VGA cable splitter/amplifier [closed]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
How do I use a VGA splitter without the image getting dark?

I am already using the 2 output ports of my ATI Radeon 5000 series GPU.

I want to duplicate one of the outputs to display on 2 screens at the same time.

I got a cheap VGA splitter to replicate a signal to 2 monitors (so effectively I have 3 monitors now), which works fine, but the signal is dim on the monitors that use the splitter.

I have an ATI Radeon graphics card, but nowhere do you see the option to "boost signal strength".

Is there a better way to do this?

Answer 1

As someone already mentioned, in the possible duplicate topic, you could get a powered splitter. That would probably be the simplest solution.

Another option would be to clone the two display in software (instead of extending the desktop) using the driver, then add a second video card for your extended desktop. If you already have a second video card lying around, I suppose this would save you from buying additional hardware--otherwise it's probably about the same price as the powered splitter.

Windows 7 also has a feature to clone the display in software, using the "Connect to a projector" utility. I'm not sure how that would work with an extended desktop, however.