Displayport-compatible screens needed for Eyefinity?

Magic Man · Post by **Magic Man** » 28 Sep 2009, 12:29

can we get a confirmation if Eyefinity works with 3 x DVI LCDs when using two of the 5870 cards ?

thanks

I think Dave already confirmed that Eyefinity across cards is currently not supported.

Magic Man · Post by **Magic Man** » 28 Sep 2009, 12:34

[quote][quote]So in the projector setup I'm building I can use 2 passive single-link dp to dvi adapter and 3 active dp to dvi adapter to achieve my goal of 5 DVI based displays?

That should work.

IIRC - we have heard about one vendor interested in a single link active adapter which should be cheaper than then active ones. I need to check on the status of those as to whether or not they are a go.

It definitely would be of interest to most people in the forums. I know most of us are 22" or 24" display setups which only need single-link. If that vender can pull off cheap single-link active adapters I'll be the first in line for 3 or 4 (plus one of those 6-port cards). I have money on hand this second for the purchase. :wink:

Yep, that would do it for me.

I want the Eyefinity6 card.
I am prepared to get 3 DP monitors for it so no problem with TH surround BUT I also want to make use of the remaining 3 outputs.

IF those three outputs (all six for that matter) can support single link resolutions (i.e. up to 1920 x 1200) purely via a passive DP to DVI connection then I will be very happy.

Dave, could you confirm whether the DP+ outputs of the Eyefinity6 card will be able to drive DVI/HDMI panels up to single link DVI resolutions by using a passive DP to DVI connection alone. I would assume they should since that is the '+' part of the spec as far as I can see. Thanks.

guidryp · Post by **guidryp** » 28 Sep 2009, 14:38

I learned a lot reading this thread.

Just one clarification. I see Eyefinity doesn't work with windows XP.

Will three monitor support work with windows XP? Just for regular desktop content, not eyefinity?

rtaylor07 · Post by **rtaylor07** » 28 Sep 2009, 15:23

I was told that this adapter features an active conversion inside. I ordered it hoping it works. I am waiting on the 5870x2 though for my triple screen setup.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BCZPTG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Here is the manufacturer site with more info stating it is an active adapter.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/computer-parts/computer-cables/monitor-cables/displayport-cables/displayport-to-dvi-adapter-dportm2fdvi/prodPTC00004.html

Octoboy · Post by **Octoboy** » 28 Sep 2009, 15:35

I was told that this adapter features an active conversion inside. I ordered it hoping it works. I am waiting on the 5870x2 though for my triple screen setup.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BCZPTG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Here is the manufacturer site with more info stating it is an active adapter.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/computer-parts/computer-cables/monitor-cables/displayport-cables/displayport-to-dvi-adapter-dportm2fdvi/prodPTC00004.html

No, they will definitely NOT work. You need an adapter that is powered by an usb connector.

rtaylor07 · Post by **rtaylor07** » 28 Sep 2009, 15:38

[quote]I was told that this adapter features an active conversion inside. I ordered it hoping it works. I am waiting on the 5870x2 though for my triple screen setup.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BCZPTG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Here is the manufacturer site with more info stating it is an active adapter.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/computer-parts/computer-cables/monitor-cables/displayport-cables/displayport-to-dvi-adapter-dportm2fdvi/prodPTC00004.html

No, they will definitely NOT work. You need an adapter that is powered by an usb connector.

That definitely makes me sad :( as the only one available is the Dell coming in at $100 plus shipping. It was confirmed that the apple one is useless.

Post by **BHawthorne** » 28 Sep 2009, 15:56

[quote] - Display Port being a MUST to triple screen game ( how many Gamers have a monitor with DP, not too many, and only the newer Dell's and HP have that connection, which are rather pricey displays, so all the good priced monitors or us with old monitors are left out ? )

As I've said, DisplayPort is the enabler to this technology, its not feasible to offer it as a "no extra cost" value add feature without it.

I don't think anyone here is asking for ATi to do a "no extra cost" value add feature. I think what most of us are saying is that there should be some variation of the card that does away with DP and uses all DP+ that we'll happily pay the premium for over having to deal with active adapter costs. Would DP+ port not cost us less than a bunch of active adapters? With that in mind, is the architecture capable of 6 DP+ ports on the 6 mini-dp card? For the 6-port card to be the most flexible card targeted at multi-display users, ATI is setting the requirements out of reach of most everyone by not going DP+. This either forces people to purchase multiple active adapters or multiple DP displays. DP simply has almost zero market saturation at this point making this requirement a bit unfeasible for most that would be interested in this card. There is a pre-established market for EyeFinity and it's not currently properly targeting it. EyeFinity should set the bar low enough to allow it to gain acceptance and the DP requirement is an impediment to that, especially if DP+ could be used for a marginal increase in cost.

