3 x Monitor connections advice

kration · 2 Sep 2014 at 19:33

I posted a few days ago asking for advice about a cheap main Monitor for Eyefinity. I've now bought one if these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-080-BQ&groupid=17&catid=510

So my 3x monitor set-up will consist of:

1 x BenQ GL2460 24" (Inputs: 1x Analogue & 1x DVI-D)
2 x Acer X223W 22" (Inputs: 1 x D-Sub (aka VGA?) on each)

My Gigabyte Radeon HG-7870 GPU has the following outputs:
2 x mini-Display Port
1 x HDMI
1x DVI-I

1 of the Acer's is already connected via a DVI-I to VGA adapter.

What other cables/adapters do I need for a 3 monitor Eyefinity set-up?

I've been searching on various sites but just ended up confusing myself.

(edit - forgot to add that I've already got a 'Mini Display Port Apple Mac 20 Pin Male to VGA Female Cable Adapter 28358' but not sure if it'll work...)

Surveyor · 2 Sep 2014 at 19:50

The cheapest way is probably:

1) Acer X223W connected to DVI-I with a DVI-I to VGA adapter as it is now

2) Acer X223W connected to miniDP with an active miniDP to VGA adapter (cost circa £20) but try the one you have already before buying another

3) BenQ GL2460 connected to HDMI with a HDMI to DVI cable (cost a few pounds)

kration · 2 Sep 2014 at 20:52

Thanks for the clarifying reply.

anthony566 · 2 Sep 2014 at 21:17

I got my DP Adapter from OCUK but they don't seem to have them anymore .... but you should not have to pay more than £20 if you look around.

kration · 7 Sep 2014 at 20:02

Surveyor said:
The cheapest way is probably:

1) Acer X223W connected to DVI-I with a DVI-I to VGA adapter as it is now

2) Acer X223W connected to miniDP with an active miniDP to VGA adapter (cost circa £20) but try the one you have already before buying another

3) BenQ GL2460 connected to HDMI with a HDMI to DVI cable (cost a few pounds)

I've done exactly as recommended and it's worked brilliantly!

I was expecting a lot of hassle setting up Eyefinity but with the help of a few guides off the web it was very simple to set up.

I was expecting problems connecting to the mini-display port to the VGA on my old Acer, especially as my adapter was advertised as being for Apple Macs. But the 'Mac' adapter worked without any problems (it must be active rather than passive). If anyone needs one then do a google search for the following and you can get it for less that £7:

"Mini Display Port Apple Mac 20 Pin Male to VGA Female Cable Adapter 28358"

The main hassle was trying to make my new middle Benq monitor my main monitor in windows, and it took me a while to figure out that you right click on your Windows desktop, select 'Screen Resolution', select your middle monitor and tick 'Make this my main display' - easy when you know how.

The 'Windows key & P' shortcut also helps to switch between the 'Duplicate' (i.e. Eyefinity) arrangement and the 'Extend' (i.e. 3 separate monitors) arrangement. Thought it seems a bit counter-intuitive so I'm not sure if I've got that right. Also, 'Computer Only' still goes back to my original left-most monitor, not the one I've selected as my main monitor.

Sods law also states that as soon as I bought the Benq it was on offer at a reduced price the following day...

But thanks for the excellent advice. Now off to find some decent Eyefinity games...