Eyefinity Configuration Suggestions

[elvn]

I have a 19" 1440x900 Asus LED backlit TN in portrait mode next to my 28" 1920x1200 hannspree currently. I bought a single 19" to make sure I would like it before going with two. I have it on an ergo-style arm from monoprice so that I can adjust it easily.
....
... At first I started moving my head left and right and it looked terrible in portrait mode. However I've since adjusted it's angle. It seemed much worse when I leaned my body to the right (the 19" is on the right side of the 28"). Now I have it at a much slighter angle as compared to the main monitor, and it looks great, even when I lean to the right. So I think TN is ok in portrait as long as you can adjust it's angle correctly and you plan on sitting in the same chair. ymmv, and wider lcd's in portrait might have less leeway.

 

[busdriver]

I have an older 20" TN panel in portrait with a monoprice arm as well and it's definitely tolerable. I wouldn't combine 2 of them with my U2311h for gaming but for general use it's fine.

 

[Impulse]

Keep in mind smaller screens are gonna be more tolerable I'm this regard since you aren't off axis towards as much of the screen...

 

[smee]

Hey guys! I'm about to purchase a new graphics card and a third Dell E2311H 23" 1920x1080 screen.

I play three games, COD4, BC2 and Dirt 2. The first of which I believe is not compatible with Eyefinity (not a problem). I'm not a huge gamer, and FPS isn't such a big deal. So I am wondering if an HD 6850 running all three screens would do the trick?
I am aware I will need an Active DP to DVI adapter.

My budget for a graphics card is between $140-180. Seeing as I game only three times a month as it is, I'm really only looking at productivity with three screens.

Suggestions? Comments?

 

[Dan_D]

Hey guys! I'm about to purchase a new graphics card and a third Dell E2311H 23" 1920x1080 screen.

I play three games, COD4, BC2 and Dirt 2. The first of which I believe is not compatible with Eyefinity (not a problem). I'm not a huge gamer, and FPS isn't such a big deal. So I am wondering if an HD 6850 running all three screens would do the trick?
I am aware I will need an Active DP to DVI adapter.

My budget for a graphics card is between $140-180. Seeing as I game only three times a month as it is, I'm really only looking at productivity with three screens.

Suggestions? Comments?

COD games can be made to work with Eyefinity / NV Surround. That's what Widescreen Fixer is for.

 

[smee]

COD games can be made to work with Eyefinity / NV Surround. That's what Widescreen Fixer is for.

Good to know! I will look into that!!

 

[Zireal]

Dell has recently delayed an order for 3x 2410 monitors. During this delay I've been wondering if I have been making the right choice or if there were better monitors (1920x1200) out there available. Price really isn't a huge issue. Are there any other recommendations (and in turn I could cancel my Dell order) or should I stick with the U2410s?

I'm of course interested in 3 identical monitors, 1920x1200 res each (no 1080s), and I suppose IPS panels would be the best way to go. With these constant dell delays though (3 weeks so far) and no stores carrying them, I'm definitely interested in hearing someone elses input

Thanks alot =)

 

[Impulse]

The ZR24W is the other popular choice... Not many options for 24" 16:10 displays out there tbh, that new ASUS panel is interesting but the wider bottom bezel ruins it if you ever intend to use them in portrait, otherwise it's worth a look. Seems to be a spin on the U2410 with a less aggressive anti-glare coating, which bothers some a lot.

 

[ageless]

**Figured this would be the best place to post this. Sorry for length, and appreciate any help! I will also be researching on my own as well.**

So I finally took the plunge and decided to go triple monitors and went to Frys on Saturday to pick up the Asus 27" VE278Q LED x 3. They had six on hand @ $349.99 and after some haggling, I was able to buy my three for $316/each using the internet price match (provantage). I also had to stop by Ikea to pick up a new desk since they wouldnt fit on my Jerker, ended up getting a glass top Galant! Anyhow, after much installation and setup, I had it all up and running.

Let me just say that after fiddling with the Nvidia Surround settings, I was literally blown away while gaming. I played WoW, L4D2, BC2/Vietnam, and then Black Ops after finding the widescreen fixer thing. It was really such an awesome experience in FPS, I really couldnt imagine gaming on anything less than 3x27" ever again....that is, until I noticed stuck/dead pixels, in each of the monitors. >< That really was one of the reasons I decided to do this from a b&m so I could easily return even for 1 bad pixel.