How much price difference is there in the manufacture of a DP port vs a DP+ port? One would not think it was equal to the price of a $100 active adapter or for that matter 1/10th the price. I'm not getting the economics here as far as a card like the 6-port can't have all DP+ electrical port outs?

While you're coming at this from the larger picture and as a manufacturer, those of us here come at it from the perspective as the established surround-screen gaming community that simply doesn't have any market saturation at all of DP based products. There seems to be a lack of marketing research that was done when looking into the EyeFinity target market. You openly admit only just a few days ago even finding WSGF, which has had a focus on this type of technology for years now. I'd say almost 100% of the WSGF is DVI/HDMI based multi-display. The lack of DP+ and the adapter issue is making what would otherwise be a wonderful new tech and putting roadblocks in place for acceptance. By only using DP, ATI is passing the buck as far as user expense to all of us who will have to now go track down active adapters.

In order to gain wider acceptance I think most of us would be willing to pay a price premium for DP+ based cards. A price premium built into the card for DP+ is significantly less than hiding the cost and passing it onto the consumer via active adapter price premium.

geniv2 · Post by **geniv2** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:16

I was told that this adapter features an active conversion inside. I ordered it hoping it works. I am waiting on the 5870x2 though for my triple screen setup.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BCZPTG/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Here is the manufacturer site with more info stating it is an active adapter.

http://www.ramelectronics.net/computer-parts/computer-cables/monitor-cables/displayport-cables/displayport-to-dvi-adapter-dportm2fdvi/prodPTC00004.html

I know people said it will not work and I have my doubts.

but let it come and test it for real...

hey if it works even in single link mode (that's fine for many people as it goes up to 1920x1200) .. then u stumbled upon a cheap adapter for us to get and will be hail as a hero... :)

CY:G · Post by **CY:G** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:17

So im a bit confused by this thread, i was about to get a 5870 and now im not sure if i should.

With my setup, i have 3 * 24 Dell LCDs, all only have DVIs.

Do i need to get a $100 Active DP converter, or can i use an HDMI to DVI converter to drive the third monitor, while conecting the other 2 monitors to the DVI ports?

Thanks

Post by **BHawthorne** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:19

So im a bit confused by this thread, i was about to get a 5870 and now im not sure if i should.

With my setup, i have 3 * 24 Dell LCDs, all only have DVIs.

Do i need to get a $100 Active DP converter, or can i use an HDMI to DVI converter to drive the third monitor, while conecting the other 2 monitors to the DVI ports?

Thanks

You need one of these:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Cables/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=330-5521

Darthdingo · Post by **Darthdingo** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:23

So im a bit confused by this thread, i was about to get a 5870 and now im not sure if i should.

With my setup, i have 3 * 24 Dell LCDs, all only have DVIs.

Do i need to get a $100 Active DP converter, or can i use an HDMI to DVI converter to drive the third monitor, while conecting the other 2 monitors to the DVI ports?

Thanks

If none of those Dell 24" monitors have Display Port, you MUST have the $100 adapter to make it work. The 5870 only allows two DVI-D connections, and the third MUST run through the Display Port connection, if your monitor does not have DP, then the adapter is needed to enable Eyefinity to span and work on all three monitors.

CY:G · Post by **CY:G** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:23

[quote]So im a bit confused by this thread, i was about to get a 5870 and now im not sure if i should.

With my setup, i have 3 * 24 Dell LCDs, all only have DVIs.

Do i need to get a $100 Active DP converter, or can i use an HDMI to DVI converter to drive the third monitor, while conecting the other 2 monitors to the DVI ports?

Thanks

You need one of these:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Cables/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=330-5521

*cries in a corner, not available in Dell Canada :(

No go for the 5870 until i can find one of them, Thanks

geniv2 · Post by **geniv2** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:31

[quote][quote] - Display Port being a MUST to triple screen game ( how many Gamers have a monitor with DP, not too many, and only the newer Dell's and HP have that connection, which are rather pricey displays, so all the good priced monitors or us with old monitors are left out ? )

As I've said, DisplayPort is the enabler to this technology, its not feasible to offer it as a "no extra cost" value add feature without it.

The lack of DP+ and the adapter issue is making what would otherwise be a wonderful new tech and putting roadblocks in place for acceptance. By only using DP, ATI is passing the buck as far as user expense to all of us who will have to now go track down active adapters.

