GTX460 and Dual Monitor SyncMaster 2343

aim · 13 Jul 2011

My new PC, running Windows 7 x64, has a GTX460 graphics card and 2 monitors, both are Samsung SyncMaster 2343 (Model 2343NW). They are both connected with the DVI using standard VGA -> DVI adapters.

The problem is that windows fails to recognise that both monitors are SyncMasters. 1 was recognised and the other was a default Non-PnP. Now, when using the NVIDIA Control panel and selecting 'Setup multiple displays' I get 1 analogue display listed along with the recognised SyncMaster. The rigorous Display Detection, fails to recognise the second display.

The display recognised as 'Analogue Display' defaults to a very low resolution. If I attempt to override it to the native resolution of 2048 x 1152, the screen goes bright with blobs and lines and slowly fades to black.

OK, so I thought, I need to update drivers.

I updated the NVIDIA drivers using Windows update option. With the monitor drivers, I downloaded the latest, installed and forced the device listed as default Non-PnP to use the new driver. Now both are listed under device manager as SyncMasters, yet the NVIDIA control panel refuses to respect this.

Using a program called Phoenix EDID designer to review the registry (as per this guide How to fix NVIDIA blurry or fuzzy screen or text caused by driver installation) I see that, of the 2 listed displays, 1 is still shown as the default Non-PnP monitor, the other is a SyncMaster. This leads me to believe that it is not NVIDIA's fault and is in fact a Windows issue.

I did not complete that guide BTW as my issues isn't the same, I was just checking the registry info.

On further inspection of the monitors listed under device manager. I can see that the 1 driver has a 'hardware id' value of 'Default_Monitor' whereas I would expect it to be 'HSP0013'. The other monitor driver (that works) has a 'hardware id' of 'SAM0595'. I see registry entries for monitors 'HSP0013' and 'SAM0595' that refer to Samsyng SyncMaster, but under the monitor config for 'Default_monitor' I see no reference to SyncMaster.

Currently, I can get both monitors to work using the correct resolution of 2048 x 1152, only by swapping the connectors around on the card. The only issue is, and its a big one, is that I have to get on my hands and knees and swap the connectors any time I reboot or the system powers off the monitors when power saving.

Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Thanks!

stormy13 · 13 Jul 2011

aim, welcome to the Seven Forums.

This is the problem right here,

They are both connected with the DVI using standard VGA -> DVI adapters.

Almost all (if not all) Nvidia cards with two DVI ports only support running VGA connection from one of the DVI ports. Unfortunately most of the card manufacturers either fail to mention this anywhere or fail to mark the backplate on the card like this,

GTX460 and Dual Monitor SyncMaster 2343-backplate.png

You're trying to get around a hardware limitation with a software solution, and that isn't going to work. Unfortunately the only solution is either a new monitor that has a DVI port, or use a DVI-VGA converter (not adapter as the digital signal needs to be converted to analogue).

Also,

I updated the NVIDIA drivers using Windows update option

Please don't do that if you want the card to work properly. When updating your Nvidia drivers always get them directly from Nvidia.

Hopalong X · 13 Jul 2011

+1 Stormy13

stormy13 · 13 Jul 2011

Wrong model Hopalong, this is the correct one,

Support for 2343NW 23" Monitor SAMSUNG

and only has a VGA port on it.

Hopalong X · 13 Jul 2011

I clicked the right number on Samsung but it took me to the wrong monitor page.

My bad. I didn't check which model it actually linked to.

aim · 13 Jul 2011

Oh great! excellent information right there!

Any suggestions on an decent converter and an idea of price?
Something like this DVI-D to VGA converter digital to analog DVI VGA video monitor I assume?

Thanks very much!

stormy13 · 13 Jul 2011

Actually you could buy a new monitor for what most of those converters go for,

Newegg.com - dvi vga converter

A USB adapter would be another option and a lot cheaper. Only thing is most only go up to 1920x1080, where your monitors are 2048 x 115.