Anyhow, that was Saturday. I played with it on Sunday and also tried to "fix" the pixels, but none of the common tricks worked. I took them back today, and they had no more of the Asus. They didn't have enough of the Samsung 2770HD, HP LED, or Viewsonic (1 or 2), and all they had was an LG M2762D-PM which had a weird bezel and an Acer with a funky silver stand. I wouldnt have gotten the Samsung anyways because the bezel is almost double the width of the Asus. I ended up just getting my money back (all of it, no restocking fee).

So that brings me to now, big ass desk with one 27" on it. Frys said they are getting more of the Asus in a week... Do I just wait and get those? I really LOVE the narrow all around bezel of it, and the minimalist styling. The actual screen was very good as well, and I noticed no ghosting or dullness on the side monitors. Definitely a difference compared to a 1200p SPVA, but did not feel it was "less" of a monitor while using it. I am not going to buy these online, because I know they are stricter with their return policies for pixels (even one) and it is more of a hassle to deal with shipping. I am also hesitant with Asus now, since I bought 3 and they all had pixel probs... Am I crazy for returning a monitor for 1 pixel? Am I right to feel more comfortable buying a Dell or Samsung online?

I have $1200 to spend. I need 3 27" monitors. Thin bezel is important to me. PQ is also important to me. 1080p is okay with me, 1200p better. Thoughts?

Sorry crappy cell phone pic below.

Old Setup below.

*Sorry for crappy pics in general, going to take nice ones once everything is complete! =)

hey just a question for you i just got eyefinity running with the same 3 monitors as you were using and i play wow like crazy does your side monitors looks zoomed in or stretched i know its due to fov i implemented the fix for cod but is there any fix for wow

thanks

 

[vjcsmoke]

Hey guys! I'm about to purchase a new graphics card and a third Dell E2311H 23" 1920x1080 screen.

I play three games, COD4, BC2 and Dirt 2. The first of which I believe is not compatible with Eyefinity (not a problem). I'm not a huge gamer, and FPS isn't such a big deal. So I am wondering if an HD 6850 running all three screens would do the trick?
I am aware I will need an Active DP to DVI adapter.

My budget for a graphics card is between $140-180. Seeing as I game only three times a month as it is, I'm really only looking at productivity with three screens.

Suggestions? Comments?

A single 6850 is not going to be sufficient for 3 monitors. Dirt 2 looks glorious in 3 screens I've gotta admit. But it pushes my dual 480 SLi pretty hard. I'd suggest you go with at 2 gpus or at a minimum a 6950 unlocked to 6970. The extra VRAM is really helpful for that high a resolution.

Anyone care to share their experiences with 3x1p or 5x1p in fps's? I currently have 3x25" L and LOVE it, but would like more height, so I was thinking of going 5x22" or 23" P. My only concern is that now, I primarily use the center monitor as my main focus, and the 2 sides in my peripheral vision. Not sure if I would be able to switch that and begin using the center 3 as my main focus or not? Anyone with past experiences?

Thanks!
-Erik

Search on youtube for 5x1 eyefinity. From what I've seen, of gran turismo 4 footage, there's just too many interruptions of the overall picture with 5x1P setup . 3x1L the bars kinda melt away when you play cos its so tough to process that wide of a picture. Although the peripherial vision adds a lot to immersion experience. Oh and you definitely want to activate bezel correction with Eyefinity or Surround in games. Makes things feel more proportional and realistic.

 

[ThePoliticalThinker]

Right now Im running 2 monitors (waiting for the Active DP>DVI cable)

the middle LCD is running fine but the monitor to my right is running a tad smaller than the middle whats happening?
Edit/Delete Message

 

[soccermatt34]

I have no experience with eyefinity or multiple displays but recently was given 2 Dell 1908WFP. I have been running a Dell 2407 the last couple years on an 8800gt. I was planning on using the 2407 in landscape with the two 1908s in portrait. Is it possible to use eyefinity with this setup (after getting an eyefinity compatible video card) and is it worth it? What card would be recommended for this setup to be able to play games like COD, SC2, TF2 at medium settings?

