Dual-Screen on Ubuntu with Intel 945GM Chipset

You’ve surely read this article on the topic, which describes a long (and arduous) process to set up dual monitors on an Ubuntu system with a lowly graphics chip such as the Intel 945GM.

However, there is a much easier option which is outlined here:

For my system, all I had to was add the bold line in /etc/X11/xorg.conf

Section "Screen"
    Identifier "Default Screen"
    Device     "Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GMS, 943/940GML Express Integrated Graphics Controller"
    Monitor       "Generic Monitor"
    DefaultDepth   24
    SubSection "Display"
       Modes     "1280x800"
**Virtual                 2048 2048**
    EndSubSection
EndSection

I then “activate” the secondary monitor with the command:

**xrandr --output LVDS --below VGA**

There is a 2048 pixel limit for the height and the width of the total display. For me that’s no problem as I have a vertical setup (secondary screen ABOVE notebook screen), but your mileage may vary if you need the screens side-by-side.

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Jeremy: Stuart, I just got a P2370 and I can't get it to do 1920x1080 for the life of me. I just want to turn off the laptop display and use the Samsung. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Stuart: Worked perfectly for me. Toshiba Satellite A135 (Intel 945GM) with a Samsung 23" P2370 at 1920x1080. Thanks!

Posted: 05 September 2008