Cheap way to run Eyefinity guys, Tested

[Orcvader]

Anyone know if the DP>VGA adapter will work for a 4870? (I have 2 DVI, 1 DP, and am using the 2 DVI) I'm not wanting eyefinity (as I know it doesn't work on 4xxx cards) I just want it in an extended setup, I'm currently using a USB adaptor for my 3rd monitor, but it's really annoying, as any incorrect shutdown requires a re-install of the USB adaptor drivers, requiring 2 restarts+install time (un-install>restart>install>restart>working again) and it also doesn't seem to support monitor colour profiles (or at least when I try to apply them, nothing changes.

Cheers

It doesn't have Displayport, if there is a third port, then it may be HDMI. Unfortunatly you can only use 2 ports at a time. If you want to run a third monitor your best bet is to keep on using that USB adapter, or buy a cheap card to run it.
EDIT: Just googled it, seems there are some with Displayport. But at most it will only be able to run two monitors.

 

[R.C.Anderson]

It doesn't have Displayport, if there is a third port, then it may be HDMI. Unfortunatly you can only use 2 ports at a time. If you want to run a third monitor your best bet is to keep on using that USB adapter, or buy a cheap card to run it.
EDIT: Just googled it, seems there are some with Displayport. But at most it will only be able to run two monitors.

Thanks for that, I was afraid that would be the case, unfortunately I only have a single PCI-E x16 slot, so a second gx card is out of the picture, seems like I'll just have to make do with what I have untill I get my new build in September/October.

 

[Orcvader]

If you have any PCI slots, you can try hunt around on the bay for a PCI card.

 

[R.C.Anderson]

Unfortunately I don't have any PCI slots available either, as my mobo has 3, 1 of which doesn't seem to work properly, another has a network card in (I have problems with my onboard card sometimes, and the last has a SATA card.

 

[Lethagized]

Datamonkey, could you post a picture of the exact adaptor you used please?

 

[KatanaDV20]

The image on the 2 side screens appears more streched the closer it get the edge of the screen

I am looking for three new monitors to hook up to my new 5850 and this is what I have been hearing a lot about thats making me think twice about triple-screen. I wont be happy about the two outer monitors giving a stretched image!! That would look silly in FSX and other FPS games. Why is it doing that I wonder....maybe we should have waited for 2nd gen Eyefinity where they will surely fix this glitch?

 

[buttkinz]

Its meant to simulate peripheral vision, not extend viewing angle lol

 

[Orangey]

Well it doesn't do it very well. In real life, if you're looking at a boulder out of the corner of your eye it doesn't magically become 10x smaller if you turn to look at it straight on. Noticed this in BC2, well offputting tbh.

 

[mart280]

I only use it for racing simulations and it is brilliant.

 

[Andrew_McP]

I only use it for racing simulations and it is brilliant.

Yes, it's all about the immersive peripheral vision, and for flight and racing sims my TripleHead setup is simply the best investment I have *ever* made.

You are not supposed to be staring at the side screens, they're just there to fill your peripheral vision and alert you to flashes of movement. In multiplayer FPS games it undoubtedly gives people the edge. But for offline FPS gaming I usually stick to one screen so I can max out the visual settings, sit back, and enjoy exploring the plot/scenario. In iRacing I'm happy to cut back the vertical resolution in order to get the massive immersive gain three screens allows.

Anyway, I've been holding back on buying a 5870 (to boost my GTX260 frame rates) because it doesn't work with TripleHead properly, and the whole adapter thing was a bit hit & miss. But it's nice to hear about another good VGA adapter experience, because that'll be the first thing I try when I do eventually hand over the cash.

Andrew McP

 

[MoRT489]

I am looking for three new monitors to hook up to my new 5850 and this is what I have been hearing a lot about thats making me think twice about triple-screen. I wont be happy about the two outer monitors giving a stretched image!! That would look silly in FSX and other FPS games. Why is it doing that I wonder....maybe we should have waited for 2nd gen Eyefinity where they will surely fix this glitch?

It's not just a gen one eyefinity thing it happens on any monitor whether 4:3, widescreen or ultra widescreen. But the wider u go the more noticeable it becomes! See explanation here http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=16563&view=next.

Well it doesn't do it very well. In real life, if you're looking at a boulder out of the corner of your eye it doesn't magically become 10x smaller if you turn to look at it straight on. Noticed this in BC2, well offputting tbh.

What FOV are u using in BC2 with EyeF? Anything above 65 makes the side screens look terrible imo. I play at 60 and love the extra immersion.