Eyefinity: CCC sees 3 monitors, can only create 2 monitor group

T

Travatron

n00b
Joined
Jul 15, 2004
Messages
62
So I just got my third monitor, 3x Samsung 216BW 1680x1050. Using 2x DVI and 1x Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter to connect them to my XFX 6950/70 flashed.

I can use all 3 monitors, just not at once! I know this isn't an active adapter, but according to everything I have read, active is only required at 1900x1200 or higher resolutions.

eye2.jpg


As you can see, CCC sees all three monitors, but only allows 2 to be active at a time. Please don't say "buy an active adapter" unless you know, for SURE, that it is the only solution.

With the ATI product description, it says "If only one or two DVI/HDMI monitors are attached through a DisplayPort connector, then only simple passive adapters are required."

( Source, pg.8)


What gives?
 
It needs to be an active adapter.

With the ATI product description, it says "If only one or two DVI/HDMI monitors are attached through a DisplayPort connector, then only simple passive adapters are required."
Click to expand...
You misunderstood this. I'm pretty sure it means if one or two total, not one or two DVI/HDMI monitors + another one connected through DP. As in, if you're connecting one or two monitors that are DVI/HDMI using a DP connector, you only need passive adapters.
 
Yeah, it looks like I confused since people were reporting having success with passive adapters, but they're using DP>VGA adapters, which, apparently is OK.

"So here's the jist. If you want to have all 3 monitors hooked up via a digital signal (probably most people who spend the money for 3 monitors and EyeFinity), you will need a ACTIVE DP to DVI adapter. If you're willing to settle for a VGA (analog) signal for the 3rd monitor then you can use a PASSIVE DP to VGA adapter."

I wish I'd done more research on Eyefinity before buying an AMD card...
 
Actually, my adapter looks just like This adapter which is ATI certified for Eyefinity. I assumed it was passive because it doesn't have external power, but neither does that one, and mine says "Powered from MiniDisplayPort source" indicating that it is active...
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Travatron said:
Actually, my adapter looks just like This adapter which is ATI certified for Eyefinity. I assumed it was passive because it doesn't have external power, but neither does that one, and mine says "Powered from MiniDisplayPort source" indicating that it is active...
Click to expand...

thats a single link adapter thats why. They work for resolution of like 1920x1200 and lower or something, there still active but are powered through the display port. For resolutioins higher than that you need the $100 dual link adapter that is powered from usb ports.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I've never seen an active adapter that:
1) Didn't advertise it was active (that costs more)
2) That was less than $20.

I am 99.9% sure you are using a passive adapter, and to use three monitors in eyefinity you HAVE to have at least one displayport or active-adapter display. Even if you have two video cards. Yup, lame.
 
that one should work, since it is advertised as active

did you try rebooting after your have connected all your displays?

also make sure you "disconnect" all your displays except for your main display, reboot and then go to CCC and clone the other 2 displays and then create group
 
Ducman69 said:
I've never seen an active adapter that:
1) Didn't advertise it was active (that costs more)
2) That was less than $20.

I am 99.9% sure you are using a passive adapter, and to use three monitors in eyefinity you HAVE to have at least one displayport or active-adapter display. Even if you have two video cards. Yup, lame.
Click to expand...

The new single link DP -> DVI active adapters are $30, it should work. But 'looks like' isn't exactly the same as 'is', the passive DP -> DVI adapters look just like that as well. Can OP verify which one was bought?

Are you able to extend desktops to the extra monitors instead of trying to create a group?

Also you should try unplugging and plugging back in a monitor from the computer while it's on, sometimes it rereads the EDID and starts working right.
 
First, for three displays the only solution is to have at least one connected through an active adapter or use native DP display. ATI cards only have two clock generators for TMDS, but each HDMI or DVI display needs one clock generator. Only active adapters contain a clock generator. If you are sure that your adapter is active, your problem is elsewhere.

Do all three displays show a Windows desktop (not talking about Eyefinity here) or does one of them stay black? I think that the presence of a display is determined through EDID and that is unrelated to the clock generator.
 
Last edited:
As has been mentioned, you absolutely need to be using an active DP-whatever adapter.

Also, make sure you are duplicating your desktop to the other two displays before you attempt to create the group. It doesn't seem to work properly if you are extending your desktop and try to create; only if you are duplicating.
 
I can only have two monitors showing a desktop at any one time.

As far as I can tell, the adapter is active in that it says "Powered from Minidisplayport source"

I can only ever use two monitors at a time, in any combination. I have tried restarting, replugging, etc.

Thanks for all the help so far.
 
Return it and buy a sapphire or power color active adapter from newegg, where r u located? I have one sitting around since changing my setup
 
To close this out: I bought the ATI certified adapter above from Amazon and everything works great now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top