Thanks for the input!

 

[DeltaD]

Hi guys, I currently running a GTX460 but I have a spare HD5670. I was wondering if I can use both card to run 3 monitors.

I have a 27" Hannsg and will buy 2 more Dell 2209wa this friday. will i need Display port? the HD5670 has a DP

 

[Matrices]

You can't run Eyefinity/Surround with monitors of mixed resolution. The technology's biggest failing, really, but understandale since PLP configurations are few and far between.

 

[DeltaD]

I thought you're able to do tri monitor w/ a big 30" in the middle and 2 in portrait mode on the sides?

 

[Dan_D]

I thought you're able to do tri monitor w/ a big 30" in the middle and 2 in portrait mode on the sides?

No you can't. All three monitors must have the same orientation and native resolution.

 

[ltcharles]

No you can't. All three monitors must have the same orientation and native resolution.

really that blows, cuz in theory it would be better for games to have a bigger screen in the middle in landscape and 2 on the side portrait.

where the height resolution should match up on all 3 screen. Your saying that still wont work? if so bogus!!!!

 

[suiken_2mieu]

really that blows, cuz in theory it would be better for games to have a bigger screen in the middle in landscape and 2 on the side portrait.

where the height resolution should match up on all 3 screen. Your saying that still wont work? if so bogus!!!!

Well it wont work using surround or eyefinity, but you can use softTH to get this to work. You could also play games in windowed mode. Mileage may vary.

 

[Matrices]

Well it wont work using surround or eyefinity, but you can use softTH to get this to work. You could also play games in windowed mode. Mileage may vary.

I've read that Soft TH has improved considerably. That said, you still can't run it in SLI or CF and you can't run anything in DX10 or 11 on it. Also can't play online with it in some games, like Bad Company 2, since Punkbuster detects it as a hack.

 

[Dan_D]

I've read that Soft TH has improved considerably. That said, you still can't run it in SLI or CF and you can't run anything in DX10 or 11 on it. Also can't play online with it in some games, like Bad Company 2, since Punkbuster detects it as a hack.

Yeah which is kind of a deal breaker with 30" monitors. You can't afford to have such a dramatic drop in performance.

really that blows, cuz in theory it would be better for games to have a bigger screen in the middle in landscape and 2 on the side portrait.

where the height resolution should match up on all 3 screen. Your saying that still wont work? if so bogus!!!!

They don't match up. The height may match up but the width won't. So no, this doesn't work.

 

[DeltaD]

I've seen this on the "Show us your set up" thread and many MANY people have done it...

here's an example:

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1036991073&postcount=18325

 

[cvgd]

It's perfectly possible to run a PLP setup off a single AMDcard or two lower end NVIDIA cards. I run a 2560x1440 landscape monitor and two 1920x1080 portrait monitors off a single 5770, with no performance issues in the course of normal desktop work. There's no lag with flash, I do video and graphics editing without any problem, etc.

But I don't game, and I don't use eyefinity, which is different than using multiple monitors. Eyefinity lets you treat multiple screens as a single screen for the purpose of full-window gaming. In order to do that, all of your screens need to have the same resolution and orientation.

Again, for normal desktop use, just about any old AMD card will run three monitors (provided one of them uses displayport), If you want to game with eyefinity, that's not true -- you need the same resolution monitors, and you need a more powerful card to achieve adequate frame rates.

 

[Dan_D]

I've seen this on the "Show us your set up" thread and many MANY people have done it...

here's an example:

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1036991073&postcount=18325

That works for desktop and application usage but not for NV Surround / Eyefinity. The only way you can game on that type of setup and use all the monitors is with SoftTH. Period. In fact you can't even create an Eyefinity array using that type of setup. The same goes for NV Surround.

 

[THOMO]

SoftTH FTW

 

[Matrices]

Yeah which is kind of a deal breaker with 30" monitors. You can't afford to have such a dramatic drop in performance.

Agreed. OK for a couple MMOs and Source engine games, but not much else.

 

[DeltaD]

thanks for the info guys!

another quick question. I have an HD 5670 with a DP/DVI but I'm currently using a GTX460 as my main card on a 27" Hannsg monitor.

