EggXpert

I have a Vostro 200 Slim tower but now have the need for a second monitor.  I bought the PNY VCG84R2SXEB GeForce 8400 GS 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile from newegg on reviews that it worked with this machine.  I installed no problem and tried on second monitor but display was dark.  PNC tech support said I had to have a 450 watt power supply and this machine only has a 250 watt.  Any suggestions on which low profile card will work with this machine.  Dont want to spend a lot since not doing any gaming.  Just using as second screen so customers can see the application we are filling out.

Thanks

I did this.  The computer is correctly only showing the new graphics card.  The problem is the display on the second monitor is dark.  Tech said it was because the power supply on the computer was too small

The tech is an id*ot.

Go into the display properties and enable the second monitor.

I did do this.  I had the card working on both monitors as a clone.  The problem is that the second monitor was dark.  I tried changing the brightness, and other settings but it did not make a differences.  Should this card work on this machine? Thanks for your help. 

Okay, if you can see the desktop on both screens, that's getting somewhere. Image on both screens should be equally bright. Try resetting the settings to factory defaults on the dark monitor. If that doesn't work, while the computer is on, try swapping the connectors on the video card for the monitors, see if the 'good/bright' monitor becomes dark when connecting to the other port.

Just for clarification:

dark monitor = it works, shows desktop, just darker than on the other monitor

monitor off = monitor doesn't show any image at all and is turned off.

The problem is a dark monitor.  I can see the image but dark.  I swapped the cables but same problem, now the other monitor is dark.  Tried resetting both and no luck.

 I dont know if this makes a difference, but I am using the second monitor on the DVI port with a DVI to VGA adaptor.  Could that be the problem.  If that is, is there a way to make the Dell Vostro onboard graphics and GeForce 8400 GS video card both work.  I could not see the settings in the bios to turn off the onboard graphics, looks like doing automatically.  When I go to control panel, device manager, it only lists the NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS as the adaptor.  No onboard intel graphics to try and enable both.  You are great.  Thanks for all your help

I have seen that screen.  I can change the brightness, digital vibrance, contrast and gamma.  The option for image sharpening is grayed out.  I tried all of these but same problem.  The color and sharpness is worse on second machine in general.   Is this a problem with using the DVI port?

none999:

The problem is a dark monitor.  I can see the image but dark.  I swapped the cables but same problem, now the other monitor is dark.  Tried resetting both and no luck.

So... You have 2 monitors (A & B respectively). A is the good/bright monitor that is connected via a VGA<-->VGA cable. B is the bad/dark monitor that is connected via a DVI-->VGA<-->VGA (DVI adapter connected to VGA<-->VGA cable). When you move the DVI adapter cable to connect to Monitor A, the image worsens. This could be a couple things and here are some steps; 1) Check to make sure DVI adapter is tightly held in, then 2) check to make sure the VGA cable is tightly secured to the DVI adapter, then 3) check the connection on the other end of the VGA cable to ensure a fastened connection. Now try again. If this does not work still, chances are you have 1) A bad adapter, 2) Bad circuitry on the video card, 3) (most likely) a bad Cable. In case you need it, here's a well-priced Quality SHIELDED VGA cable and unlike newegg, Monoprice still believes in Customer Satisfaction (shipping is reasonable/fair).

Do note PNY video cards are known for 1) being junky and 2) Tech Support? I never even knew they knew that word even...

Slmclarengt

Get a ATI 4000 series low profile, they work great with dual montor setups. I've always had probs with Nview and duals, just don't think they're any good with them myself.