3 x screens XFX R7950

[Arazi]

Hi all

Just after a bit of advice, i have the above card and want to connect 3 screens, i currently run 2 screens off it using both the DVI ports, if i buy another screen is it just a case of using the HDMI to the new screen or either of the mini display ports depending on which screen i get?

Connections on the card are: 2 x DVI, 1 x HDMI, 2x Mini Display Ports

Thanks

 

[Joe!]

If it's anything like the 7970 you'll need an *active* Mini Displayport to <insert connection on your monitor> adapter.

 

[Confused Stu]

Depends on the screens you're using. If two of them are identical makes/models, then you'll be to use the DVI, DVI & HDMI connectors to run all three of them, provided they're all plugged in when you start the PC (no hot swapping monitors). You could also use a passive MiniDP adapter in this case too.

If you have three different models of screens, then you will need to either connect the third to a DP input on the monitor (using a MDP to DP cable), or use an ACTIVE MDP to DVI/HDMI/VGA adapter for the third as Rowlii said.

(Science bit - feel free to ignore) It's all to do with DVI, HDMI and VGA needing a clock signal, where DP doesn't. Active DP adapters produce their own clock signal, Passive ones don't and so rely on the GPU providing one. The 7950 has two clock generators, but can (under certain circumstances) use one clock generator to run 2 screens. This link explains it better than I do if you're interested:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7400/the-radeon-r9-280x-review-feat-asus-xfx/3

 

[Arazi]

Thanks for the replies, i have 2 x identical screens which are connected to both the DVI's, the other screen will be a Dell, this has DVI and VGA, could i use the HDMI connector on the card to connect the Dell using an HDMI to DVI adapter, or do i have no choice but to use an active Display Port adapter on the Mini Display Port?

Thanks again

 

[Confused Stu]

Thanks for the replies, i have 2 x identical screens which are connected to both the DVI's, the other screen will be a Dell, this has DVI and VGA, could i use the HDMI connector on the card to connect the Dell using an HDMI to DVI adapter, or do i have no choice but to use an active Display Port adapter on the Mini Display Port?

Thanks again

HDMI to DVI adapter or cable SHOULD be fine, provided you're running the two identical screens at the same resolution and frequency (don't know why you wouldn't be, but mentioning just in case!).

 

[Confused Stu]

If the third screen doesn't work on the HDMI port (I know the 280X can do it, I'm 99% sure the 7970 can with later drivers too), you're looking at something like Startech's MDP2DVIS or MDP2DVIMM3BS for running the screen.

OcUK sell the more expensive dual-link adapter which is needed for higher resolutions - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CB-093-SR - but not the cheaper adapters for running lower resolution screens (such as 1080p), so hopefully the above model numbers should help you find something suitable.

 

[Armageus]

If you buy a monitor with Display Port, you don't need to worry about any active adapters - just a Displayport to Mini Displayport cable

 

[BluD]

Yeah, thats what i did with my third monitor, i had no choice since it wouldnt run 1440p on the other 2 outputs without a dual dvi cable.

 

[Arazi]

HDMI to DVI adapter or cable SHOULD be fine, provided you're running the two identical screens at the same resolution and frequency (don't know why you wouldn't be, but mentioning just in case!).

Thanks for all the help and replies guys, i have just picked the screen up and used the HDMI cable with HDMI > DVI to connect to the screen, all up and running now The other two screens are still connected as they have always been, using both DVI's on the card.

Thanks again

 

[Confused Stu]

Thanks for all the help and replies guys, i have just picked the screen up and used the HDMI cable with HDMI > DVI to connect to the screen, all up and running now The other two screens are still connected as they have always been, using both DVI's on the card.

Thanks again

PICTURES!!!

Glad you got it working mate.

 

[Arazi]

PICTURES!!!

Glad you got it working mate.

Haha, thanks mate

It is actually my son's (15) system, thought i would treat him to another screen. He's made up