R9 290X dual monitor setup problems

[Jay794]

I wasn't sure whether this belongs in the monitor section or here so forgive me if it's in the wrong place.

I know the R9 290X has 2 DVI ports, but I have a VGA only monitor that used to work fine with 6950.

I bought an VGA to DVI-D adapter but my LG flatron is still saying "check signal.

Any ideas?

 

[jh30uk]

Some adapters simply do not work, did you not get a good quality one with the card?

 

[Confused Stu]

The R9 290 series don't support VGA connections, not even using a DVI to VGA adapter. They don't have the necessary circuitry inside, which is why they have DVI-D connectors rather than DVI-I.

To get a VGA monitor to work from one, you'll need to use an Active Displayport to VGA adapter. OcUK don't sell one but you'll need something like Startech's "DP2VGA" adapter.

 

[jh30uk]

I though the adapter would only fit on a DVD-I socket anyhow (like mines)?

 

[Confused Stu]

I though the adapter would only fit on a DVD-I socket anyhow (like mines)?

Good point, you're right. The DVI-D has nothing around the flat bar, the DVI-I has four pins round it to carry the analogue signal. Wonder what card and adapter the OP has to physically be able to fit them together?

 

[Jay794]

I have the MSI Twin Frozr Card and a VGA to DVI-D adapter they physically fit together but it seems the monitor is not recieving a signal

 

[Confused Stu]

MSI only list DVI-D connectors on their 290X's, so the issue definitely is that the card doesn't support analogue outputs, only digital. You will need an Active adapter to run the VGA monitor I'm afraid. Don't know if active HDMI or DVI-D to VGA adapters exist but I know the Active Displayport to VGA will work.

 

[jh30uk]

If a DVI-D to VGA adapter exist it is pointless as it cannot turn a digital into analogue.

A bit like those cheap VGA to S-Video cable adapters, you need a box of tricks to do it.

 

[Jay794]

Thanks for the help guys, looks like I'll have to get a VGA to displayport adapter then

 

[Puppetmaster]

I use a VGA to display port adapter for my 19", works fine.

 

[Jay794]

I got one of those Startech adapters, worried me when it arrived though because it was labelled Displayport to VGA, and not VGA to Displayport, I was concerned it may only work one way

 

[TheyCallMeAndy]

I have a VGA monitor as my 3rd monitor, and i have to use an active vga to hdmi grabbed it off ebay was £5 done and dusted.