TriFinity Plus 1: Issues?

[mdk30]

Looking for a little input on a new system build that I'm considering.

Most likely will be using:

2x 6950s in CrossFire (2GB each)
3x Dell U2412M displays w/ DisplayPort as the preferred connection for Eyefinity
Plus 1 (maybe 2) of the random displays I have currently as a separate display group

Now my main question/concern with this setup is that I've heard of people having issues with gaming (mainly tearing) when using different connection types on the EyeFinity displays.

I'd ideally like a GPU that has 3+ DisplayPort outputs so that I can run the entire EyeFinity display group on a single card, and then use DVI on the second card to run the 1 monitor in another separate display group in order to rule out any gaming issues caused by using different connection types. Problem is, there appears to only be ONE card that has more than 2 DisplayPorts on NewEgg and it's a gargantuan 3 expansion port using HOG: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121431
I don't know how, or if you could even fit 2 of those beasts in one system!

Anyway, my questions to anyone that hopefully has some firsthand experience with a similar setup is:

1: Is it critical to be able to run all 3 EyeFinity monitors on the same connection type to eliminate tearing, or any other possible issues caused by using different connector types when gaming?

2: Do you have to plug all 3 monitors in the EyeFinity display group into the same card, or can you plug 2 of them in the DisplayPorts on the first card and 1 into the DP output on the second card?

3: And lastly, what about that 4th monitor as a secondary display group... does that pose any potential problems for me in terms of what card/connector I need to use for it?

Thanks!

 

[haste]

im interested in the same questions you have as im planning on running 3 Asus VE276Q monitors in eyefinity using displayport.

my gaming rig also doubles as my htpc so i will have hdmi output going to a receiver, but this connection wont be on all the time...

i just ordered a sapphire 6870 with 2x mini displayport, 2x dvi, and x1 hdmi, so i'll be able to chime in on how it works for me in the next couple weeks. i only have one monitor now and plan on getting the other two with the overtime money im making on my next paycheck.

i wont be running crossfire though.

 

[chithanh]

The Sapphire 6950 Flex supports 2 DVI + 1 HDMI monitor, so should also be ok in this regard.

Monitors that are not in the Eyefinity display group can be plugged anywhere I think.

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

I currently run 2x Asus 2GB 6950 DirectCU II's that each have 4x DP ports and 2x DVI ports. I run 3x Dell P2310H monitors in landscape eyefinity all connected via. DP (although I did not experience tearing with my 5870 using dvi/dvi/dp), and a 4th monitor over the top connected via. DVI. I have the landscape eyefinity set up as one group and the fourth as another in CCC -- it's really, really easy to setup. In the past I had used a 4th monitor off of my extra 8800GT card and windows always lost the monitor position -- this works great. In games that I play in non-eyefinity mode the sides turn off, but the center of the eyefinity group and the 4th stay on -- exactly how I would like it. Eyefinity games work properly over all three lower monitors and the 4th. I do believe that all monitors need to be hooked to the primary card when crossfire is enable, but I haven't tested that theory (for sure the eyefinity group has to all be connected to the same care). You are going to want to setup hydragrid so that you can more easily maximize windows to certain monitors. This setup has been a joy so far -- love watching videos up top while gaming below, etc. In short -- no issues whatsoever with this setup.

Two of those cards fit on my P8Z68-V Pro

 

[mdk30]

I currently run 2x Asus 2GB 6950 DirectCU II's that each have 4x DP ports and 2x DVI ports. I run 3x Dell P2310H monitors in landscape eyefinity all connected via. DP (although I did not experience tearing with my 5870 using dvi/dvi/dp), and a 4th monitor over the top connected via. DVI. I have the landscape eyefinity set up as one group and the fourth as another in CCC -- it's really, really easy to setup. In the past I had used a 4th monitor off of my extra 8800GT card and windows always lost the monitor position -- this works great. In games that I play in non-eyefinity mode the sides turn off, but the center of the eyefinity group and the 4th stay on -- exactly how I would like it. Eyefinity games work properly over all three lower monitors and the 4th. I do believe that all monitors need to be hooked to the primary card when crossfire is enable, but I haven't tested that theory (for sure the eyefinity group has to all be connected to the same care). You are going to want to setup hydragrid so that you can more easily maximize windows to certain monitors. This setup has been a joy so far -- love watching videos up top while gaming below, etc. In short -- no issues whatsoever with this setup.

