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Resolved Question

New monitor for old PC

by Aug 9, 2013 8:32PM PDT

Hello

I'm currently looking to buy a new monitor for a PC that is over 6 years old. The problem I have is that the PC has only a VGA socket on the motherboard, but modern monitors that I look at have only DVI-I sockets.

I'm thinking of getting this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-S22C300HS-Monitor-250cd-1920x1080/dp/B00BFTRSXW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1376129638&sr=8-3&keywords=monitor

However, if it only has a DVI-I socket, would there be a way to connect it to my old PC without losing picture quality? Upgrading my PC is not something I'd consider.

I have another, more modern PC that has a DVI-I socket on both its GPU and monitor, but is actually connected with a DVI-D cable. The quality of image is superb.

If you can't tell, I'm actually a bit confused with this, and would very much appreciate some help.

Thanks.

Discussion is locked

ItsMeReally has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
8 Posts
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Best Answer

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Monitor
by Aug 10, 2013 12:06AM PDT

You didn't say much about your system except that it is only VGA capable. You could run down to a box store and purchase and inexpensive Video slot card that is DVI capable, it is a minor installation but again, a little more information on your system might help.

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Hmmm
by ItsMeReally Aug 10, 2013 4:03AM PDT

Hello. Thanks for replying.

Sorry. I didn't think my specs would be needed.

OS: Windows XP Home SP3
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
RAM: 1GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 315MHz
Mobo: ASUSTeK Computer INC. M2NS-NVM
GPU: 32MB GeForce 6100 nForce 405 (Integrated)

I'm currently using a monitor with a native resolution of 1440x900. I don't really want to upgrade this PC as I don't expect it to last much longer. Buying a cable or adaptor that could be used on other PCs would be my preferred option, as long as it wasn't too expensive.

Could you provide an example of the type of video card that I could get for a low price? This PC is used almost exclusively for internet browsing, Youtube and listening to music. It isn't used for gaming or any resource-hungry software like Photoshop or 3D modelling.

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The 6100 should drive just about any monitor today.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Aug 10, 2013 5:33AM PDT

So it's just a matter of getting one with VGA and if you want to future proof it, the usual HDMI port.
Bob

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Monitor
by pgc3 Aug 11, 2013 12:30AM PDT

Bob has the right idea, IF you don't want to upgrade the tower, get a monitor that runs VGA but incorporates an HDMI hook up. Many of the better monitors have VGA DVI and HDMI capabilities and would be ready to go when you upgrade to a new tower.

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Thanks
by ItsMeReally Aug 11, 2013 5:07AM PDT

Thanks for the replies.

The monitor I linked to above has HDMI and VGA in its title description. Does that mean it has both HDMI and VGA sockets, but not DVI?

Would a monitor running at 1920x1080 require more resources than one running at 1440x900? My other concern is that this old PC won't be able to handle the higher resolution. I wanted to use the other monitor I mentioned to test it, but can't due to the lack of DVI sockets on the old PC.

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yes. but why would it matter?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Aug 11, 2013 8:35AM PDT

As you recall, DVI can be digital and have HDCP so a common DVI to HDMI adapter should be fine. Also, on said video card I never saw any improvement if I used VGA or DVI so again I would not worry about this.

VGA and HDMI on a display would make me happy and done.
Bob

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Thanks again
by ItsMeReally Aug 12, 2013 1:56AM PDT
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Monitor
by pgc3 Aug 13, 2013 2:37AM PDT

Wow! Nice monitor, good choice, glad all is well!

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