hi all, just built the below spec new PC:Motherboard: Asus P5BProcessor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4ghzRAM: Corsair 5400 (667mhz) 2gb Ram (2x1gb) CAS4PSU: Corsair 520WHXGPU: EVGA Ge-Force 8600 256mb with dual DVI outputsother specs not crucial to set upI have just purchased FSX deluxe version and want a basic 3 monitor set up. i have only 2 DVI outputs and at moment have just one samsung 22" monitor widescreen model. I am wanting to buy another couple of 19" monitors or 17" monitors for side views.basically I am happy with simple setup with the cockpit control panel remaining on the main screen (the 24") at the bottom but on the 2 smaller side monitors I want the side cockpit (left front and right front) views.what is the best way for me to do this? windows XP (which i am running) allows to stetch desktop over 3 screens and i know FSX has some built in settings and support for multiple monitors.questions as follows:1.) is it possible to connect 3 monitors as above with only the 1 8600?2.) how best to manage the 3 views on the 3 screens and set it up?3.) any other advice to get this set up looking good?I am new here as you can see by my first post, many thanks for reading and any advice in advance, i have read some other threads here on this topic but all looking for 4 or 5 monitors and 2d ones for control panels and 3 above just for 180 degree views, i just want the 180" view with the controls on it too.regardsPerkster

>>1.) is it possible to connect 3 monitors as above with only the 1 8600? Simple answer: No..you've only got 2 outputs!!You'll need to get a Matrox Triple Head 2 Go (TH2Go) or a second graphics card>>2.) how best to manage the 3 views on the 3 screens and set it up?3.) any other advice to get this set up looking good?http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...id=27602&page=2http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...id=27451&page=2http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...id=27159&page=3RegardsJim

Perkster-welcome to the world of wide horizon! Jim Cooper nailed it pretty well with his reply. I can only add: if you prefer virtual cockpit- TH2GO is the route. But it will give only a 90

how do i set up the 2d panel setup?many thanks jim and alex for your advice!

If you've got the video card(s) in place for secondary monitors- Go to Control Panel- Display/settings and there should be a schematic pic of your monitors. With your cursor, drag these into the same physical arrangement as the real monitors- ie the picture should look just like your actual setup. Make sure that it really does correspond to each of the actual monitors- it's easy to mix them up. (I have marked each monitor just to keep track!!) Below the Display/settings pic, there is a box with "extend my desktop to this monitor". Click on a secondary monitor pic to specify that one, then click on the "extend my desktop" box. You now should have secondary monitors active. From here, you can undock (right click for a drop down menu), drag a popup to a secondary monitor, position and resize as desired. To create a secondary view such as say Right Forward- key square left bracket to open a new view, undock it, drag to the appropriate monitor and position/resize- then click on it & use NUMERIC keyboard Ctrl 9 or 7 to specify View Right (or left) Forward. Have a look at FS Keyboard Assignments for interesting key uses with views. When you work with multi monitors,you always have to click on which one you wish to identify- "set focus". And after you've worked on a secondary, always reclick on Main to restore focus there> otherwise FPS hit. So now you should be an expert- ready for the final tweaking outlined in prior posts! Good luck.Alex Reid