I'm wondering if I can install BOTH card (not in SLI) and use the 5670 to run the 3rd monitor.

I don't plan on gaming with 3 monitors (only the 27"), only for watching movie on one while browsing on the other.

reason why I ask is the HD5670 is ATI while GTX460 is NVIDIA...

 

[ltcharles]

Yes you are ok just make sure your gaming card is on the top pci x16 slot. then your secondary card on any other slot.

NOTE! some people will tell you dont do it, because the drivers dont play nice with each other or conflicts. I can safely say that I had my 4890 Ati running a 55in plasma for gaming and then had an nvidia card running a projector for watching movies only. While both card were in the same pc I never had a crash or hic up running both cards on the same motherboard.

So you are ok to do what you want to do, oh wait always install your main card first boot up load drivers. turn off pc install second card boot up install drivers reboot.

Then go to windows display setting and choose which will be your primary display. Otherwise you will get an error like CCC cannot run or something to that effect and same thing with nvidia about desktop manager cannot start.

Dont freak out it just means which ever card is being used as the primary let say ati then ccc will run and nvidia manger wont and vise versa.

 

[DeltaD]

thanks a lot! I'm looking into buying another gtx460 though, but that means I have to upgrade my Corsair 550w to maybe 850w?

 

[Impulse]

750W might be enough depending on the other components, 850W would be fine.

 

[MaynardLD50]

Probably should have posted this in here to begin with...

So Going to do some eyefinity. Friend has it and I've quickly become addicted and loving it.

2x6950 CFX

Question is.

Do I get 3 Dell U2311 monitors at $269 shipped
269*3=$807 - $270 profit from acer sale = $537

Do I add 2 Acer GD235HZ to my single Acer GD235HZ I have now for the 120HZ benefit
$349*2=$699

If I do get the Dell's I'll sell the Acer off and that will probably recoup a good amount of money back.

Decisions Decisions.

I like the idea of the 120Hz for the smoothness, but the U2311 are said to be superb monitors and look great for eyefinity.

 

[suiken_2mieu]

Probably should have posted this in here to begin with...

So Going to do some eyefinity. Friend has it and I've quickly become addicted and loving it.

2x6950 CFX

Question is.

Do I get 3 Dell U2311 monitors at $269 shipped
269*3=$807 - $270 profit from acer sale = $537

Do I add 2 Acer GD235HZ to my single Acer GD235HZ I have now for the 120HZ benefit
$349*2=$699

If I do get the Dell's I'll sell the Acer off and that will probably recoup a good amount of money back.

Decisions Decisions.

I like the idea of the 120Hz for the smoothness, but the U2311 are said to be superb monitors and look great for eyefinity.

In my honest opinion, 60Hz IPS > 120Hz TN.

 

[MaynardLD50]

In my honest opinion, 60Hz IPS > 120Hz TN.

What is the big deal with IPS technology? From reading for the past hour or so it really seems that the advantage is color accuracy and viewing angles. Can I expect the same quality of picture as my Macbook Pro 2010 model (IPS LED display)?

Seems to be some complaints about "aggressive" anti glare coating so I'm wondering if I should go with these LG's instead.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005232&cm_re=lg_ips-_-24-005-232-_-Product

 

[DeltaD]

What is the big deal with IPS technology? From reading for the past hour or so it really seems that the advantage is color accuracy and viewing angles. Can I expect the same quality of picture as my Macbook Pro 2010 model (IPS LED display)?

Seems to be some complaints about "aggressive" anti glare coating so I'm wondering if I should go with these LG's instead.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005232&cm_re=lg_ips-_-24-005-232-_-Product

ugh, another comparing apple products.

 

[elvn]

I don't know what ugh - apple is supposed to mean. I really don't like apple's strategy in their computers (including the aforementioned mac) and hand-held devices, but disliking their computers and big-brother/controlled sandbox strategy on those devices was not enough to keep me from buying their 27" cinema display considering the trade-offs on the other manufacturer's current gen of very high rez ips screens. That was my personal preference and I love the screen. zero regrets. I'm not sure this is the right thread for that discussion though. You'd be better off checking the dell 27" vs apple 27" , or their individual threads for more info about that kind of thing.

