How do I configure Eyefinity with this configuration

[Freakbro]

I have been using 2 x 470's with 3 BenQ monitors, which only have DVI and VGA inputs. Not a problem as the 470's have 2 x DVI outputs each.

I have just bought 2 x MSI 7950's, which have 1 x DVI, 1 x HDMI and 2 x mini DP.

Now to preempt the problem of only having 1 DVI output, I bought a HDMI to DVI converter, but as always things are never that easy, the HDMI-DVI converter wont slot in when I have a lead plugged into the DVI slot, there is not enough gap between the two...doh!

So, what is my easiest solution to connect a second output on the 1 card to a DVI only monitor?

 

[old gamer]

If im understanding correct then you need the hdmi to dvi lead that looks a bit like the active mini dp to dvi leads, i had one bundled in with my xfx 7970, i will post a pic when i get chance

 

[Freakbro]

Is that a HDMI to male DVI connection?

Because for other reasons I need it to be a HDMI to female DVI connection (which is what the converter I bought is)

(This is because it plugs into a KVM switch before going to the monitor - and the KVM switch has a male DVI lead)

Edit :

Ahh, something like this should do it?

8cm Male HDMI -> Female DVI Cable adapter

Now where to find one....since this seller is away



BTW am I right in assuming that for Eyefinity I am ok to use DVI & HDMI from 1 card and DVI from 2nd card?

 

[old gamer]

Yep thats the lead im thinking of, for eyefinity all the monitors are pluged into one gpu

 

[old gamer]

Just thinking but for 3 monitors you will have to go dvi,hdmi and active mini dp to dvi adaptor, not sure about the kvm switch i dont know what that is

 

[Freakbro]

Ahh, ok...so for Eyefinity with crossfire all monitors still have to be plugged into 1 card?

(with the 470's I had 2 monitors in 1 card and the 3rd monitor in the second card)

And if I have to use the miniDP port (Which will have to be a miniDP to DVI adapter) whats the deal with active/passive DP adapters, or doesn't that matter anymore

 

[Surveyor]

And if I have to use the miniDP port, whats the deal with active/passive DP adapters, or doesn't that matter anymore

All the monitors have to be connected to the primary card and at least one monitor has to run from DisplayPort either directly or via an active adapter.

As your monitors only have DVI and VGA your setup will need to be:

Monitor 1 DVI to DVI
Monitor 2 HDMI to DVI
Monitor 3 miniDP to DVI using an active adapter: HIS Active Mini DisplayPort to Single Link-DVI Eyefinity Adapter

This setup will work for 1080/1200p monitors at 60Hz.

Edit:

If there's a KVM switch involved somewhere then that may change the situation.

Please remove the link in post #3, competitor linking isn't allowed.

 

[Freakbro]

#

All the monitors have to be connected to the primary card and at least one monitor has to run from DisplayPort either directly or via an active adapter.

As your monitors only have DVI and VGA your setup will need to be:

Monitor 1 DVI to DVI
Monitor 2 HDMI to DVI
Monitor 3 miniDP to DVI using an active adapter: HIS Active Mini DisplayPort to Single Link-DVI Eyefinity Adapter

This setup will work for 1080/1200p monitors at 60Hz.

Thank you

Edit:

If there's a KVM switch involved somewhere then that may change the situstion.

Hmm, this is getting complicated.....maybe I should have stuck with Nvidia

Is it likely that the KVM won't pass through the signal from the miniDP, even though it's converted to DVI?

Please remove the link in post #3, competitor linking isn't allowed.

Sorry 'bout that, removed. I did check first if you supplied that adapter which you didn't.

 

[Surveyor]

Thank you

You're welcome.

Is it likely that the KVM won't pass through the signal from the miniDP, even though it's converted to DVI?

How does the KVM fit in with your planned setup?

Sorry 'bout that, removed. I did check first if you supplied that adapter which you didn't.

I don't work for OcUK.

They do sell similar products which means that you can't link to competitors.

For the monitor connected using HDMI from the graphics card you can use a HDMI to DVI adapter with a DVI to DVI cable or a HDMI to DVI cable.

 

[Freakbro]

How does the KVM fit in with your planned setup?

I currently have 3 monitors, 1 KB and mouse shared between 2 computers using 2 x Aten CS682 KVM switches.

It's been a while since I set it up so have just had to look myself how it all works again!

Ok, so 2 of the monitors are shared and the 3rd is plugged directly into the machine using Surround/Eyefinity.

So, I should be ok using the miniDP->DVI adapter on the monitor that is used directly and not shared and then just use the KVM switches for the DVI and HDMI->DVI adapter connected monitors...yes?

Confused yet?

 

[Surveyor]

Never confused

I think "should be OK" is the correct phrase.

The KVMs are passing through the switched DVI signal so in theory I don't see why what you propose wouldn't work.

Having gone this far I suppose the thing to do is get what you need to set up Eyefinity with your new cards and give it a go.

 

[Freakbro]

Aye, just more expense on cables I hadn't factored in!

Oh well, one of the 7950's is DOA anyway so I have time to get the bits in I need while I RMA one of these.

Have to say though on WoTanks, I'm easily getting the same FPS with one of the 7950's as I was getting with 2 x 470's (on one screen as the 470's couldn't cope with triple screen since they upgraded the WoT engine) - so looking forward to when I get crossfire working!

 

[Surveyor]

Nothing is ever straightforward.

At least you'll be able to test the setup works with the single card.

OcUK only have 2 of the active miniDP to DVI adapters in stock so don't hang around if you want to order one.

 

[Freakbro]

Yep, ordered.

I also decided that rather than order another cabled HDMI-DVI adapter, I would do a bit of 'Freakbro' modding (ie: not delicate or subtle) and I hack-sawed off the edge to the HDMI adapter block I already had! and it now fits like a charm with the other DVI cable plugged in

And I can confirm it works fine with the KVM switch, so I'm back to 2 screens at least for now. Just wait for the RMA and the active DP and I'll finally be able to game on 3 screens again....as those 470's ran out of grunt some time ago.