In order to gain wider acceptance I think most of us would be willing to pay a price premium for DP+ based cards.

Well said.. now we have to by a $100 adapter (assuming it will work).
That is not far from say.. buying a Th2go.

I think many consumer will be turned off if they know they they either have to get a $100 adapter or get a new screen for eyefinity.

Also I wonder if sheet will hit the fan when the masses try to get eyefinity and realize what a PITA it is..

Even for a tech head like me it took so long and reading through forums..
I doubt the average guy will know how to set it up and just say there's something wrong with the card..

It's a little confusing to say the least I was under the original assumption that:
1) Eyefinity works on WinXP (or at least triple monitor for desktop which doesn't work either)
2) you can just purchase any DP -> DVI adapter if you don't have a native DP scrreen to plug into. (I can imagine all these people buying adapters only to find out it won't work and the worst part is some of those adapter that doesn't work is described as active adapters... )

CY:G · Post by **CY:G** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:37

[quote][quote][quote] - Display Port being a MUST to triple screen game ( how many Gamers have a monitor with DP, not too many, and only the newer Dell's and HP have that connection, which are rather pricey displays, so all the good priced monitors or us with old monitors are left out ? )

As I've said, DisplayPort is the enabler to this technology, its not feasible to offer it as a "no extra cost" value add feature without it.

The lack of DP+ and the adapter issue is making what would otherwise be a wonderful new tech and putting roadblocks in place for acceptance. By only using DP, ATI is passing the buck as far as user expense to all of us who will have to now go track down active adapters.

In order to gain wider acceptance I think most of us would be willing to pay a price premium for DP+ based cards.

Well said.. now we have to by a $100 adapter (assuming it will work).
That is not far from say.. buying a Th2go.

I think many consumer will be turned off if they know they they either have to get a $100 adapter or get a new screen for eyefinity.

Also I wonder if sheet will hit the fan when the masses try to get eyefinity and realize what a PITA it is..

Even for a tech head like me it took so long and reading through forums..
I doubt the average guy will know how to set it up and just say there's something wrong with the card..

It's a little confusing to say the least I was under the original assumption that:
1) Eyefinity works on WinXP (or at least triple monitor for desktop which doesn't work either)
2) you can just purchase any DP -> DVI adapter if you don't have a native DP scrreen to plug into. (I can imagine all these people buying adapters only to find out it won't work and the worst part is some of those adapter that doesn't work is described as active adapters... )

So at this point we dont even know if active adapters work? wow.

Eyefinity is turning out to be really cost prohibitive even for someone like me that spends hundreds of dollars on hardware each year.

So it wont take triple screen gaming out of its niche, at least it is a step in the right direction.

By the time DP displays are the standard ATi should have the platform completely figured out and tested, that is unless they drop it because of small adoption rate. Time will tell. I guess Matrox does not have much to fear at this point, with DVI being the standard right now.

ndh · Post by **ndh** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:54

[quote]I hope Dave have the pulling power to pass on some suggestion that I'm sure alot of the user here would like:

I've already made the suggestion to the Software Product Managers that as more people get to grips with what we offer we should tka esome direct feedback as to prioritisation of features / updates.

1) PLEASE get Bezel managment working.. don't have to be that fancy "virtual higher resolution then crop image" method like I read about. I'm happy with the way Matrox did it. I don't see that being too hard to program compared to the original intended method.

Bezel management is the next priority feature to be addressed. I don't have a timeline for you, but was recently in a meeting with the software developers to give feedback o some of the stuff they had in the works and also the GUI for it.

2) Its great that the 5870 can do triple 1920x1200. But we want resolution like triple 1680x1050/1440x900/1366x768. Because some games can't run 5760x1200 resolution. it just won't startup. The 5870 while is fast can't run some games at high fps at 5760x1200. If we can get say 3x1440x900 (4320x900) working on the 5870 we can still get Triplehead and fast FPS in games

There are some technical reasons why not all potential resolutions are not supported, but there are others from the maximum res that are. Though feedback on the priority of other resolutions might be useful.

I'm slightly confused now, what resolutions can i expect from Eyefinity, i'm running 3 1680 x 1050 22 inch monitors , (when i get my displayport Dell P2210 and i can finally get a go at Eyefinity), are we saying 5040 x 1050 isnt available ?

What res are available to anyone on a 22inch .. i.e. 1900x 1200 x 3 isnt an option on a 22 ..

