DisplayPort to DVI @120hz

[voigt]

So I recently found out that the Accell UltraAV DisplayPort to DVI Dual-Link Adapter B087B-002B one of the only Adapters that ATI has validated does not support running at higher than 60hz even though the DisplayPort spec and the dual-link DVI spec allow this. This prevents me from using my 3 Viewsonic VX2265WM 1680x1050@120hz in Eyefinity mode.

Does anyone know of any Active DP to DVI adapters that will let me run at 120hz? At $100 a pop I want to make sure it works before ordering another adapter.

[suiken_2mieu]

Did you try an EDID mask? Make a resolution in the EDID for 1680x1050@120Hz.

[voigt]

I tried to make my own EDID and inf but when using it on that DisplayPort Adapter its just a bunch of vertical lines and works fine for the DVI monitors (all 3 are the same so they are all using the same inf). On the Accell website (it wasn't there when I first purchased this adapter) it says **This adapter does not support 120Hz 3-D stereo display. I submitted a support ticket to them months ago and never heard back, I guess this was their response to others having the same issue.

But still I can't seem to find any other company making one of these adapters. The Dell, BizLink and Accell one are actually all the same part. I have not tried the Apple mini-DP to DVI adapter yet but I do not want to spend another $100 for one that may not work with 120hz either.

[Badman]

ok ... With LOTS of tech frigging around I've got my: -

3 x 22" Samsung 2233RZ Eyefinity all running @120hz.

2xDVI, 1xMiniDP (the Apple one ... IT DOES WORK, and at 120hz .... don't bother with anything else because they don't support > 60hz as far as I can tell)

But: -

I had to create my own monitor driver using Pheonix and Moninfo to ONLY offer 120hz and 1680x1050.

iZ3D runs fantastic ..... a nice set of high quality Anaglyph glasses cost me $5.

SO ..........................

Stereo 3D & Eyefinity using DVI and MiniDP ....


NOTE: - I think I'm one of the very few on the planet to have achieved this .... go me :-)

[jbialozor]

Awesome, Badman! It's super-useful data to know the Mac adapter supports 120Hz.

What glasses are you using? I have presume you're kidding about anaglyph, since they work completely regardless of refresh rate... the only reason to strive for 120Hz is so shutter glasses can deliver 60Hz per eye.

[Badman]

NO, not joking about anaglyph, because you will find that at 60hz your eyes will bleed tears, the image always needs gamma and there will be ghosting, but with 120hz I have clear vision without any gamma and no ghosting, and can play for many hours ...... but there will be "proper" glasses soon I believe (hope), but really, they will have to be bloody good to justify the outlay.

And the new drivers from iZ3D now support many more titles, including dx10/11 although it seems that all deferred lighting engines are not compatible. Still experimenting.

[anthony256]

BADMAN!!!!!!

I can't believe you got 120hz working across 3 screens - this is what I want.

I just upgraded last night from the Samsung 2233RZ to Alienware AW2310.

I want to get 2 more, but WANT 120hz across all three.

Is there anyway to do it? If you could get it working - if it required writing a driver as you've done - I would happily pay you for your time :)

[Badman]

There is a "how too" guide right here on our very own wonderful forums (in particular post#6): -

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=17635

Be sure to use your own data from MonInfo to put into Pheonix ... don't copy any one else's, unless of course it is the exact same display (right down to revision#). And DO NOT use "Extract Registry EDID" in Pheonix, it will give you a bum steer, if it works at all. Use the data from MonInfo.

I'm using 238.46 for the Pixel.Clk.

You will have to employ a few leaps of logic, but you will get there. And of course I'll help if you need.

[anthony256]

There is a "how too" guide right here on our very own wonderful forums (in particular post#6): -

http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=17635

Be sure to use your own data from MonInfo to put into Pheonix ... don't copy any one else's, unless of course it is the exact same display (right down to revision#). And DO NOT use "Extract Registry EDID" in Pheonix, it will give you a bum steer, if it works at all. Use the data from MonInfo.

I'm using 238.46 for the Pixel.Clk.

You will have to employ a few leaps of logic, but you will get there. And of course I'll help if you need.

Cheers man.

The only problem is, I don't want to dump down $900 AUD on 2 more Alienware screens - if they can't do 120hz. I'd rather buy 2 x 23" samsung's for $200ea if I'm locked @ 60hz

:/

[Badman]

Understood. I would love to help, but I really need to have the screen in question physically in front of me to be able to run MonInfo.

Lets try something. Run MonInfo on your Alien .... then send me a screen capture of it via PM (make sure I can see all data, including the hex). Unfortunately there is no other way to get the info into Pheonix (i.e. no flat file exporter available in MonInfo, and the "Save Report" option is useless).

I'll knock up an .inf for ya', then you can test that it is running at 120hz and for that to be the only frequency available. If that works then your risk is mitigated!!

[anthony256]

Understood. I would love to help, but I really need to have the screen in question physically in front of me to be able to run MonInfo.

Lets try something. Run MonInfo on your Alien .... then send me a screen capture of it via PM (make sure I can see all data, including the hex). Unfortunately there is no other way to get the info into Pheonix (i.e. no flat file exporter available in MonInfo, and the "Save Report" option is useless).

