How the HECK do I set up Eyefinity?

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ckim2116

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I have a Radeon 5970 and a 24" monitor; going to be picking up two more monitors this weekend, but there are only two ports on the video card. What else do I need to buy besides the monitors? Also, is it ok to buy two monitors that aren't the same brand as the middle monitor?

Thanks in advance for the help; I'm just really confused :hello:

Here are my system specs for reference:
Intel Core i7-920 (stock)
Diamond Radeon HD 5970
Patriot Extreme Performance Viper DDR3 6GB 1333MHz Tri Channel 7-7-7-20
Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD3R
Corsair CMPSU-650TX- 650W
WD 750GB Serial ATA/300HD, 32 MB buffer
Cooler Master HAF 932
Lite-On 24X SATA DVD-RW Gen II
Netgear WG311 G PCI 54 Mbps Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Windows 7 Home Premium
 
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No, it is selective omitting and like I said, you forget that there is 2 RAMDACs in there in addition to the TMDS which require the timing signal, the output can be sent through the DP like mentioned in the ATi tech brief, and you can setup 3 monitors with that setup like I said before, here and in three other threads you need to keep track of your connections, you cannot run 3 DVI like Sakanagai wanted to, but you can run combinations of DVI, HDMI and VGA, you just need to know what goes where. However it needs to be single link to run the DP-DVI on the third connection, which still takes the TMDS information delivered through the Display Port. Something I haven't tried nor had others try, but didn't think about in the OP's case initially, would be running VGA+DVI+HDMI straight off the card with no adapter since the monitors support HDMI input as well as the other 2.

And trying the 'personal attack' cop-out is a lame attempt to try and move away from what was selective editing on your part as well as your selective reading in that WSG which was solely about finding active DP-DVI adapters for a third DVI, not simply about enabling the 3rd monitor.

Perhaps you will make more of an effort to read what was being written in the New Year, instead of making up your own 'new extreme'? :hello:
 
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I'll try to make this really easy, for both you, but mostly for the OP since he's the one that's investing his time and money into an actual build, not just theoretical banter.

RAMDACs and TMDS aside, this is what it boils down to:

Passive DP>DVI adapters will not work under ANY resolution while running an Eyefinity setup in which you're using 3 monitors.


Now, with that being said... I'll clarify. When and if the Eyefinity6 model comes out, you can use 2x passive adapters to run DVI monitors. BUT... the 3rd (and any subsequent up to 6) will still require a natural DP connection, or an active connection.

Perhaps Grape, while I'm making a more concerted effort to read, you could perhaps make a more concerted effort to just admit when you're mistaken (we all are from time to time after all), especially when people look to your word as gospel on these forums and spend their money based on your advice. It is a new year after all.
 
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Didn't notice you bothered to reply until I checked threads, so a little late in my reply, but I feel it is needed for the OP and future readers to clear up the confusion created by your taking it 'personally' and trying to attack my motives because you did not actually understand what was being said and why. :??:



Why would I want to put that aside?
It matters to the question especially in order to UNDERSTAND the limitations, not just guess at them like you did without even bothering to theorize and support your statements. You simply re-posted other people's unrelated limited experiences, while attacking other people's advice correct advice because it didn't jive with what you'd misread.

this is what it boils down to:

Passive DP>DVI adapters will not work under ANY resolution while running an Eyefinity setup in which you're using 3 monitors.
Click to expand...

Then explain this from your chosen source site using a similar path, but different way of achieving the same thing;
http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=17468

Working example of DVI+DVI+(Passive DP->VGA adapter) = Eyefinity.

And the official comment by Eyefinity Godfather Carrell Killebrew from ATi (not some random '2 ATi guys') on the subject;
http://www.hardocp.com/news/2009/11/30/eyefinity_using_active_adapter

" The capability was built-in to SunSp*t but as things got closer and closer to launch we had to focus on what we knew we could deliver (within that time-span). Where things ended up w.r.t VGA was that there were so many possible resolutions, refresh rates, older displays, etc. that we punted and declined to specify scenarios that could use VGA. There are modes in SunSp*t that are useful, but the number of possibilities vastly exceeds our ability to verify they all work.

