old video card compatibility

  • Thread starter Thread starter rodchar
  • Start date Start date
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rodchar

hey all,
do you think an old video card i was using in a pc back when win98 was
popular would work in my new pc now?

i'd like to add a 2nd video card for dual monitors.

thanks,
rodchar
 
Depends on the operating system you are currently using, if there are
drivers available for it the video card and also whether your current card
or onboard video is compatible.

Many onboard video systems turn off as soon as there is another video card
installed in a PCI or other slot on the motherboard. Others are controlled
in the bios.

Without knowing a lot more information (current video setup and
make/manufacturer, motherboard make and manufacturer and old video card make
and manufacturer no one here can even make a guess.

Some may tell you to try it to see if it works. I won't do that without
further information since you may render the onboard video unusable and
until the drivers are installed for the old card, you won't have very good
monitor output (if at all.)
 
so if i buy one of those new dual output video cards would all i have to do
is put the card in and turn it on?
 
You would first have to determine what video card would be compatible with
your system.

You would have to follow the instructions that came with the card to install
the proper drivers (supplied normally on a CD) at the proper time and in the
proper manner.

As for the video currently in the machine, I still don't know if it is a
card installed in the machine or an on-board video setup. Procedures may
vary for a new video card depending on what is there currently.
 
my current video card is installed in a 16x pci express. There is no onboard
video.








- Show quoted text -
Click to expand...

Aren't most PCI Express video cards already have the possibility of
having two monitors connected to it? Check the back of your PC and
see the available video ports. You should see at least two ports with
any combination of DVI and VGA. (ignore any S-Video ports since this
is really only for TVs and has limited resolutions.)
 
ok, i tried to connect the second video card so i have a 3rd monitor and it
appeared to work for a few minutes and then the 3rd monitor turned off by
itself. And then when I try to open a big program like Window Media Center it
locks up.

I'm wondering if it's getting enough power? I have a 300Watt power supply
could this be an issue. because like i said, it appears to work for a few
minutes.
 
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