Radeon HD 6450 - Multi-monitor question

[Daniel Phillips]

Hi All!

I have a quick question about this GPU (see link below), I know that it supports multiple monitors through each individual display port BUT, my question is, will it support 3 monitors on just the DVI port if I get a 3-way splitter? The reason I ask is because I have a few customers who want 3 monitors and have all DVI monitors. It would be much easier to get a splitter and put all 3 on just the one DVI port if possible.

Here's the GPU:
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/XFX-Radeon-HD-6450-graphics-card-Radeon-HD-6450-1-GB/2665405.aspx?enkwrd=LEFTNAVATT%3aA91%7cAll%20Product%20Catalog

Thanks in advance!

 

[rgd1101]

the splitter would show the same display 3 times on each monitors.

 

[Daniel Phillips]

Ahhh, well I used to do it with my nvidia card and it would just use them as two separate displays that I could move windows back and forth between them. There is no way to set this in AMD's driver?

 

[rgd1101]

and you were using a splitter? what make and model is that? cause I want one.

 

[Daniel Phillips]

Yup! It was this one right here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139032

I was using 2 monitors if that makes a difference, not 3. But it worked perfectly, had both displays separate one was the main with my taskbar the other was no taskbar and I could drag windows back and forth just fine.

 

[rgd1101]

no the cable.

 

[Daniel Phillips]

Just a regular DVI cable, then I had a 2 way splitter... It might be different than a usual splitter it has labels 1 and 2 for each branch so I might be calling it by the wrong name.

 

[rgd1101]

that a dual screen y cable?

 

[jaguarskx]

That card will only output to two monitors because it can only handle 2 video signals. As pointed out above, all a splitter does is send the same video signal to another display.

You need a video card with DisplayPort if you want a single graphics card to support 3 monitors. The DisplayPort has it's own dedicated video processor which is why such a video card can support 3 monitors.

Based on what's available at Newegg.com, the least expensive graphics card that will support 3 monitors is the following Radeon HD 5450 for $70.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161354


A more powerful option would be the following Radeon HD 6670 DDR5 for $70 after rebate. It is generally a better option for a 3 monitor setup depending on how intensive the usage is going to be. For example, for streaming multiple videos, like teleconferencing, I would rather choose the HD 6670 over the HD 5450 even if I have deal with a rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102950

 

[Daniel Phillips]

Are there any better options pricewise? THis is not for gaming, just a workstation that needs more productivity.

 

[k1114]

The card he linked to has dms59. It is not a dvi splitter.

 

[jaguarskx]

Are there any better options pricewise? THis is not for gaming, just a workstation that needs more productivity.

Trust me. Neither the Radeon HD 5450 or the HD 6670 can handle games across 3 monitors.

A less expensive solution would be to install two Radeon HD 5450s for $20 each after rebate. If only one rebate is allowed per "household", then simply buy a different brand.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102882

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127557

 

[Daniel Phillips]

Thanks a lot guys, thank you Jaguarskx!!! Much appreciate sir!