3x2 Config - A Scarce Topic

[DesolationAngel]

Hello Everyone!,

I'm a long time reader and first time poster.

So I've done the 3x1 Matrox before and I've done the Crossfired 5770 3x1 config so I'm familiar with that layout however now I'm looking to do something bigger and better.

I want to run a 3x2 Eyefinity config for dual purpose. I am a trader by day and I play EvE Online by evening. The former is not terribly important because I'm certain that the displays can handle what I need in that regard however I'd like to have the option of playing my games in full screen 5760x2160 resolution. I would also like to avoid having to purchase Display Port Monitors and if all possible, I'd like to avoid the Active Display Port adapters (not a requirement, but they seem unnecessary)

So, I went into MicroCenter the other day during my lunch break like I do sometimes to look at all the toys and I spoke to a gentleman of questionable intelligence who advised me that if I were to run any of the 7000 Series cards and I would not need to purchase any of the active display adapters and I could run all of my games in full 5760x2160 res.

I mainly want to confirm that this is in fact true, and if so, What would be the best combination of cards to achieve an adequate amount of performance without going over the graphics budget? (~$900)

My plan is to purchase six (6) identical HDMI/DVI monitors to compliment the card setup,

So far my research shows that 2x HD 7950s would be a good fit (maybe, I'm not sure about the ports and their capabilities but the reviews are nice) and If I wait for a month or so the price will match the budget just perfectly.

I would love to hear your thoughts and any insight you could provide.

Thanks so much,

Angel,

[suiken_2mieu]

Well, that man does not know what he's talking about. Like any eyefinity setup, in order for all displays to be in an eyefinity group, they must be connected to the same card. That leaves you few options.

MSI R7970 Lightning (4 MiniDP, 2 SL-DVI) [This is going to be choice for my rig.]
ASUS 7970 Direct CUII (4 DP, 2 SL-DVI)
6870 Eyefinity 6 Edition (6 MiniDP)
5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition (6 MiniDP)

If you're running crossfire, only one need to be the above, then you just need to get a card with a similar GPU on board.

Next, like any other eyefinity setup, to use more than two DVI monitor, you need Active adapters. Luckily, Active Single Link adapters are only around $30.
You can also use (mini)DP->VGA adapters as they are by nature, active adapters. I recommend Monoprice.com.

Since you're already running 3 monitors and crossfire, I assume you already have an active adapter. So you only need to buy 3 more.

EDIT: Also, from someone who has used 3x2, I hate the middle bezel, but for a game like eve, it shouldn't be that bad.
I personally use a 5x1 Portrait setup, where it's gives you a close hugeness of a 3x2, but no middle bezel to interfere with a reticule. The only thing that bothers me is watching video.
For a while I just rotated 1 display when I wanted to view video, now I have a separate display for it.

[Moose]

MSI R7970 Lightning (4 MiniDP, 2 SL-DVI) [This is going to be choice for my rig.]
ASUS 7970 Direct CUII (4 DP, 2 SL-DVI)

There is a thread for those cards right here.

You can also use (mini)DP->VGA adapters as they are by nature, active adapters.

Be careful, where other videosignals tranfer a full 16,7 million colors, VGA only transfers 12 million colors and 'generates' the remaining colors with a process called 'dithering' if I recall correctly. Furthermore, DVI/HDMI monitors are getting cheaper by the week, VGA is already a bit outdated.

[suiken_2mieu]

I just put up a new list here, so take a look.