Two of those cards fit on my P8Z68-V Pro

Thanks for your input. That sounds and looks amazing... almost exactly what I'm hoping to have for myself here pretty soon.

So obviously you don't experience any issues with your current setup, but you didn't have any with your 5870? Is the screen tearing issue I've been reading about just inherent to the newer 6xxx series then?

 

[magoo]

1: Is it critical to be able to run all 3 EyeFinity monitors on the same connection type to eliminate tearing, or any other possible issues caused by using different connector types when gaming?

I have EF with three Dell 2410 in Landscape off a 6990 + 6970 Tri-Fire setup.
One DVI, one mini DP to DVI, and one mini DP to DP.
No issues at all in any game or application. No "screen tearing".

2: Do you have to plug all 3 monitors in the EyeFinity display group into the same card, or can you plug 2 of them in the DisplayPorts on the first card and 1 into the DP output on the second card?

To run EF, all the monitors in the EF group need to be jacked into the primary or master card. I have one 6990 and one 6970 in triple CF and the monitors are jacked into the 6990.

3: And lastly, what about that 4th monitor as a secondary display group... does that pose any potential problems for me in terms of what card/connector I need to use for it?

I don't run anything like that, but a single monitor may or might be able to jack into the other card?

 

[CompMage]

I've had no issue with "screen tearing" with 3x Dell U2311 (5760x1080) monitors. 2x Display Port 1x DVI A bit choppy with a single 6970 but that issue is soon to be resolved

As for the extra monitors this could degrade performance. I know AMD says it will not but well it's simple horse power. Them extra displays have to be driven by something. If you have the room on your motherboard you may with to consider a lower end card like a 67XX card just to drive the other displays and keep your 2x 6950 just for your eyefinity. Even if you are only driving it with a 4x slot. Anything below a 68xx that's all it needs anyways.

Good luck!

 

[master noran]

I've had no issue with "screen tearing" with 3x Dell U2311 (5760x1080) monitors. 2x Display Port 1x DVI A bit choppy with a single 6970 but that issue is soon to be resolved

As for the extra monitors this could degrade performance. I know AMD says it will not but well it's simple horse power. Them extra displays have to be driven by something. If you have the room on your motherboard you may with to consider a lower end card like a 67XX card just to drive the other displays and keep your 2x 6950 just for your eyefinity. Even if you are only driving it with a 4x slot. Anything below a 68xx that's all it needs anyways.

Good luck!

It's got to be there, it's a hardware limitation.

 

[mdk30]

It's got to be there, it's a hardware limitation.

Would you mind elaborating a little?

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

So obviously you don't experience any issues with your current setup, but you didn't have any with your 5870? Is the screen tearing issue I've been reading about just inherent to the newer 6xxx series then?

I was only running three monitors off of the 5870. DVI/DVI/DP with the DP screen in the center. I did not notice any tearing with that setup.

 

[master noran]

Would you mind elaborating a little?

The same interface needs to be used for all three monitors, eyefinity will work with a DP/DP/DVI configuration but it will result in tearing, apparently landscape eyefinity users notice it less then portrait users. Playing with v-sync might make it less noticable but it will allways be there unless you do a DP/DP/DP configuration or have monitors that support DP 1.2 and daisy chain them together using one DP input on the 6000 series cards.


edit: I do see a lot of people posting that they don't have the issue, I think it's there they just don't notice it or aren't exactly sure what to look for. For me in portrait mode it's the monitor connected via DVI and it's a thin wave that moves side to side on that particular monitor. It's easily seen when scrolling down on the forums here at a steady speed.

