Can't get eyefinity working

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 19:55

I have a HD6970 and three monitors, two plugged in via DVI and one via minidisplay port then a minidisplay to HDMI adapter.

Would the problem be that all three monitors are different? Do they all need to be identical for this to work?

Really want this working this evening, if it is possible, so fast replies much appreciated

imb4tman · 23 Dec 2011 at 19:59

No, the monitors do not need to be the same. Is your adaptor active?

Also is your third monitor working in Windows?

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:15

yep all three monitors work in windows, i can do any combination of two monitors just fine.

The adapter i used above is not active. But i did buy one that is meant to be display port to DVI Active, but it isn't usb powered so maybe i have been mis sold?

Monitors have following input:

DVI + VGA
DVI + HDMI + VGA
DVI + HDMI + VGA

Adapters i have are mini display to HDMI, Displayport (large) to DVI (not usb powered), and a DVI to HDMI Cable.

imb4tman · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:21

If I've read you correctly you have an active adaptor but not using it? You need to be using the active adaptor for Eyefinity to work. Mine isn't the USB version either.

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:31

I have now plugged in my active connector but I have to plug in a minidisplay to display to use it.

Currently plugged in:

Dvi out- monitor
Dvi out- monitor
Minidisplay out- display adapter- dvi- monitor

imb4tman · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:34

That is exactly the same as my set up so should work fine.

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:40

AAARGH! Should work and it doesn't dammit!

imb4tman · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:42

Installed the latest drivers? Or even if you have, I always find it best to install the drivers again after making a hardware change.

Orcvader · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:42

Have you checked the adapter is active? What does the adapter look like?

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:49

I bought my adapter from the rainforest e-tailer. It is called

StarTech DP2DVI DisplayPort to DVI Video Adapter Converter (comes up in google)

definitely have the latest drivers, but i may well get the newest ones.

The error message it gives when trying is something like "unable to display from multiple processors" but i have disabled the intel z68 stuff and 6970 is definitely a single processor.

Orcvader · 23 Dec 2011 at 20:54

Googling that adapter:

DP2DVI is a passive adapter that requires a DP++ port (DisplayPort++), meaning that DVI and HDMI signals can also be passed through the port.

You have a passive adapter. You need an active adapter. This is why you can't get the third screen to work.

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 21:03

Argh! *Angry words that I'm not allowed to say*!

Could you please recommend one that will work? :-D

Already wasted money on that one...

Orcvader · 23 Dec 2011 at 21:26

"StarTech Mini DisplayPort to DVI Active Adapter" on the rainforest is one that should work. OcUK was selling one that looked exactly like this but rebranded as XFX. It's £23.63 so not too expensive.

imb4tman · 23 Dec 2011 at 21:26

Try the Sapphire one.

Roverno · 23 Dec 2011 at 21:30

Is there a way to definitely test if it is active or passive? other than getting Eyefinity working with it...

Otaku Punk · 30 Dec 2011 at 11:46

The adapter should state on the side, under the DVI logo, whether it is active or passive.

It's also worth checking what resolution you are outputting to your screens. Some active adapters are only single-link DVI, so top out at 1920x1200. If you're looking for a higher resolution than that you need an active dual-link adapter, and these usually have the extra USB cable for power.

As for active displayport adapters for a 6970, XFX make an active mini-displayport to DVI that can be had for around £20.

old gamer · 31 Dec 2011 at 10:54

His active displayport adapter here works fine