3 Tips for Connecting 2 Monitors with a USB VGA Adapter

If you want to connect 2 monitors to a single PC, then you will need to use a USB VGA adapter. This type of adapter actually has 2 cables emerging from a single socket, and is also known as a VGA Y splitter cable, as the shape of the 3 connections form a "Y". Fitting these connections is not a very difficult process, although it is still possible for things to go wrong if you do not know how to troubleshoot your devices.

Fitting the Single Cable

The single cable can be fitted into the computer, whether this is a laptop or a PC. There is a screw nut connection on the side which fastens it securely into the port once you are hooked up, so there is no chance that a sudden movement will knock the connection out of the PC. You should also make sure that all of the cables connected to the PC are the correct ones. The single cable, which is the base of the "Y" shape, should be fitted into the back of the computer.

The cable can be too short to fit into the back of your device while connected to the monitors, so one solution is to have a USB port extension, which gives you a wider range in which to place the port. The extender cables can be fitted into the USB VGA adapter, and the screw bolt turned securely as always.

Fitting the Double Cables

The cables which connect to the monitors are not very long, so you may also need some extension cables in order to have the monitors as far apart as you wish. The monitor connections are also screw fastening, so you should be able to position your screens where you want, and then attach the cable to your monitor without either of the cables falling out of the back.

Always test your equipment separately before connecting, so that you know the cable is at fault if something goes wrong. If the display on the screen is somewhat blurry, or perhaps is not registering, then you need to check the connection is in correctly. Removing from the port and trying again can help, as can screwing the adapter more securely into the PC. If neither of these solutions fixes the problem, then you may need to try again using a different monitor.

Buying the Cables

When buying the USB VGA adapters, make sure that you have one which has perfectly connected cables, with nothing loose or dangling. Check that the bolts tighten sufficiently, and also make sure that you can connect to the PC in the way that you want. Some VGA adapters have wider connections, and will not fix to a USB port, but rather to one of the wider ports around the side. Many new computers do not have these ports, so you should check before you make your purchase.