Member Avatar for clhamon

I recently took a 4-day class and my computer had one 24" monitor and a 22" widescreen monitor turned sideways. They put the directions of the labs on the 22" monitor and I did the lab in the 24" monitor. I want to add second monitor like this to my 27", but I want to keep the cost down and I want to save desk space.

My question:
Can I take a monitor with a stand that doesn't rotate (like this), mount it vertically to a mount (like this), and only have the video to that one monitor flipped vertically?

I know that you can rotate the view of a single monitor with Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys, but I have never tried it with dual monitors.

Does anyone know if my idea will work?

Thanks.

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Short answer: yes — you can mount a monitor that doesn’t have a pivoting stand on a VESA arm and make only that screen display vertically. Before buying anything, check two hardware facts: the monitor’s VESA pattern (common sizes are 75×75mm or 100×100mm) or whether a VESA adapter is available, and the mount’s weight/size rating so it safely supports the panel.

Software and driver notes: modern Windows and vendor drivers support per‑display orientation, so a single secondary monitor can be set to portrait while your main stays landscape. With a GTX 280 on Windows 7 you’ll find rotation options in the GPU control panel if drivers are up to date; on an older XP machine you may need updated video drivers or the vendor’s utility for the same option. Always test the orientation in software before permanently mounting the screen.

Practical tips and gotchas: use the monitor’s native resolution rotated (for example 1080×1920 on a 1920×1080 panel) and adjust Windows scaling (DPI) so text is comfortable. Leave extra cable length and secure cables to the arm. Check that vents, speakers, or OSD buttons won’t be blocked or awkward when the monitor is turned. TN panels can show worse vertical viewing angles when rotated; IPS panels hold up better for portrait work.

Quick checklist: 1) confirm VESA compatibility and mount capacity; 2) update GPU drivers and verify per‑display rotation; 3) test orientation and resolution in software; 4) mount using correct screws and allow cable slack; 5) check ventilation and viewing angles. This addresses ’s OS/GPU point and follows ’s practical advice to verify the software rotation before committing the hardware, while matching the classroom setup you described, .

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Member Avatar for rubberman

What operating system are you using? In effect, the short answer is yes. The long answer is "it depends". The video hardware you have (GPU graphics card) is also an important element.

Member Avatar for clhamon

Sorry, I meant to put that info in there.

Windows 7 on the computer that I will probably use. I might use a different computer with XP on it. It depends on what software I need to use, but primarily Windows 7. I'd like to find a solution for both computers.

I have a GeForce GTX 280 in my Windows 7 computer and something much older than that in my XP computer. Sorry, I'm not at my apartment this weekend so I can't check right now.

I have heard that there might be a program that I can install to get the display on the second monitor to rotate, but I'd rather not go that route if I don't have to.

What do you think?

Member Avatar for bobbyraw

you can rotate any monitor you want. most monitors are shown in landscape ( long said at the top) in windows 7 go to the monitor properties and flip to portrait, then l mount on your stand. (rotate software FIRST before you mount the monitor)

Edited by bobbyraw
Member Avatar for clhamon

Ah, I see now. It's the landscape/portrait setting. Awesome!

I'm going to buy the stuff later today. I hate not knowing what will happen before I make a purchase. Thanks!

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