• AMD 6970 + 3 monitors
    11 replies, posted
I have just ordered [url=http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-251-AS]this Asus 6970 DirectCU II[/url] graphics card (with 2x DVI, 4x DisplayPort), and am now looking for the cheapest way to run my 3 displays. My current setup consists of: - GTX 275 with 2 DVI ports - 17" CRT connected via VGA to DVI adapter and VGA cable - 24" LCD connected directly via DVI - 32" TV connected via DVI to HDMI adapter and HDMI cable (currently swapped with CRT when needed). I am not interested in eyefinity - I just want to be able to use all 3 displays simultaneously. Sound being passed over HDMI to the TV is essential. HDCP is not required. Is an 'active' DisplayPort adapter necessary always for 3 displays, or only with eyefinity? If so, will a DisplayPort-VGA adapter work alongside the two DVI ports, or do I have to buy an active DisplayPort adapter no matter what? Basically, what is the cheapest DisplayPort adapter/cable that will suit my needs? (Preferably from Amazon UK, or anywhere else with reasonable shipping to Northern Ireland)
You need an active displayport adapter.
From what I've read, it is possible to use a non-active adapter for a third display as long as it is VGA. [url=http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/16596979/StarTech-DisplayPort-to-VGA-Video-Adaptor-Converter/Product.html?_$ja=tsid%3a11518|cat%3a16596979|prd%3a16596979&add=16596979]This adapter[/url] seems like the best option, at least going by [url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RWXIGHTRDTHCP/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B001RPCZL4&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode=]this review[/url], though I'm still not certain.
Seems like it's active then, go for it.
Going with [url=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DisplayPort-VGA-Female-Cable-Adapter-Display-port-/290544263217?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item43a5c9a031]this[/url] adapter, since it's cheaper and supposedly any VGA-DP adaptor will work as an active one. Also thankfully my CRT isn't any larger, since 1280x1024 is the highest resolution these adaptors will do at over 60hz.
You need a active adapter. The card can only process two dvi/vga/hdmi. Don't cheap out with some off brand chinese adapter that may or may not be active. Just spend then extra 10 and get a nice one.
AMD cards have two DVI/HDMI out lines. As a result, to use DVI/HDMI for a third monitor, you need an active DP adapter; [i]but[/i] if you're using VGA, you can get away with a passive adapter.
Shit, you bought a 3-slot graphics card? Guess you gonna regret this sooner or later, because imo 3 slots is too much of usable space that a graphics card takes away on your motherboard. Eventhough I dunno if you really need any other slots. I got myself a Gainward HD4870X2 golden sample edition, which uses 3 slots. You can't even put a sound card or something below it because it would block one of its bigass fans. fyi
[QUOTE=Romka;29372113]Shit, you bought a 3-slot graphics card? Guess you gonna regret this sooner or later, because imo 3 slots is too much of usable space that a graphics card takes away on your motherboard. Eventhough I dunno if you really need any other slots. I got myself a Gainward HD4870X2 golden sample edition, which uses 3 slots. You can't even put a sound card or something below it because it would block one of its bigass fans. fyi[/QUOTE] Thankfully my motherboard has an x1 slot above the first x16 slot, and even with a 2 slot gpu this is the only place my xonar will fit properly. Though now you mention it, if the 6970 requires a 2 pin spdif for hdmi audio I'll be pretty screwed since I'm currently using a 'hacked' cd audio cable which plugs into the motherboard in the area which will be covered by the 3rd slot. Also just remembered I have an onboard 4200 gpu, so if the vga adapter doesn't work I can just use that for the TV output.
That adapter will work. Im currently using it with my 5850, and its driving three Dell 22" screens @ 1680x1050 each. You have to use it for the center display, and then use DVI/HDMI for the left and right screens.
[QUOTE=Awt2 x;29402309]That adapter will work. Im currently using it with my 5850, and its driving three Dell 22" screens @ 1680x1050 each. You have to use it for the center display, and then use DVI/HDMI for the left and right screens.[/QUOTE] Ah, was hoping that wasn't true/wouldn't apply. I believe when this is the case, VGA also has to be used on the largest monitor (which isn't realistic for me; don't particularly want to use VGA at 1920x1200 if I can avoid it). I guess I'm very fortunate that my motherboard and IGP support SurroundView, and that I'm not looking for anything other than 1080p video playback on the TV (which the integrated 4200 should be able to handle just fine). Won't know until Tuesday which of the two setups works...
Maybe it applys only to Eyefinity setups.. But, now that Im thinking, it should work any way. Just eyefinity might not work with it on the left or right screens. I guess we figure this out on Tuesday.
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