Dell XPS "Small Form Factor" Computers

[Soichiro]

I just bought one of these and am surprised to find that it does not support dual monitors* in its original mode. Further, because of the small form factor the only video cards that will fit are half height cards, and I cannot find one with multiple outputs (there's no room for more than one on a half height card.) I have read about a card that has one output on the card and another on a wire but cannot find this.

Does anyone have experience with these cards so they could recommend one with dual outputs? I am not gaming so don't need a great deal of speed or memory, just want an expanded desktop.

Note my 4+ year old Dell 2350 could handle three monitors with ease, why would Dell defeat such a popular feature?

gm

*If the system detects an optional video card it disables the standard VGA output. Something about an IRQ request in XP not allowing both types of video output at one time, I think.

 

[netfreak]

It's probably the chipset on the motherboard. I have a machine with I think an asus board and the onboard gets disabled when I add a video card.

 

[nsx2tall]

I've had similar problems with both the Compaq SFF and the Dell SFF. They fit nicely on the desk , but they're just too limited in expansion options.