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Switch KVM switch for desktop and XPS 13 laptop

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Fletch, Jan 26, 2019.

  1. Fletch

    Fletch Guest

    Hi,

    I have a desktop computer at home that has an NVIDIA GTX 1080 graphics card. I also use a das keyboard and a Performance MX wireless mouse. Recently, I started a new job as a software engineer and they gave me a 2017 Dell XPS 13 laptop for work. I'd like to be able to use the 2 monitors, keyboard and mouse with the laptop when I work from home. I've been told that a KVM switch is the best way to do this. The laptop has no graphics output ports, just to USB ports. Is a KVM switch the right solution? If so which one?

    Thanks,
    Fletch
     
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Fletch,

    Thank you for reaching out on our HelpCenter.

    Absolutely, yes! You will be using dual-video KVM switch.

    The answer to this will depend on a few factors, in which we need some additional information...
    1) Please confirm that you are looking to use a console consisting of 2x monitors (extended-desktop setup), 1x keyboard and 1x mouse to control and access your two computers (desktop w/ NVIDIA GTX 1080 and Dell XPS laptop)
    2) What type video connectors are you currently using to connect your two monitors to you NVIDIA GTX 1080 (e.g. DVI; HDMI; DisplayPort)?

    Please advise.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  3. Fletch

    Fletch Guest

    Thanks for replying to my question. I am using 2x monitors, 1x keyboard and 1x mouse (wireless). The connections that I'm currently using for my monitors are 1 DVI and 1 HDMI, however I'm only using those because my monitors are old and don't have a DisplayPort connection. I may be getting a new desktop soon (but keeping my video card) in which case I would like to be able to use the DisplayPort connections. I realize that to do this I would need to use some kind of converters (to DVI). So what do you think?
     
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    No need for any converters - if you could use 2x DisplayPort connectors from your NVIDIA GTX 1080 you'll be able to connect to anyone of these 2-port, dual-video DisplayPort KVM switches.

    You will need to 'create' two DisplayPort video ports for your laptop by using 2x USB to DisplayPort adapters. Chose a model based on a) USB connector type you have on your laptop, and b) USB version (find these by 'Refining your search' based on these parameters.
    Since you need two screens, you may want to use one adapter that already has two screen connectors (if you happen to have USB-C connector on your laptop).

    And you are all set.

    One caveat... KVM switches don't always 'like' wireless keyboard/mouse. Most of them do not specify whether they are compatible with wireless keyboard/mouse, and so it boils down to trial an error. Learn more...

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime, or just offer your feedback.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  5. Fletch

    Fletch Guest

    Thanks again for your reply. I don't need the converters to attach the switch to the graphics card. I was thinking I need the converters to connect the switch to the monitors. They're old monitors and do not have a DisplayPort connection. I will probably get new monitors in the near future so it's just easier to get a switch with DisplayPort connections and the converters to connect the monitors up for now.

    The laptop is a 2017 Dell XPS 13. It has 2 USB 3.0 ports, but also has Thunderbolt 3 port which is supposed to allow you "to charge the laptop, output to multiple monitors and connect to high-speed USB-C and Thunderbolt peripherals over a single wire." That's what I've read anyway. That's what I use when I connect to a docking station at work (that has 2 monitors). I'm not sure if that helps here.

    Thanks for letting me know about issues with the wireless mouse. My keyboard is wired so I should be good. The keyboard also has 2 USB connections on it so maybe I could connect the mouse to it instead? Just a thought. I can also connect the mouse to a USB port with a wire that I use to charge it. If worse comes to worst I can always use one of the old wired mice that I have sitting around.
     
  6. Fletch

    Fletch Guest

    Thanks again for your reply. I need the converters to connect the DisplayPort cables to the monitors not the graphics card. The monitors are old and don't have a DisplayPort connection. I'm hoping to get new monitors in the future.

    The laptop is a 2017 Dell XPS 13 and it has a Thunderbot 3 port which supposedly can connect to USB-C. I use that port at work to connect to a docking station which has 2 monitors. It would be nice if I could use that to connect to the KVM switch.

    Thanks for the info on the wireless keyboard/mouse. My keyboard is wired so no issue there. My mouse can be connected via a USB cord if necessary. I also have some wired mice around somewhere if necessary.
     
  7. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Sure. Look up these DisplayPort adapters and make your choice based on the video inputs that your current monitors support.

    What type USB connector? (Type-A or Type-C)?

    Have a look at this Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort adapter which already supports 2x DisplayPort outputs.

    Hope this helps further!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime, or just offer your feedback.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     

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