Ultrawide Setup HELP Please!!

[Alex Mitchell]

I'm looking to buy an ultrawide monitor for my Dad for Christmas and I am not very familiar with desktop computers, having always used laptops. I am planning on getting the LG 29UC88 monitor but that's about as far as I got. Do you need to buy a specific computer to run these ultrawide monitors? By computer I mean the computer tower thing, not 100% sure what it's called. Any recommendations for a good computer that is fast and has 500gb or 1TB storage? Or could someone guide me on what I need to look for when looking at different models? I can sort through computers and find one that fits his needs, I'm not asking anyone to do all the work for me, I just don't know if there are specific requirements that the computer needs on it to work right for that monitor. Any help is tremendously appreciated and the sooner the better because I have to order one within the next couple days. Thanks so much!!!


EDIT: I've searched google many times and nowhere does anyone mention anything about the computer needed for the ultrawide monitors

 

[porterjw]

It's not the computer per se that allows you to run a specific display, but rather the video card (GPU) or in the case of on-board graphics, the specific motherboard. In the case of this display, any new-ish card should support the screen resolution. Do you know what brand/model desktop he has, or more specifically if he has a dedicated GPU (or is the display plugged into the I/O panel on the motherboard)?

 

[Alex Mitchell]

It's not the computer per se that allows you to run a specific display, but rather the video card (GPU) or in the case of on-board graphics, the specific motherboard. In the case of this display, any new-ish card should support the screen resolution. Do you know what brand/model desktop he has, or more specifically if he has a dedicated GPU (or is the display plugged into the I/O panel on the motherboard)?

He has always just used laptops so everything will have to be bought. So pretty much any new computer will work? What specifics do I need to look for as far as the video card? Thanks again

 

[Alex Mitchell]

He has always just used laptops so everything will have to be bought. So pretty much any new computer will work? What specifics do I need to look for as far as the video card? Thanks again

Would the Dell Optiplex 990 with a on board 32mb graphics card work? Sorry for all the newbie questions just making sure I get something that works.

 

[Alex Mitchell]

Will this work with a 2560x1080 ultrawide monitor?



Form Factor Midtower
Processor Intel Core i5-2400 3.1GHz
Powerful quad core CPU
RAM 12GB DDR3 memory
Storage 1TB 7200RPM SATA hard drive
Optical CD/DVDRW
Video NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800
768MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
Supports up to 2x displays
Operating System Windows 10 Pro 64-bit installed
Registered refurbished COA and genuine
Windows install disk included with purchase.
Networking Integrated gigabit ethernet
Other Keyboard, mouse, and power cable
included with purchase.

 

[Okedokey]

Ultra wide will need have display port to run at 60 Hz usually. However 2560 x 1080 should be fine as the FX 1800 runs 2560x1600 max with 2 display port outputs.

I am not sure that is the best choice however, it would be best to post your Dad's current laptop (as you may not need anything else) and your budget in case you do. That way the guys here should give you the best option.

 

[Alex Mitchell]

Ultra wide will need have display port to run at 60 Hz usually. However 2560 x 1080 should be fine as the FX 1800 runs 2560x1600 max with 2 display port outputs.

I am not sure that is the best choice however, it would be best to post your Dad's current laptop (as you may not need anything else) and your budget in case you do. That way the guys here should give you the best option.

Thanks for the reply! I'm not sure on his current laptop, he has several for home, work, and his office. I'm not really familiar with desktops (I'm sure it's pretty obvious) but I'm not trying to power the monitor through a laptop, if that makes sense. I am starting from scratch with this, as in buying the monitor and a computer tower, because I don't know if he is going to set it up at home or at his office so I don't know the specific laptop he would use. I am just trying to make sure that the two function properly together.

You mentioned two display ports? This is probably a stupid question but you don't mean I need two display port cables to run it do you? Also I should mention, this setup isn't going to need to be really high-end because no games will be run on it at all. I just want to make sure the picture is formatted correctly and is clear. He owns a construction company so all he really does on it is basic things like checking email, viewing plans/pictures, surfing internet and such. The most he would do would be watching videos or running programs for book keeping.

Thanks again for the help! I am a complete newbie as far as desktops so this help is tremendous.

 

[YourDigitalJester]

You dont need 2 displays ports for an ultra-wide monitor, the second port is for a second monitor, as a lot of gamers like to run 2, or 3 monitors. By the way, towers are not that much different than laptops, just a little more space and different chipsets/sizes of components. Dont be intimidated! It might even be best to build up a PC, learn the ins and outs of how to through youtube, youll be rewarded by being able to upgrade and service your own pc! My specs are fairly cheap, and will serve you well. The motherboard is a Sabertooth X58, and i run an external sound card, as the one on my board didnt work when i got it. An Asus Xonar DG