User's Manual

Table Of Contents
NOTE: Monitors with resolutions above 1920 x 1200 pixels at 60 Hz require a graphics card with
either Dual Link DVI (DL-DVI) or DisplayPort output. To get native resolution with DVI, you must use
a DL-DVI cable, not standard DVI-I or DVI-D cables.
HP computers do not support all graphics cards. Be sure that a new graphics card is supported
before purchasing it. See Finding supported graphics cards on page 12.
Many graphics cards provide more than two monitor outputs but limit you to using only two at a
time. Consult the graphics card documentation or look up information on the card according to the
procedure in Finding supported graphics cards on page 12.
Some graphics cards support multiple monitors by multiplexing the monitor signal across multiple
outputs. This might reduce graphics performance. Consult the graphics card documentation or look
up information on the card according to the procedure in
Finding supported graphics cards
on page 12.
Make sure the card outputs match the input required by the monitors. (See Identifying monitor
connection requirements on page 13.)
The dierent models of HP Z-series computers have dierent limits on the mechanical size, data
speed, and power available for additional graphics cards. Note that the usual practical limit for
graphics cards is two per computer. See the Maintenance and Service Guide for expansion card slot
identication to make sure a new graphics card will work for your computer.
3. If you want to add a new graphics card or cards:
a. Determine which supported graphics card best ts your needs in terms of number of monitors,
compatibility with the monitors you plan to use, and performance. See Finding supported graphics
cards on page 12.
b. Make sure you have the correct drivers for the card. See http://www.hp.com/support for HP-
qualied drivers.
c. Install the graphics card according to the video instructions for your computer at
http://www.hp.com/go/sml.
d. Congure the monitor. For details, refer to Windows Help or to http://www.microsoft.com.
For monitor setup in Linux, you can often use the settings tool for the graphics cards (e.g., NVIDIA®
nvidia-settings or AMD Catalyst Control Center). In some recent Linux releases, the window
manager system (e.g., Gnome 3) preferences must also be modied.
TIP: To simplify troubleshooting of possible problems, enable the rst monitor and make sure it
works properly before enabling the next monitor.
Finding supported graphics cards
To nd information about graphics cards supported for your computer:
1. Go to http://www.hp.com/go/quickspecs.
2. Select Search active QuickSpecs, and then select Desktops & Workstations.
3. Choose your model to view the specications.
4. Click the link for Technical Specications-Graphics to display expanded technical information for
supported graphics cards, including how many monitors the card supports, connectors, power
consumption, drivers, and other details.
NOTE: Not all graphics cards are compatible with all video transceivers and adapters. See the graphics
card documentation for specic details.
12 Chapter 3 Setting up the computer