Identifying monitor connection requirements
The following are various scenarios for connecting monitors. ( See Matching graphics cards to monitor
connectors on page 25 for more information about the different graphic cards):
●
Graphics card with DisplayPort output — If the graphics card has four DisplayPort outputs,
you can connect a monitor to each connector. Use the proper adapters if required.
●
Graphics card with DVI output — If you have a PCIe graphics card with two DVI outputs,
you can connect a monitor to each connector. Use the proper adapters if required.
NOTE: Models that have only one DVI port always have a second graphics output option
(Display Port or VGA).
Many graphics cards provide more than two monitor outputs but limit you to using only two at a
time. Consult the graphics card documentation or look up information on the card according to the
procedure in
Matching graphics cards to monitor connectors on page 25
On a system with two DVI connections, port number 1 provides the primary display, which is
where the BIOS POST screen appears after a system boot. (Usually this is the lower of the two
outputs. Only one card is used during BIOS POST, although you can change this in the BIOS
settings.)
●
Graphics card with VGA and DL-DVI output — If the workstation does not have a PCIe
graphics card, but has one or more SVGA and/or DL-DVI outputs, you can connect a monitor to
each output.
●
Graphics card with DMS-59 output — If the workstation has a PCIe graphics card with a
DMS-59 output receptacle, use the appropriate adapter to connect your monitor.
Adapters are available to connect the DMS-59 output to two DVI or two VGA monitors.
26 Chapter 3 Setting up the workstation