Windows 10: Triple Monitor Q&A - USB to VGA solutions?

Is anyone out there familiar with triple monitor setups?

Specifically, anyone on here have experience with these or similar products?
Amazon.com: Plugable USB to VGA Video Graphics Adapter for Multiple Displays up to 1920x1080 (Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP): Electronics

Amazon.com: LinkS SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to VGA Adapter for Windows: Electronics


I've been thinking about building another computer because what I use has only one VGA port and I want a third monitor.
Then I realized, I really don't have to get another computer. I could just get another monitor and a USB to VGA device.

Who even knew these were a thing?

Any experiences, positive or negative? I don't intend to play games on the third monitor, but I will likely watch videos on it, however I'm not picky about the quality. Everyone I know swears they can tell the difference between 720 and 1080p. I'm not sure that I can, and the better quality doesn't enhance the experience for me any. As long as it's at least broadcast TV clear, and the voices are synced I'm happy.

:)

 

dual monitor using VGA splitter Y cable

"Splitting" a VGA signal, either using a cable like you did or a vga signal splitter box like this one can only duplicate the image:

https://www.amazon.com/Distributor-Amplifier-Ch...

The VGA standard simply does not allow you to "daisy chain" multiple monitors showing different images through a single port. Not enough "bandwidth".

To "extend" the desktop to show different images on the 2 monitors you will need a USB to VGA adapter like this one:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/THZY-USB-3-0-to-VGA-...

This allows you to plug a VGA monitor into a USB port and have Windows recognize it.

First thing to determine is if you have USB version 2 or USB version 3 port(s). Older computers only have USB 2. Many newer computers have a mix of both. Confirm if the a USB3 version of the adapter will work in a usb2 port, some will, some won't. (Buy USB
3 if possible, for use on future computers and monitors)

Note: the links are quickly found examples, they are not specific recommendations. You should do your own research to find the best features and price.

Do either of your monitors have any other video input ports, ie HDMI / DVI / DisplayPort etc ? If you do, buy an adapter for those newer port types so you will have the option of using the adapter on a newer computers and monitors.

 

Computer monitor when out from a bab VGAPort on my desk top computer, can this monitor be reset?

This is the Mobile device section, I don't think a monitor counts.

If you're having trouble with hardware I would recommend contacting the manufacturer or checking the device manual.

Whether or not the problem you are experiencing can be fixed will depend on what you mean when you say "gone bad".

Try checking the Monitors menu to make sure the screen itself works.

Check that all the pins in the VGA cable you are using are in tact and straight at both ends of the cable.

Check that the VGA sockets on the monitor and PC are in tact and not damaged.

If you're not sure what you're looking for here's a link to images of VGA cables and sockets.

Bing VGA search

 

I run triple monitors on my desktop PC but they all run off of my dedicated Video card. On my laptop I run dual displays with the second one being a USB 3 display. It uses DisplayLink software. This is the one I have, https://www.asus.com/Monitors/MB168BPlus/ May not be the exact same model but looks identical to the one I have. I've watched videos on it and didn't notice any lag. I don't game on my laptop anyway. I went this route because its nice and compact and will fit it my laptop bag with my laptop. It's the same size as a 15 inch tablet only its a monitor. Just the one cable for power and video. I have no experience with the adapters you posted, sorry.

 

never used a usb to vga, but I do use a hdmi to vga ,for connecting my Raspberry Pi to my multiport monitor, and it works great

 

Those USB to VGA stuffs are good only for regular PC tasks like spreadsheets and other documents. It's kind of slow refreshing pages so watching videos through them may not be a good idea. I had one before but I returned it. Instead I just replaced my video card. If you have a 300 watts power supply, this low end video card will solve your problem (provided that you are not going to do gaming):

http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Silence-Di...IS+HD+5450+1gb

Of course you will still need to buy a 3rd monitor and an active displayport to VGA/DVI/HDMI (whatever port you have) adapter to make the third monitor work.

This is a sample of the displayport to dvi active adapter (keyword: ACTIVE , passive will not work):

http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters%...active+adapter

 

Except I have a laptop so that's probably not going to work right?

That's not a problem. I got two 24 inch HP monitors last year for $150.

What's the difference between active and passive?

 

Ok my bad. I didn't know it's for a laptop you are looking for.

Either you get the ASUS one that alphanumeric posted or this one:

 

You could use an old legacy PCI VGA card so you have at least one more monitor output. This is an example of EVGA GeForce 6200 512MB PCI card

WARNING! I'm talking about legacy PCI (plugs into the white legacy 32-bit PCI ports), not the new PCI-Express cards (that plug into a PCI-E 16x port)

In case that running the relevant nVidia Forceware setup conflicts with your newer nVidia card and software, you have to manually install the driver from the Device Manager.

 

its already been stated that OP is using a laptop

 

Oops... too fast to reply...sorry. In that case I guess the only option is a USB to VGA adapter, the faster the better.

 

your laptop seem it should be new enough to have a hdmi out on it ,you would be able to use a hdmi to vga adapter similar to the usb to vga you have linked,, so are you are saying that your monitors are vga ,or your laptop only has a vga out

 

Yes, but this will give him up to two monitors. To connect a third he needs a USB to VGA adapter.

 

but that's a tower vid card ,they have a laptop

 

Jack the OP already has a second monitor connected. The HDMI is already in use. Now they want a third monitor. What ever that is going to be its going to have to be USB to something. If I read it correctly they already have the third monitor. Not sure if it only has VGA in or not though. I went with a USB monitor because I wanted portability. If you already have the monitor your looking at a USB video card. I'm not sure it matters if its VGA or HDMI. Not in this case anyway.