I probably won't look at eyefinity gaming options again until the end of 2011 / tax return personally. I have a PLP setup for now, and gaming on the 27" single monitor at 2560x1440 is good enough (and expensive enough) to carry me through this year - with a cpu+mobo+ram upgrade planned around xmas.

Early 2012 I'll see what the 27" 120hz ips market looks like. Adding two more 27" 60hz ips cinema displays might cost as much as three 27" 120hz more or less , so those might be my two options. Hopefully there will be some competition and in-depth reviews by then on the 120hz,screens and maybe a slight price drop on either option if I'm lucky.

For now eyefinity looks like great fun in the videos I've watched (stills do it no justice). I still might blow money on it, I just have priorities and a different game plan for this year. <-- pun intended

 

[MaynardLD50]

ugh, another comparing apple products.

Did I say Compare? I asked if the quality is similar to that of my wifes Macbook Pro, her screen looks very nice and sharp. I'm simply asking does the Dell look like this and is it a good representation of IPS displays.

I didn't start a pissing match saying "Oh I heard Apple is better! OMG" Don't start being a douche for the sake of being a douche.

 

[SXTC]

If I get this straight, Eyefinity is a technology that allows a screen to be streched over multiple screens right?

Even then... I saw a youtube clip earlier of someone gaming over 6 screens but his vieuwrange was the same as on just 1 monitor (with the diffirence that you have to look upon the nasty screenedges in between each screen).

So I don't realy see the use... even then it is prolly useless if you are just using one screen (no performance increase)

 

[wagoo]

Even then... I saw a youtube clip earlier of someone gaming over 6 screens but his vieuwrange was the same as on just 1 monitor (with the diffirence that you have to look upon the nasty screenedges in between each screen).

It is wider in a 3x2 config. You'd need 3x3 for it to be the same aspect ratio as a single screen.

So I don't realy see the use... even then it is prolly useless if you are just using one screen (no performance increase)

It's not for people with one screen. As for the benefits, screen size is one thing, but the main benefit is the resolution increase, and being able to use extra screens to provide a more immersive experience.

The 3x2 example isn't the best, since there is a bezel right in the centre of the screen. People tend to use 3x1L (3 monitors in landscape), 3x1P (3 monitors in portrait), or 5x1P (5 monitors in portrait).. in all these configurations the centre of your screen (crosshairs etc..) are centred on a middle display.

Anyway, it's not for everyone, but it's a great tool for enhancing your gaming experience, and in practice the bezels melt away so you don't notice them so much.. and you can do things like run the monitors outside of their plastic shells to make the bezels a lot thinner.

 

[SXTC]

It is wider in a 3x2 config. You'd need 3x3 for it to be the same aspect ratio as a single screen.



It's not for people with one screen. As for the benefits, screen size is one thing, but the main benefit is the resolution increase, and being able to use extra screens to provide a more immersive experience.

The 3x2 example isn't the best, since there is a bezel right in the centre of the screen. People tend to use 3x1L (3 monitors in landscape), 3x1P (3 monitors in portrait), or 5x1P (5 monitors in portrait).. in all these configurations the centre of your screen (crosshairs etc..) are centred on a middle display.

Anyway, it's not for everyone, but it's a great tool for enhancing your gaming experience, and in practice the bezels melt away so you don't notice them so much.. and you can do things like run the monitors outside of their plastic shells to make the bezels a lot thinner.

Maybe so but what about the edges of the screen? they take away eyevieuw.
I saw this guy playing an FPS and his aimingpoint was directly in the middle making it harder to accurately aim at something or someone...

 

[Impulse]

You set it up so that the center/cross hairs are always on the center of a screen (by using an odd number of displays)... The screen borders aren't very noticeable when you get into the game as they're in your periphery, and the whole thing can be configured so that the game world transitions instantly from one screen to the next (no bezel compensation) or so that borders are taken into account and the image is offset (bezel compensation, looks more fluid but has the potential to block out game elements). Whether you do a portrait or landscape setup, you're gaming at a far higher resolution than any single display.

P.S. It's view, not vieuw...

 

[Dan_D]

Exactly. You don't want to use a 2x1 setup, 3x2, or anything like that. It's best to go with 3x1 or 5x1 setup for the best results. Anything with a bezel in the middle of your view is fail.