Darthdingo · Post by **Darthdingo** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:54

It is still much cheaper to go and buy the $100 Dell active adapter over the $300 Matrox TH2G box, and that Matrox device only does 1680x1050res max times three. But if you have a monitor with Display Port you don't need the adapter at all.

Eyefinity and 5870's is meant for the [H]ardcore crowd who want to triple screen game or more on monitors of 1920x1080, 1920x1200, and 2560x1600 resolutions. Or if you have three of the older size 20" 1600x1200res displays, actually that would be a pretty good setup, three of those running 4800x1200res total, and still be very playable and smooth.

Darthdingo · Post by **Darthdingo** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:58

[quote][quote]

I'm slightly confused now, what resolutions can i expect from Eyefinity, i'm running 3 1680 x 1050 22 inch monitors , (when i get my displayport Dell P2210 and i can finally get a go at Eyefinity), are we saying 5040 x 1050 isnt available ?

What res are available to anyone on a 22inch .. i.e. 1900x 1200 x 3 isnt an option on a 22 ..

You are totally fine. 3 - 22" monitors of 1680x1050res each is easy for Eyefinity with a total res of 5040x1050 = no problem at all. And one of the monitors will have Display Port standard, your all set. And that res will play smooth as butter compared to running like 3 -24" of 1920x1200res grand total of 5760x1200res, or worse yet 3 - 30" of 7680x1600res which is almost unplayable to game on.

CY:G · Post by **CY:G** » 28 Sep 2009, 16:58

It is still much cheaper to go and buy the $100 Dell active adapter over the $300 Matrox TH2G box, and that Matrox device only does 1680x1050res max times three. But if you have a monitor with Display Port you don't need the adapter at all.

Eyefinity and 5870's is meant for the [H]ardcore crowd who want to triple screen game or more on monitors of 1920x1080, 1920x1200, and 2560x1600 resolutions. Or if you have three of the older size 20" 1600x1200res displays, actually that would be a pretty good setup, three of those running 4800x1200res total, and still be very playable and smooth.

In my case though, that adapter is not available in Canada so im looking at the apple one:

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/MB571Z/A

Problem is that, it is designed for mini-displayport, it wont work.

The other one:

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=74073Q22&vpn=NR078AA&manufacture=WORKSTATION%20OPTIONS

Almost $200 and we still dont know if it works, hard to bite the bullet, even thou i really want to... :(

jayodom · Post by **jayodom** » 28 Sep 2009, 17:01

[quote][quote]I hope Dave have the pulling power to pass on some suggestion that I'm sure alot of the user here would like:

I've already made the suggestion to the Software Product Managers that as more people get to grips with what we offer we should tka esome direct feedback as to prioritisation of features / updates.

1) PLEASE get Bezel managment working.. don't have to be that fancy "virtual higher resolution then crop image" method like I read about. I'm happy with the way Matrox did it. I don't see that being too hard to program compared to the original intended method.

Bezel management is the next priority feature to be addressed. I don't have a timeline for you, but was recently in a meeting with the software developers to give feedback o some of the stuff they had in the works and also the GUI for it.

2) Its great that the 5870 can do triple 1920x1200. But we want resolution like triple 1680x1050/1440x900/1366x768. Because some games can't run 5760x1200 resolution. it just won't startup. The 5870 while is fast can't run some games at high fps at 5760x1200. If we can get say 3x1440x900 (4320x900) working on the 5870 we can still get Triplehead and fast FPS in games

There are some technical reasons why not all potential resolutions are not supported, but there are others from the maximum res that are. Though feedback on the priority of other resolutions might be useful.

I'm slightly confused now, what resolutions can i expect from Eyefinity, i'm running 3 1680 x 1050 22 inch monitors , (when i get my displayport Dell P2210 and i can finally get a go at Eyefinity), are we saying 5040 x 1050 isnt available ?

What res are available to anyone on a 22inch .. i.e. 1900x 1200 x 3 isnt an option on a 22 ..

Surely not. I don't think there has been enough trial and error to call that claim legit just yet. Perhaps it isn't reported as a resolution due to how the monitors are configured at the time eyefinity is being setup??

- Jay

MustangSVT · Post by **MustangSVT** » 28 Sep 2009, 17:02

It is still much cheaper to go and buy the $100 Dell active adapter over the $300 Matrox TH2G box, and that Matrox device only does 1680x1050res max times three. But if you have a monitor with Display Port you don't need the adapter at all.

Not quite. You also have to factor in the price of the video card. $400 + $100 = $500. A lot of people have already fast video cards like a GTX 295, a HD4870X2 or other such setups. An HD 5870 won't be any faster for them.

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