PCI Express (Intel 915G Chipset) & ADD2

[Guest]

I have a Gateway 420GR P4 computer with the Intel 915G Chipset, it has a PCI
Express slot and I have been reading that I add an ADD2 (Advanced Digital
Display) card to the computer for using dual monitors.

1) I need to know if this will allow me to extend the desktop for a larger
working area by using this type card along with the Intel GMA900 onboard
graphics subsystem

and

2) Where can I purchase this type card as I have been unable to locate them
anywhere.

 

[Yves Leclerc]

1) Normally, the drivers should allow you to

a) Clone the primary display to the secondary display
b) Extend the desktop


2) You should contact Gateway first. Since they prodived you with the PC
and the motherboard, you need to first check with them. Adding non-Gateway
products into your PC may void your warranty.

OR http://www.shop-intel.com/shop/product.asp?pid=SIDB8264

 

[David Hollway [MVP]]

Brian,

To add to Yves' comments..

Yes, ADD2 cards basically just add a DVI or S-Video port to the onboard
graphics, via video signals from the 915G chipset that are mux'ed onto the
PCI Express x16 connector.
Adding a DVI ADD2 card will allow you to clone or extend the desktop - for
example, have the VGA monitor running at 1024x768, and the DVI one running
at the same, lower, or higher resolution.
What you CAN'T do is put another PCI-Express x16 card (e.g ATI X800) into
the board and use that in addition to the GMA900 graphics core. Addition of
an add-in graphics board will, as for all previous Intel chipsets, disable
the integrated core.

Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

David,

I appreciate your help as well as that of Yves. I contacted Intel yesterday
and ordered the ADD2 card. I basically want to utilize the on-board GMA900
with the ADD2 card. I do not do any gaming, and mainly work with video
projects where I like to extend my desktop onto another monitor and utilize
various software applications easier at one time.

The card has been shipped, once I get it will there be any software included
that I need to install, or just shut down the PC and install the card? And
as you said then adjust my properties on how I want to utilize both monitors.
I already have an adapter to use the new card so I can connect my monitor
(standard flat panel VGA monitor).

 

[David Hollway [MVP]]

David,

I appreciate your help as well as that of Yves. I contacted Intel
yesterday
and ordered the ADD2 card. I basically want to utilize the on-board
GMA900
with the ADD2 card. I do not do any gaming, and mainly work with video
projects where I like to extend my desktop onto another monitor and
utilize
various software applications easier at one time.

The card has been shipped, once I get it will there be any software
included
that I need to install, or just shut down the PC and install the card?
And
as you said then adjust my properties on how I want to utilize both
monitors.
I already have an adapter to use the new card so I can connect my monitor
(standard flat panel VGA monitor).

Hi Brian,

No, there should be no additional software to install - the BIOS will pick
up the card & should give you POST & the Windows boot process on both
screens (cloned), then once the Intel graphics driver loads (you do have it
installed, I'll assume) it _should_ auto-detect the card too and you will be
able to configure the displays - the easiest way is normally to right-click
on the Desktop and select from the Intel graphics menu - IIRC the wording is
something like "Output to -[submenu]-> Digital".
If you have any problems, post back.

Good luck!