There are "opportunities" to experiment and discover what does and doesn't work. "

Like I said before "ATi agrees with me on this one". [:thegreatgrapeape]

Do you suppose it might be because it's not using the TMDS timing to drive the VGA, just as described to you?

So don't criticize my motives and the damage of my recommendation as a wasting their money, while you're advocating spending the extra ~$80 after you criticizing my recommendation he need only spend ~$20 instead. :heink:

So what it REALLY boils down to is that you DON'T NEED the active adapter, but you really need to keep track of your connections, as said before by someone I believe. 😗

Next time don't take it so 'personally' and maybe you'll be able to see/understand what other people are saying, instead of being as you put it "quite offensive" and questioning their intentions as to "take that to a new extreme by stating this misunderstanding of yours as fact". :non:

- OH yeah, and PS, also in your words: You could perhaps make a more concerted effort to just admit when you're mistaken. :hello:
 
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I may just grab a passive adapter from Frys, they have TONS of open packages for some reason though. I have an extra HDMI panel I could try in that center position so I would only be out the cost of the adapter.

Mine are running at 1920x1080, so it should be a decent test.


Psychosaydie: there are other differences besides the DP port on more expensive monitors. I have a 23" monitor that was about $350 so I guess I am part of who you were addressing.

In my case the more expensive monitor is in the center between two of the cheap (I paid $180 each) 23" displays. And there is a good reason that I put the monitor in the center in the center... color depth and display quality between an IPS and a TN screen is very noticable. It also has a much better (even) backlight.

The IPS display also has a much better stand that allows portrait mode and height adjustment. It has a built in USB hub, powered speakers and a headphone port. All little things, but they add up. The TN has none of those features, it is however a very pretty piano black finish.


 
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Yesterday the new monitors I recently ordered were delivered, & I set up my new eyefinity config for the first time.

I can confirm that (at least some) passive adaptors do work with eyefinity.

Im running Win7-64bit, 5870 with 3 (new) 25" 1920x1080 monitors.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254040

I used this adaptor for the displayport connection:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270279

First, I installed the latest version of catalyst & video drivers. Then, I did a simple plug&play set-up. Everything worked fine on start up. All three monitors were running at their maximum resolutions and Eyefinity was working at 5760x1080.

I haven't done any extensive testing, but in the few hours I worked with the set up last nite, I did not experience a single problem.

Props to TheGreatGrapeApe for explaining that these passive adaptors do work for Eyefinity for monitors with resolutions up to 1920x1080 (and 1920x1200 with reduced blanking). If you plan to run at higher resolution, then you do need one of the powered active adaptors (afaik).
 
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Avoid the headaches Here is what's needed.
1. Of course ATI Eye Infinity capable graphic card. ATI 5970/5850/5000 series.

2. ACTIVE Display Port ( Do not use Apple Adapter it may look like an active displayport but it will not work if you are trying to use 3 monitors. 2 - Yes 3 - No

- ATI 5970 Require (Accell B087B-003J UltraAV Mini miniDisplayPort/DVI-D Dual-Link Adapter) *MINI_DISPLAY*
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0030XMREG/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=172282&s=electronics

- ATI 5850/5770 Require (Accell UltraAV B087B-002B DisplayPort/DVI-D Dual-Link Adapter )
http://www.amazon.com/Accell-UltraAV-B087B-002B-DisplayPort-Dual-Link/dp/B002ISVI3U/ref=pd_cp_e_0_img

Very Important:
Note: These are two different port connectors depending on what gfx card you are using, please use the link above to view.
price around $100 I found one @ FRY's for my ATI 5850 they didn't carry the mini dispaly port as of yet however you can order it online.

Very Important:
Work Only with WINDOW 7
ATI Drive easy to configure for surround gaming.
Different Monitors can be used for surround gaming ( work with the lowest CHEAPEST digitl Mon with max res@ 1024x1080) and the highest Dell 300WFP @ 2560 x 1600 / 60 Hz and some geniric monitor max res @ 1600x1200 and all work together perfectly) this will save you time and being disappointed. Have fun!
 
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Yea I bought a passive adapter just to try it out and it didn't work.

The Bizlink active DVI to Displayport active adapter from Dell works just fine, although I also had to buy a Displayport to mini Displayport dongle because my 5970 has a mini DP connector.
 
