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The VID-2X is a simple plug-and-play device that is designed exclusively for certain market segments. In today’s market, most home desktop users either already have or can readily obtain a graphics card that can output to multiple monitors for less the cost of the VID-2X. However, there are plenty of systems that simply cannot be upgraded in the typical manner such as laptops, tablets, desktops without PCIe slots, and enterprise systems. For these groups, the VID-2X offers an easy and cost effective way to use two displays over one video signal.
Sapphire has also taken all the necessary steps to ensure the unit is as accessible as possible. All the ports on the VID-2X are clearly labeled, which makes installing the cables a breeze; once it is all connected and the system is powered on, it simply works even without the need for additional software or tweaking. In addition, the built-in LED indicates the status of the connected ports, which display setting is being used as well as the bezel compensation.
While we mostly liked what the VID-2X brought to the table some, aspects of the device still made it feel quite cumbersome. The first issue we ran into was the length of the included DL-DVI cable. Measuring in just around a foot in length, the cable was nowhere near long enough to connect the unit to a graphics card while keeping it within arms reach of the monitors themselves. This made the VID-2X hard to access while making changes to the bezel compensation and display settings. Additionally, while simple enough to do, adjusting the bezel compensation might prove confusing for some people, which can lead to users raising and lowering the dip switches randomly until they get the best results.
All in all, the Sapphire VID-2X is a solid product that does exactly what it intends to do. However it does have some shortcomings, and at $189 it might not be a no-brainer option for some consumers. Still, if you are in need of adding a second display and lack the necessary hardware, the VID-2X could be the best and most cost effective means available.
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Why not? A product like this should have at least 3 different outputs.
Odd that the cord can be plugged into the wall. It would make a lot more sense to just plug it into the computer.
Also odd that a thing like this isn't already built into laptops and low-end video cards.
The power cable can either be plugged into a wall outlet or a PC USB port. I was just making the reference that it would work in other regions if a USB port is not available.
If so, say youre running 3 monitors from your gpu set up, yielding 5xxx X 1200 or whatever it is... Could you use 3 vid-2xes and yield 6 monitors properly displaying the game??