What adapter would allow two Pc's on 1 2405

[dfonda]

I would like to try to run a second PC on my Dell 2405. I am using the dvi-d for the main PC.

Is there an adapter that would allow the signal from the other PC to be plugged in to the available sources, Composite, svideo or component( The avalable d-sub(VGA) won't work when using the dvi-d.

It can connect either to a male dvi-d or a male vga. Is there such an adapter and does anyone have a setup like this working.

If so would the PIP have to be on continously for the 2nd PC to work.


Secondary question whats the smallest and least expensive flat screen available. Its only needed to make the PC boot and stay running. In case the first scenario can't be accomplished.

Thanks:)

Cheapest so far:$90 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1546305&CatId=164

[The_Jizzler]

Like these? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Order=PRICE&Page=1&Category=29&N=2000290143+1112808982+1291318194+1305620698&Submit=ENE&Nty=1&Subcategory=143)

KVM switches are what you want i believe.

[TTP]

You don't need a KVM. Just use the DVI on one pc and the VGA on the other PC.

[bchur83]

You don't need a KVM. Just used the DVI on one pc and the VGA on the other PC.

Exactly. This is the easiest way to do what you want as long as you want an independent KB/Mouse for each PC. As for PIP, I dont think it will let you do PIP or PBP with VGA and DVI, only between one PC input and a regular video input.

[Randyman...]

That's exactly what I do: DVI for Main Desktop PC, and VGA for "Projects/Tweaks" of other PC's... PIP won't work as already stated...

:cool:

[dfonda]

You don't need a KVM. Just use the DVI on one pc and the VGA on the other PC.
That's exactly what I do: DVI for Main Desktop PC, and VGA for "Projects/Tweaks" of other PC's... PIP won't work as already stated...
I don't think my dell 2405 allows that. Please correct me if I'm wrong because thats what I wanted to do.

Hooked up the second rig to the VGA using a dvi cable and a VGA adapter at the monitor end. Switched over to the DVI-sub on the monitor but the PC just beeps and nothing shows up on screen???

Unless I need a regular vga cable which I dont't have, but could get. The one I got is the DVI cable and the vga adapter for the one end....didn't think that would make a diff but maybe it does.

[Randyman...]

It might be that the DVI cable is not passing Analog Signals. There are 2 or 3 "Versions" of DVI (I get them mixed up) but one carries Digital AND Analog signals (the Analog is the "Blade" conductor area of the connector IIRC), and one only carries Digital Signals.

The "Digital Only" DVI Cables (DVI-D IIRC) will not work with a DVI-to-VGA adaptor IIRC. Those VGA-to-DVI adaptors are NOT Digital to Analog converters, they simply pass the Analog signal down the DVI Cable, and make it work for VGA connectors IIRC. (Man, lots of IIRC's in this post :p )

Try using a VGA cable from the Video Card to the Monitor, and I bet you'll be fine (or check to see if your DVI cable supports Analog Signals). I should mention mine is a 2407WFP Rev3, but I also have an old 20.1" Dell 2000FP that allows me to do the same thing with VGA/DVI on 2 PC's...

:cool:

[dfonda]

Excellent news!! I'll get one tomorrow. That makes complete sense if you have your Dell doing the same thing.

Thanks for all the help folks.:)

[Mr. Roboto]

I'm confused, do you want both on screen at the same time though? I Don't think you can set it to run dvi and vga side by side, it can only display one at a time.

[dfonda]

I'm confused, do you want both on screen at the same time though? I Don't think you can set it to run dvi and vga side by side, it can only display one at a time.

That would be fine Mr. R.
The second rig is to fold on thats all. I just need it to boot and stay running. So I want to boot it up check it out for a minute on the VGA connection. Then switch back over to the DVI and I'm done.

As long as the second rig continues to think its connected to a monitor. In other words doesn't crash. I'll be good. I hope it thinks its monitor is sleeeping or something.( If the two rigs can not run together then I'll be forced to get a cheap 15" lcd.)

Once I get it running I can switch my x1950 pro AGP card to it and fold with the GPU client.

Then I plan on replacing the MOBO in the first rig in my sig and go Conroe. (Slightly off topic but thats what I'm trying to do here.)

[Mr. Roboto]

Well if that's all you want it to do, then it should work without issue. I've got 2 desktops hooked up my my 2407, one on vga and one on dvi. I can boot one up without having the monitor on that input, works fine. Granted, you have a 2405, but I don't think that would effect it. Seems like it would be more reliant on the computer.

[dfonda]

Ordered it from newegg. I'll know in a couple of days.

[dfonda]

Update: It did work fine. Had to go into safe mode and start as VGA. then changed the res back once I got into windows. Just push the button and it switches back and forth and both PC's run fine. Thanks again for the help.

Total cost $20... $10 for the wrong cable and $10 for the right one.:beer:

Is it possible to run a third PC with the proper cable in one of the other inputs? Anyone have that working?