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Most graphics cards only have one HDMI port, usually along with either DisplayPort or DVI ports. However, many monitors only have HDMI inputs. This becomes a problem if you want a dual monitor setup and both monitors only have HDMI ports.
There are two possible solutions to this problem. Either purchase a DVI/DisplayPort to HDMI adapter or find a graphics card with two HDMI ports. In this guide we will take a look at both options and recommend some graphics cards.
Solution 1: DVI/DisplayPort – HDMI adapter
The first solution is to simply use an adapter to transform a DisplayPort or DVI port into a HDMI port. The advantage of this method is that it will work with almost any graphics card (as long as it has enough ports). One thing you need to be aware of is DVI to HDMI adapters will only carry the video signal as DVI doesn’t support audio.
If you already have a graphics card which supports DVI or DisplayPort, this is a really cheap and easy way to setup dual monitors with HDMI inputs. Even if you don’t already have a graphics card and need to buy one, this is still a good option because it gives you much more choice than trying to find a suitable graphics card that has two HDMI ports.
- Click here to find a DVI to HDMI adapter on Amazon.com
- Click here to find a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter on Amazon.com
Solution 2: Dual HDMI Graphics Card
The second solution is to buy a graphics card which has two HDMI ports. These are not as common because most cards only have one HDMI port, however they do exist. The advantage of this option is that you won’t need to purchase an adaptor and audio will be supported (DisplayPort does support audio but DVI doesn’t). However, because there is a limited choice of graphics cards with two HDMI ports, you may have to make compromises. Also, graphics cards with two HDMI ports are often more expensive than the same card with just one HDMI port.
Best Dual HDMI Graphics Cards
Now we’ll take a look at some of the best graphics card available for dual HDMI setups. All of these cards are available with two HDMI ports.
Most Powerful: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
$613.96 – Buy on Amazon
- Available with one or two HDMI ports
- Very powerful, great for 4K gaming
- Very expensive (costs as much as a budget gaming build)
Other than the Titan V or Titan XP which cost an absolute fortune, the GTX 1080 ti is the most powerful graphics card on the market. Although not as expensive as the Titan V or Titan XP, it is still a very expensive card. If money isn’t an issue and you are looking for the best performance possible, it is the best option. It is particularly good for 4K gaming. If you plan on playing less demanding games or won’t be gaming at all, you should check out a cheaper alternative.
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Mid-Range: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
$339.22 – Buy on Amazon
- Available with one or two HDMI ports.
- Good value for money.
- Should be able to run all games on the highest settings.
The GTX 1060 is a fantastic mid-range graphics card. It shouldn’t have a problem running any game on the highest settings and still achieve 60fps in 1080p. Running most games at 1440p will also be playable once the settings are turned down to low/medium. 4K is a different story and highly demanding games will struggle to run. Less demanding games will be playable in 4K though.
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Budget: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
$799.00 – Buy on Amazon
- Available with one or two HDMI ports.
- Low profile version available.
- Good value for money.
- An excellent graphics cards for low demanding games like CSGO.
At the lower end of the performance scale is the GTX 1050. This graphics card is very reasonably priced and is ideal for competitive games such as CSGO where you can expect to get well over 60fps. This card will also run more demanding games but you will likely have to turn the settings down and you might not get a steady 60fps.
There is a low profile version of the GTX 1050 which has two HDMI ports. You can find it here on Amazon. You can also find a GTX 1050 with one HDMI port, which will require a DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor.
- Core Clock (MHz): 1506/1392 (boost/base) in OC mode and 1468/1366 (boost/base) in gaming mode
- Low profile design with 167mm card length
- Supports up to 4 displays
- Card size-H=1.4 L=6.5 W=2.7 inches
Conclusion
To wrap it up, there are two options for a dual HDMI monitor setup. Purchase an adaptor to convert a DisplayPort or DVI port to HDMI, or purchase a graphics card which has two HDMI ports. Both options have strengths and weaknesses and which you choose will depend on your circumstances.
Last update on 2022-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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