Hooking up a second monitor.

Hi!

I'm trying to hook up a second monitor to my setup right now. Here's the details.

I have one 4K monitor connected to my GTX 970 via HDMI 2.0. It can display full 4K resolution and looks great. No problems there.

Now, in order to connect a second monitor, I pretty much have 2 options. The GTX 970 supports both Dual-Link DVI connection and Displayport. However, the second monitor I want to hook up to is only a 1080p monitor, and only has HDMI inputs. Therefore, I would have to use an adapter or special cable along the way that would convert either the DVI or Displayport into basic HDMI.

I'm confused, though. Which method would work best for what I'm trying to do? Also, will it be possible to keep the 1080p display in 1080p even though the main resolution of the other display is 4K?

I know special cables and adapters exist, I'm just wondering what is the best way to go with the hardware I have. Any tips or help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Fluent

I can't speak for your exact hardware, but this shouldn't be a problem. I've got a simple dvi to HDMI adapter that works fine - get one cheap online, not at AV store prices. And in my experience, dual monitors with Nvidia just works. Different resolutions should be no problem.

I would simply use a DVI to HDMI adapter. Windows will automatically use the TFT's natural resolution. Both monitors are independent. Configuring the desktop is no problem.

Yub, I am also using 2 monitors. Main Screen is 1920 x 1080, and the other one is rotated by 90° so it's 1050 x 1680. It doesn't matter how you connect them. Configuration is completely independent.

Thanks for the responses! I purchased a simple DVI to HDMI adapter. Can't wait to try it out!

You may find that you need to disable the 2nd monitor when playing certain old games. Accidentally moving the mouse to a 2nd screen causes some oldies to freak out

Originally Posted by crpgnut
You may find that you need to disable the 2nd monitor when playing certain old games. Accidentally moving the mouse to a 2nd screen causes some oldies to freak out

Personally I am using a program called "cursor lock" which you can download for free.
As nut mentioned that's required in some older games where you can mouse out of the main screen. And in worst case a click on the desktop on the other screen, minimizing the game, crashes it. With cursor lock you can start the game, press the cursor lock hotkey, which then "locks" the cursor to that monitor. So a missclick cannot happen.

ooh, nice. Gonna try to remember this tidbit when I get home. I'm playing Madman and it has weird stuff that goes on if you click out of the main screen.