the GFX card would not mount in the correct position. The 2 slots were being used for an extra 4 USB card and also a new LAN plug thing as my old one on the MOBO decided not to work. I have (for now at least) taken out the card with the 4 USB slots and the GFX card fits in OK. Go me eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 Regarding point 2_ I would have thought it would be good to disable the onboard graphics in order to avoid it taking away unnecessary system resources like memory. I use Windows 7 and currently have one of those desktop gadgets that tells me I am using 41% of RAM so that seems to be OK - yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 I use Windows 7 and currently have one of those desktop gadgets that tells me I am using 41% of RAM so that seems to be OK - yes? The onboard GFX will have been automatically disabled when the PCI-e port detected a card in there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 Things were not quite 100% as I had forgotten to install the driver All done now and working like a good un. Now to get the hole in the wall sorted and then HDMI to the LCD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 Just a quick update: I finally got around to getting the hole drilled and set up the PC today. I am delighted to say that everything is working perfectly and exactly as I envisaged. I know have a PC in the lounge that is connected to my LCD TV and my surround sound system. I have 2 ext HD's connected - one a standard 500gb and the other a 650gb multimedia jobby. It now means that I can play all my files through the TV without transferring files from one HD to the other and play my music through a much better sound system. I also bough a Logitech MK250 wireless keyboard / mouse set and this too is working very well. It means I can use the LCD as a PC monitor or walk through to the kitchen and use my old PC station as the new GFX card allows multi output and so my old LCD monitor also comes into play. So, all in all this has all worked out fine and this is in no small measure down to the advice given by people on here. Once again you have my gratitude and thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra_aero Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 What's it like using a lcd tv as a monitor? As good as a monitor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 What's it like using a lcd tv as a monitor? As good as a monitor? I am not too sure I understand what you mean. I was already using a smaller LCD monitor and so the quality is the same or do you mean something else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supra_aero Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 I am not too sure I understand what you mean. I was already using a smaller LCD monitor and so the quality is the same or do you mean something else? O I get what you mean. Basically I discovered you can watch freeview on your pc for free the other day. I'll post the link when I get home - I've forgotten it. Anyway means I no longer have to worry about freeview box/reception and all that crup. It's great!! My only problem is pc monitor is 14" so debating whether to get a dedicated pc 20" monitor or a 32" lcd tv and use the tv as a monitor. Judging by fact you are happy with tv screen, I may buy one of those and use that - seems tv screens are cheaper than lcd monitors. At least in reference to size . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Posted November 23, 2010 Author Share Posted November 23, 2010 Ah, I see what you mean now. My only issue with using the TV as a monitor is the reading of what's on the screen as my eyes are not so good. In saying that, i have only ever wanted to use the TV as a multimedia outlet and still use my LCD monitor for the computing - if that makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.