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Hey everyone - i read through alot of stuff just like anyone else, and i found this out:

I used your board in my research , and so I thought id give some back to the forum by posting my result:

The apple mini display to dual dvi active adapter works _flawlessly_ when used with a powercolor 5970 2gb ATI card that is _born_ with minidisplay port rather than a standard displayport. Seems the trouble is not the apple adapter but rather that people has been using a special cable to convert the apple minidisplay adapter to a normal displayadapter – and that’s what caused erratic behavior!

So yes - you still need an ACTIVE displayport to dvi adapter, however as many people have said that the apple mds to dual dvi is working, but giving tons of problems, i thought id give you all this info. It should also be noted that it does NOT need to run on its own powersupply as someone says, i currently run 14 USB powered units on my machine INCLUDING the apple mds to dual dvi.. and no problem at all. It runs perfect.

Hope this helps someone.

p.s. eyefinity friggin rocks on this card. :)
 
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Hey everyone - i read through alot of stuff just like anyone else, and i found this out:

I used your board in my research , and so I thought id give some back to the forum by posting my result:

The apple mini display to dual dvi active adapter works _flawlessly_ when used with a powercolor 5970 2gb ATI card that is _born_ with minidisplay port rather than a standard displayport. Seems the trouble is not the apple adapter but rather that people has been using a special cable to convert the apple minidisplay adapter to a normal displayadapter – and that’s what caused erratic behavior!

So yes - you still need an ACTIVE displayport to dvi adapter, however as many people have said that the apple mds to dual dvi is working, but giving tons of problems, i thought id give you all this info. It should also be noted that it does NOT need to run on its own powersupply as someone says, i currently run 14 USB powered units on my machine INCLUDING the apple mds to dual dvi.. and no problem at all. It runs perfect.

Hope this helps someone.

p.s. eyefinity friggin rocks on this card. :)
Click to expand...


ACTUALLY, I'm using an active DVI -> DP and a DP to miniDP adapter for one of the monitors and it's working fine.
 
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So here's the jist. If you want to have all 3 monitors hooked up via a digital signal (probably most people who spend the money for 3 monitors and EyeFinity), you will need a ACTIVE DP to DVI adapter. If you're willing to settle for a VGA (analog) signal for the 3rd monitor then you can use a PASSIVE DP to VGA adapter. I think most people spending the money for this would want the 3 digital setup, then don't follow TheGreatGrapeApe suggestion, follow the other posters.
 
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with the cost of a powered display port to dvi (+- 130), aren't you are better simply buying another video card ? the hd6850 cost $150 !!!

conclusion: if your monitor doesn't support display port (DP) natively, simply buy two video cards, that will be cheaper !
 
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Eyefinity doesn't work that way. Attaching panels to cards as parts of the Cross fire set up other than the primary card will not work.

I have 5970 with 6 mini DPs and 11 others combination of mini DPs, DPs, HDMI and DVIs of 2 5870 and 1 GTX 480 still I need to have active DP adapters to make Eyefinity 6 or 3 monitors to work.

Ken
 
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Wow, I bet you feel like a real asshole now don't you. Happy New Years. Hope you learned something in 2010.
 
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Dude, he clearly outclassed you in both research and general knowledge... You're the one being an 'asshole'. Take your own advice and just admit when you were wrong, move on, and everyone can be friends again.
 
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AMD's (ATI) web site on Eyefinity: (multiple monitors Single card)
http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/amd-eyefinity-technology/how-to/Pages/how-to.aspx

I know this thread is for ATI but for people still deciding, here is the other side of the fence:
Nvidia link to their setup:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/3dv-system-requirements-surround-technology.html
Note: the GTX295 is also a single card that can display 3 monitors (in 2D mode)

Maybe I should not have posted the Nvidia link as I'm not trying to high-jack this thread:
So, please do not discus Nvidia and go off topic, however if you have a link to a Nvidia Thread, that would be beneficial I presume. that way all Nvidia stuff is redirected to the proper area.

Suported Adapters for Eyefinity setups:
http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-dongles.aspx

I wish ATI had better info with pictures showing setup configurations with ports and required adapters.
the only picture shows what I presume is a passive adapter, but the info reads Active adapter.

