KVM switch - Need advice

[Darkphoenix]

Well, as you stated on my previous thread, my computer specs are somewhat below the recommended now-a-days and I've been wanting to upgrade for some time. I have a question, however.
KVM Switches (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch) switch control from one computer to another, through a box (don't know it's proper name) with plug sockets, simply put. I currently have a laptop computer, and was wondering if I could keep my laptop for normal use, and use a KVM switch to switch to a desktop computer designed for gaming. This would be my ideal solution, simply using the laptop as a screen and keeping it's mouse and keyboard.
What I want to know is if I switch to the desktop to control, whether or not it'd still be running from my laptop's hardware, or whether it would be running from the desktop's hardware? If you don't know, none of us are perfect =p, could you possibly reccomend a place where people might?

~DarkPhoenix

[Blín D'ñero]

I know a switch used in a gigabit network environment: sharing gigabit local network connection between the PC's. Another type of switch is used to save space on the desk: having two or 3 PC's under the desk (their 3 monitors on the desk), all 3 controlled by one keyboard and mouse via the switchbox.
So, when you turn the switch, the keyb and mouse will control the other computer. Turn it back and you control the laptop again.
It saves space, that's all. But why would that be your "ideal' situation"? If you have an underspec (for gaming) computer, a real upgrade to a better gaming computer would IMO make more sense.

[Darkphoenix]

This would be my 'ideal' solution as I'm used to the keyboard and mouse ect. and like using it very much. It would also mean not having to buy a seperate moniter and it would mean that I'd be able to keep my gaming computer completely clean of pretty much all files, making sure it would run at the speed it should.

Kind of going to the original question, could I use this switch for what I want? Regardless of how much sense it makes =p.

[Blín D'ñero]

For keyb, mouse and monitor switching between computer1 and computer2: yes. But using the laptop as a monitor for the desktop computer: i don't think that's possible. The laptop's screen is not a monitor. You don't see a In/Out cable at the back of it do you. AFAIK, it only works with a standalone monitor.

[Darkphoenix]

Right, I see what you mean there...But surely the laptop has to register the screen as a moniter? So there must be some way to get another machine to register is a moniter surely.

[Blín D'ñero]

'Register the monitor'? No the laptop doesn't have to do that. A laptop is a closed device, as opposed to a dekstop computer which is 'open', you can change the hardware, because a desktop PC is a 'collection of parts' so to speak. On a dektop PC, you can switch the monitor with another one, you can't do that on a laptop.
You added a keyboard and a mouse to the laptop, maybe you can also add a second monitor to the laptop... but not the other way around (using a laptop's screen as monitor to a dekstop).

[Darkphoenix]

Alright, I've dismissed the KVM switch idea and gone for a seperate base unit.
3GHZ dual core proccessor,
Nvidia 8800GTX graphics card,
8Gigs of RAM,
160GB harddrive with another 400GB harddrive.

[Blín D'ñero]

You already have it?! Excellent! Now that's the real deal. :thumbup:

[Darkphoenix]

Okay, I haven't already got it, but I've ordered it from a site called Cougar Extreme, they let you put custom specs in. Should be here before the weekend. Can't wait, got some serious gaming to do .

[Blín D'ñero]

Yee-hah!
But why 8 GB RAM? Did you order 64-bit Windows (Vista or XP) with it?