Problem with 2 monitors connecting to ATI 6850

[Yannic]

Hello, I recently purchased my girlfriend a new monitor from South Korea (u know those 2560x1440 displays that run over DVI-I (Dual Link))

She was currently using a VGA monitor on her 6850 connected to the card on the top DVI port using a DVI-I (Dual Link) -VGA converter.

Both displays work perfectly on the top DVI port individually.

Neither display works on the bottom DVI port on the graphics card.

She wants to run the 27 inch monitor at 2560x1440 and her old 23 inch monitor at 1920x1080

Does anyone know why we are having issues getting the displays to work on the 2nd lower DVI output. They are both DVI-I (Dual Link) ports.

Thankyou


Iain

 

[Surveyor]

They are both DVI-I (Dual Link) ports.

Hi,

They're almost certainly not, that's your problem.

The second connector is likely single link DVI-D so doesn't support either 2560x1440 resolution or an analogue (VGA) signal.

As you need the dual link DVI-I for the 2560x1440 monitor (I assume that's the only input it has) then you'll need a DisplayPort to VGA adapter for the second monitor (assuming that's the only input it has).

I believe the adapter needs to be an active (powered) one.

Do not get a DisplayPort to DVI adapter and then try and convert that to VGA.

It won't work as it's a digital output only.

An alternative would be to use onboard/integrated graphics if you have that option, a VGA connection and it can be run at the same time as the graphics card.

 

[Yannic]

Ah thankyou. The only reason I thought they were is we looked at the picture from Wikipedia here:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/DVI_Connector_Types.svg

and they both look the same as the DVI-I (Dual Link) Port. both female ports and male connectors but what you say makes sense! thankyou

I guess she will have to get rid of the old monitor or get the HDMI converter which your talking about or get a new card. I bet she wants the 3rd option.

Thanks again

 

[Surveyor]

I assume HDMI is a typo?

If the monitor is VGA only then you'd need a DisplayPort to VGA adapter.

If you have room and another PCI-E slot you could put a cheap card in with VGA or DVI-I to run the second monitor.