New "2-in-1" Computer

nakirush

Hello Tech Savvy People of H/A,

I'm getting ready to build a new computer, but this time around I'm trying something new - two systems in one box. I use my computer for two things; art/graphic design and gaming. I use a Wacom Cintiq 21UX for the art side of things, but it's not a gaming monitor by any means and I want something nicer for that. I tried doing a dual monitor display, but the Cintiq's built-in tablet goes insane and makes it unusable. Also, the gaming monitor I want is widescreen and the Cintiq is standard.

The solution I've come up with is the 2-in-1 computer. I think the best way to do this would be to run a virtual machine on the new rig and give the VM the Cintiq. The Userful Multiplier looks like what I need, but I'm not 100% sure.

Are there any specific steps I should be taking in the design of the new computer (extra HDD, extra RAM, etc)? What software would you recommend for achieving the desired effect? Am I going about this in completely the wrong fashion? If so, how would you recommend going about it?

Summary: I'm trying to build a computer that will run two independent displays, one as a gaming computer the other as an art computer, possibly through a virtual machine. I need suggestions on how to accomplish this.

iglidante

Wouldn't the VM hog resources enough that it would introduce lag into your design work? Lag + brushes = jitters.

Captain Vash

If you're absolutely certain the display issues can't be resolved.
(drivers for your video cards, drivers for the monitors, contacting the tablet's tech support, etc etc etc)

then I would simply get a KBM switch and flip back and forth as needed.

running a virtual machine just to seperate a second monitor is going to be retarded overkill.

nakirush

At first I just wanted to do two monitors showing different things, but I kind of like the idea of having two rigs now. I'm always multi-tasking, so it would be nice to have my gaming on one screen with internet access on the other.

shutz

assuming you're handy with powertools, just build a custom case that is twice as wide as a regular PC case, and build two physical PCs in one case, each with its own motherboard, video card, power supply, hard drives, etc.

Overkill, but it's the ideal, uncompromising solution.

Captain Vash

Yeah seriously. No computer today is going to do well at running graphics intensive gaming while emulating a second os within which you run another graphics / processer intensive media editing program.

You're far better off either researching how to resolve your display issues, or literally use two computers. Whether or not you put both of them in one case is a separate matter entirely.