Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

[Arkangel]

Well, I ordered a new Dell about 3 weeks ago. I ordered the ATI Radeon HD 3650 because of the multi monitor support.

The PC registers it as an HD 3650 as seen in this picture.

http://www.putfile.com/pic/8155856

But, behind as i check behind the PC in the tower i see this.

http://www.putfile.com/pic/8155866

http://www.putfile.com/pic/8155867

So, naturally I head to Google and search for all variants of this video card. All the ones i have seen had TWO DVI hookups, where as mine has one.

Can anyone tell me what this is (if its a new model) and what those hookups are? Does it support another monitor?

Thanks

[jesus]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

The port on the left is HDMI, as seen here:


But I don't know what the middle one is. It kinda looks like another HDMI port, but it seems to be a different shape

[TheSpark29]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

Most likely, you have an OEM varient of a 3650. You won't find the same model in retail. That means that a company made this version specifically for Dell.

Download GPU-Z to find out exactly what you have and other misc settings.

The connector on the far left is HDMI. If you don't know, for practical purposeses, HDMI and DVI are the same except for HDMI has the ability to carry video AND audio. (if the video card supports it)

WOW!! I just found the Dell Spec Sheet for the Dell 3650. The port on the far left is indeed HDMI.

And surprisingly, the port in the middle is a DisplayPort! This is a realatively new standard that aims to compete with HDMI. I applude Dell for including this!

Now, for you, all of the above doesn't help you. You just want a second monitor. Well. Many newer large (ie 24" plus) LCDs are shipping with either HDMI or DisplayPort, or both. Most new HDTVs have HDMI. However, no smaller models have them. If you wan't a second monitor, I'd look for a HDMI-->DVI converter. Beware! DVI--> HDMI adapters are plentiful! You want the other way around.

Hope this helped.

[Arkangel]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

Wow, you guys are amazing.

The monitor i have now has a HDMI output port. So i could get an HDMI cable for my 22" now...and then a smaller 19" widescreen with a DVI port (they come with DVI correct?) as my second monitor? That would work because of the HDMI port on the far left correct?

Now, forgive me for I dont completely understand the last two sentences... HDMI-->DVI is not the same as DVI-->HDMI? How would they be different if the HDMI plugs into its respective port and likewise with the DVI?

For example: If i was to get this monitor http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...9&sku=320-6138

I would just need to unhook my DVI cable now thats on my 22". Then buy an HDMI cable to connect the 22" to my HDMI port on video card?

Thanks so much!

[TheSpark29]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

Ok, yes that should work. Hook up your 22in by HDMI and that UltraSharp (which is sexy btw ) by DVI. Sounds good.

So you don't have to worry about the adapters thing, cuz you won't need one. But I'll explain for clairty. (ignore what I said in my earlier post)

Take a standard DVI-->HDMI adapter. Like the one that comes with video cards. The video card has a Female DVI port. The adapter has a Male DVI port and a Female HDMI port. The monitor also has a Female HDMI port. That's the typical DVI-->HDMI setup.

IF you wanted dual DVI on your 3650, you WOULD have needed a HDMI-->DVI adapter. The 3650 has a Female HDMI port. The adapter needs a Male HDMI and a Female DVI. See how this is the opposite of the DVI--HDMI adapter?

[peeth]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

The port on the left is HDMI, as seen here:


But I don't know what the middle one is. It kinda looks like another HDMI port, but it seems to be a different shape

The port in the middle is a "DisplayPort" which is similar to HDMI but does not need to be licenced like HDMI

[Arkangel]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

Ok, yes that should work. Hook up your 22in by HDMI and that UltraSharp (which is sexy btw ) by DVI. Sounds good.

So you don't have to worry about the adapters thing, cuz you won't need one. But I'll explain for clairty. (ignore what I said in my earlier post)

Take a standard DVI-->HDMI adapter. Like the one that comes with video cards. The video card has a Female DVI port. The adapter has a Male DVI port and a Female HDMI port. The monitor also has a Female HDMI port. That's the typical DVI-->HDMI setup.

IF you wanted dual DVI on your 3650, you WOULD have needed a HDMI-->DVI adapter. The 3650 has a Female HDMI port. The adapter needs a Male HDMI and a Female DVI. See how this is the opposite of the DVI--HDMI adapter?

Oh, i see now. Thanks! Yea i dont own that 19" yet...hopefully soon i will. But my 22" is sexy! :yay:

[jake_]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

The port in the middle is a "DisplayPort" which is similar to HDMI but does not need to be licenced like HDMI

Huh. never seen that before.

[cloakster]

Re: Confused about my video card...is it a newer model?

Download GPU-Z to find out exactly what you have and other misc settings.

Thanks for the link to GPU-Z, i never knew there was one :P