Eyefinity Active/Passive Display Port to DVI Adapater Question

[RadioActiveLobster]

I did several searches to try and find an answer and to be honest I am more confused now than before I started the search because I've found places that say something different each time


I have two ASUS VK266H Monitors (Third is on it's way)

They are native 1920x1200 resolution.

My current monitors are connected to my PC via DVI cables (I assume single link DVI) so if I want to use the third monitor I need to use a Display Port to DVI adapter.

My Sapphire 6950's came with a Mini-DP -> DP adapter so I'll need to get a DP -> DVI adapter.

My question is this, can I use one of the $30 Passive DP -> DVI adapters or do I need a $100 Active DP -> DVI adapter??

If my max res (per monitor) is going to be 1920x1200 then I shouldn't need an active adapter, correct? This is where I have seen conflicting information at other sites.

What brand of adapter would be best?

This is what I've found as recommendations at several sites.

http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-005B-DisplayPort-Single-Link-Certified/dp/B004071ZX0 (Full Size Displayport to DVI)

http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-006B-DisplayPort-Single-Link-Certified/dp/B004071ZXA (Mini Displayport to DVI, would eliminate need for 2nd adapter)

 

[master noran]

Instead of getting a $30 dollar passive DP to DVI get a $30 active DP to dvi.


They went down in price.

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-akti...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297821322&sr=1-1\

Powercolor, Visiontek and sapphire all make them and they are all the same. (The ones out of the brands I mean)

 

[der_jackal]

To run three monitors, you have to have an active adapter. It does not matter if you use Eyefinity or not.

The card only has two clock signal generators on the board. A CSG is required for each DVI / HDMI connection. A passive adapter uses one of those clocks to push a non-converted DVI / HDMI (read: passive) signal. Native DP does not use a clock, so an active DP converter (actually keeps the signal DP until the dongle converts it) keeps that clock free to drive the other DVI / HDMI port.

 

[RadioActiveLobster]

So the one that master noran linked would be the best option?

 

[der_jackal]

- Sapphire DP to Single Link DVI Active
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?...g=&psn=0001&gid=1010&sgid=1011

- Accell mDP to Single Link DVI Active
http://www.accellcables.com/products/DisplayPort/DP/mdp_dvi_sl_active.htm

- PowerColor DP and mDP to Single LInk DVI Active
http://www.powercolor.com/us/product_Accessories.asp?SeriesID=65

- XFX DP and mDP to Single Link DVI Active
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/Products/Accessories/AccessoriesOverview.aspx


Links may be borked, but these are the ones I know plenty of people validate as working. You have the miniDP to DP converter, so you can use any one of those.

You can find the retailer of your choice who carries any of the above.

 

[Breath_of_the_Dying]

Hey guys I'm in a similar situation. I'm going from the XFX XXX 5870 to the powercolor 6950 for my eyefinity rig. The 6950 only has a mini display port, while I've been using an active display port adapter for the 5870.

Can i just get a passive mini display port to DP adapter and continue to use my DP to DVI active adapter?
I was thinking about buying this and calling it a day. Thoughts?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...layport_to_displayport-_-12-270-265-_-Product

 

[m_isom]

The link shows a passive mini display port to DVI. You want a mini display port to standard display port like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...layport_to_displayport-_-12-607-015-_-Product to use your current active adapter.

It might be best to find an active mini display port adapter like http://www.accellcables.com/products/DisplayPort/DP/mdp_dvi_sl_active.htm to rely on one adapter instead of two.

 

[der_jackal]

Hey guys I'm in a similar situation. I'm going from the XFX XXX 5870 to the powercolor 6950 for my eyefinity rig. The 6950 only has a mini display port, while I've been using an active display port adapter for the 5870.

Can i just get a passive mini display port to DP adapter and continue to use my DP to DVI active adapter?
I was thinking about buying this and calling it a day. Thoughts?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...layport_to_displayport-_-12-270-265-_-Product

Yes. But you linked to a mDP to HDMI.

 

[noquarter]

Hey guys I'm in a similar situation. I'm going from the XFX XXX 5870 to the powercolor 6950 for my eyefinity rig. The 6950 only has a mini display port, while I've been using an active display port adapter for the 5870.

Can i just get a passive mini display port to DP adapter and continue to use my DP to DVI active adapter?
I was thinking about buying this and calling it a day. Thoughts?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...layport_to_displayport-_-12-270-265-_-Product

The card should come with a miniDP -> DP adapter which you use with your Active DP->DVI adapter into.

 

[samuelmorris]

The XFX 6900s do not come with miniDP->DP adapters, I don't know about other brands.