I'll knock up an .inf for ya', then you can test that it is running at 120hz and for that to be the only frequency available. If that works then your risk is mitigated!!

You're the man!

PM sent :D

I've placed an order on the 2 screens just now - if they work - great. I'll post all the info you give me/what I've done on here so anyone else who wants to grab 3 x Alienware screens can do it - I'll be sure to credit you on the various forums I'm on too

:cheers :cheers

[noquarter]

Nice work, I think there's still a barrier to Stereo 3d w/shutter glasses though in that the refresh rate needs to be synced between all 3 monitors and the shutter glasses and the drivers are very unlikely to be doing that without some support from ATI..

[Badman]

Yeah, agreed, the mDP will still be the weak link .... have to wait and see.

[anthony256]

Ok guys, some results as promised.

Hardware:

Powercolor 5970
Alienware AW2310 (X3)
Apple Mini Display Port to Dual Link DVI adapter
Badman's alienware .inf modified driver

Plugged it all in, I heard setting up the DP screen first is best, so I did that.
I then installed Badman's inf file, it detected as a Dell (with a model after it) not Alienware, so I knew it worked.
I then attached the second screen, followed the inf manual installation
I then attached the third screen, followed the inf manual installation

I moved a window around in a circle (you can feel if it's 100hz+ doing that, and it was smooth) I knew the driver had somewhat worked! I then created the 5760x1080 display, messed with Bezel Compensation, checked the resolutions again, checked the refresh rate and it's set at a maximum of 100hz.

This is above and beyond what I expected - it was a $1500+ leap to try 120hz and I have 100hz working for now.

I'm OVER THE MOON with this and cannot thank this forum enough and Badman especially.

I only messed with it for an hour last night, I tried:

Left 4 Dead 2 = looks great, feels SO smooth @ 100hz across the screen (100 - 150fps)
Team Fortress 2 = again, same as L4D2 (~100 - 150fps)
Bad Company 2 = looks great on other setups, on mine (60 - 100fps). It was VERY dark... and very stretched @ 75/85 FOV setting.

I'm downloading Dirt 2 through Steam (voucher with the 5970) and will test that out too.
I'm going to test Q3 as well.

100hz + EyeFinity so far has been pretty amazing for me :D

Cheers once again Badman!!

[Tamlin]

Nice job Badman and anthony256! :cheers

[anthony256]

I also tried Dirt 2 yesterday - ~100fps the entire time (medium/high detail) and it is just baby smooth.

100hz is amazing compared to 60hz.

I don't know why ATI aren't on this - it's because there aren't many 60hz+ screens out there.

I work in retail and I push 120hz screens for my gaming customers - every single person has loved it. They see a huge difference not just in games, but Windows. Movement on screen, mouse cursor, overall 'smoothness' of the GUI (especially win7).

If anyone here knows someone at ATI, or if someone at ATI reads this - the 120hz problem needs to be fixed. It's an entire sub section of customers you're throwing away because people don't understand high refresh rates.

Plus - you gain customers.

ATI: if you are like me, 3 x 120hz screens.
NVIDIA: you require them by default (120hz for 3d surround).

Now, people might not be impressed with NVIDIA's way of doing it - yet don't want to consider their purchase a waste, they could just go over to ATI and have the benefit of the 120hz already - instead of those screens being forced down to 60hz.

That's the way I sell my systems, would be good if ATI listened to that advice.

[MichelKitware]

Hi folks,

I am confronted with this type of problem currently. I am trying to drive a Samsung 2233RZ from my Alienware M17X, via a Dell DisplayPort to Dual-link DVI active converter, and the laptop does not effectively drive the monitor, even in dual-monitor mode. This is with the cable that comes with the monitor, Dual-link DVI. I have the latest NVidia drivers (197.xx). I have tried in the past with HDMI to Dual-link DVI, and the Samsung monitor came up, but this set-up was not conducive to 120Hz or to stereo.

Is there a fundamental incompatibility between the 2233RZ and this type of converter-based approach?

Is there another driver out there that I could use?

I am not a gamer, but trying to develop a neurosurgery simulator with stereo viewing.

Best wishes,

Michel

[Badman]

Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you the 2233RZ 120hz .inf that I created.

[MichelKitware]

Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you the 2233RZ 120hz .inf that I created.

Hi Badman,

just sent you a PM. I'd be very grateful if your inf file does the job.

I would like to get stereo vision (and eventually haptics) running on my laptop, so that I can get to work.

Cheers,

Michel

[RacingSlippers]

Hello all.

I read through this thread after googling for which adapter to go with.
Went with the Apple mini DP to Dual link DVI.

I had a look through the posts, much in the style of the grateful silent majority hehe :]

Stumbled across something that may be of interest.
While selecting 5040x1050 rez at 120Hz doesnt work on my 2233RZ monitors (I get a single display at about 1024x768 or something) while in CCC, selecting it from Win7 64 via right-click on desktop and Screen Resolution.. works a charm. And in my iRacing simulator also. 120Hz all screens. Havent done a thing to modify any .inf stuff. :-D