 
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Looks like powered can handle 2560x1600, non powered can handle 1920x1200
So, to clarify my above statement about what I presumed to be a passive adapter; seems you can not tell if its active or passive by just looking for the USB power.

see examples below:

http://www.accellcables.com/products/DisplayPort/DP/dp_dvid.htm - Active with USB power
Transfers Uncompressed High-Definition Digital Video Signals
Supports DVI Dual-Link Resolutions up to 2560x1600 (WQXGA) and 1080p HDTV’s
Supports up to 36-Bit Color for Billions of Colors
Supports all DVI-D Dual-Link and DVI-D Single-Link Monitors**
Engineered for a Fast and Easy Set-up, No Software to Install
**This adapter does not support 120Hz 3-D stereo display.

http://accellcables.com/products/DisplayPort/DP/dp_dvi_sl_active.htm - Active without USB power
Connect a Single-Mode DisplayPort Enabled Computer to a DVI-D Monitor, TV or Projector
Active Adapter Protocol Converter Converts a Single-Mode DisplayPort Signal to Single-Link DVI
Supports TV Resolutions of up to 1080p and up to 1920x1200 (reduced blanking) for Computers
Sends Extended Colors up to 8-Bits per Component for Millions of Colors
Features a Self-Powered Design, No External Power is Needed

 
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Ok Lots of information to read through in this post. I may not be that bright or maybe I'm getting too old for this stuff.
I have three monitors. Two Generic VGA Monitors (I think the brand is Envision) and and a Hanspree HD monitor with an HDMI and VGA interface. I have an Sapphire hd 5770 with a DVI, Display Port, and VGA interface. I am running Windows Vista 32bit. I have the DVI interface on the graphics card going to one of my generic monitors with a DVI to VGA adapter (passive). I have the VGA interface on the card going to the other Generic monitor. I have the Display port going to the HDMI interface of the Hanspree monitor using a Display port to HDMI cable i purchased from Monoprice.
When I open catalyst control center I see all three monitors in the bar at the bottom of the display group screen. When I right click to create my display group the software only gives me the options of 1x2 vertical or 2x1 horizontal.
Is this due to the two VGA monitors? I can create a 2 monitor group over any two monitors, but not a three monitor group. :??:
 
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I just found this thread while googling around about eyefinity. I couldn't help but chime in on the argument that was going on between Grape and a4mula from the perspective of a typical user:

Grape, while you may be technically correct, from what I understand, for this to work it REQUIRES a VGA connection. This was not made clear at all in any of your posts. I purchased a passive mini-DP -> HDMI adapter for $20, thinking that it would indeed work (as I thought you were suggesting). I am using two DVI connections for my monitors, and the mini-DP -> HDMI adapter for my Flatscreen TV (which is acting as a third monitor, all three running at 1920x1080). This set-up DOES NOT WORK.

So, Grape, while you may have technically been correct, your information has confused at least one person (myself). My Radeon 6950 has no VGA connection, and DVI -> VGA converters do not work (I'm sure it's still effectively acting like a second DVI this way). So, I do not even have this option; to continue forward I still need to locate and buy an active adapter. I've now wasted money, and a good weeks worth of time, only to wait another week for a new adapter. Certainly this isn't your fault alone, but I couldn't help but chime in. I think this is a situation where being right is doing more damage than being quiet.

--Kitt
 
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Not to reignite a quasi-ancient thread... but before purchasing the HD5970 Eye6 card, I was aware of these various connector complexities.

My problems are probably a bit unique because I'm trying to run 3 30'' monitors at 2560x1600... AND all of my monitors ONLY have DVI inputs. So... I researched it carefully, and purchased 3 Accell (Eyefinity approved supposedly) MiniDP to DVI ACTIVE adapters, one for each monitor.

I've since found though (and I have another thread open on the forum about this, I just realized someone that replied on here would probably know) that I have all manner of flickering issues, mDP Link Failure error messages, and Low Power Link Failure messages; this is when running only 2 of the monitors - I cannot run 3 without the monitors going black.

There IS a firmware upgrade from Accell that I'm trying (with difficulty) to get from them... but what I'm essentially interested in is if anyone has run 3 30'' monitors off this card... WITH adapters as I'm trying to... successfully?
 
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