 

[mdk30]

The same interface needs to be used for all three monitors, eyefinity will work with a DP/DP/DVI configuration but it will result in tearing, apparently landscape eyefinity users notice it less then portrait users. Playing with v-sync might make it less noticable but it will allways be there unless you do a DP/DP/DP configuration or have monitors that support DP 1.2 and daisy chain them together using one DP input on the 6000 series cards.


edit: I do see a lot of people posting that they don't have the issue, I think it's there they just don't notice it or aren't exactly sure what to look for. For me in portrait mode it's the monitor connected via DVI and it's a thin wave that moves side to side on that particular monitor. It's easily seen when scrolling down on the forums here at a steady speed.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. I think I'd find that tearing unacceptable while gaming. I need to find out if the U2412M supports DP 1.2, because that could potentially be the solution if you could just daisy chain them together as you described.

 

[tangoseal]

Get a 6990 it has 4 dp connections. Mini dp to dp doesn't matyer. There is no conversion. It's just copper touching copper.

I also run a dual card triple crossfire setup.

I'm thinking of throwing a 4th gpu in the mix since crisis 2 dx11 at 6092x1200 bez corrected gets 38-40 fps max at very high with hi- rez textures enabled. Ultra settings are unplayable.
Point being if you can go trifire do it.

 

[mdk30]

I actually just looked into 6990 and damn those things are still in low supply. Newegg doesn't even have a single one listed.

 

[master noran]

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. I think I'd find that tearing unacceptable while gaming. I need to find out if the U2412M supports DP 1.2, because that could potentially be the solution if you could just daisy chain them together as you described.

NP, I would recommend getting a ASUS direct cu ii 6950/6970 and a second reference card or whatever you wanted to get. You could easily have a dual slot 6950/6970 in your top slot and then the ASUS card below that and depending on the motherboard you go with there would be a slot in between the two cards for airflow.

 

[mdk30]

NP, I would recommend getting a ASUS direct cu ii 6950/6970 and a second reference card or whatever you wanted to get. You could easily have a dual slot 6950/6970 in your top slot and then the ASUS card below that and depending on the motherboard you go with there would be a slot in between the two cards for airflow.

OK, I'm leaning toward the 6950 option since it's better bang for $. No forseeable issues if I went with the ASUS and then some other brand/model 6950 that was a bit slimmer to save on case space?

 

[master noran]

OK, I'm leaning toward the 6950 option since it's better bang for $. No forseeable issues if I went with the ASUS and then some other brand/model 6950 that was a bit slimmer to save on case space?

No issues at all, the direct cu ii also cannot be shader unlocked from what I understand but if overclocked the difference in shaders will have very little effect on performance.

 

[mdk30]

No issues at all, the direct cu ii also cannot be shader unlocked from what I understand but if overclocked the difference in shaders will have very little effect on performance.

Well that seems like about the best option for me so far. Thanks.

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

NP, I would recommend getting a ASUS direct cu ii 6950/6970 and a second reference card or whatever you wanted to get. You could easily have a dual slot 6950/6970 in your top slot and then the ASUS card below that and depending on the motherboard you go with there would be a slot in between the two cards for airflow.

I tried to hookup up my monitors to the bottom card instead of the top card and my framerate tanked. I'm under the impression that crossfirex only works properly with the monitors connected to the "primary" (top - closer to cpu) card. Is this not the case? I would love to get it working off the bottom card (better airflow for desktop/single gpu usage).

 

[master noran]

I tried to hookup up my monitors to the bottom card instead of the top card and my framerate tanked. I'm under the impression that crossfirex only works properly with the monitors connected to the "primary" (top - closer to cpu) card. Is this not the case? I would love to get it working off the bottom card (better airflow for desktop/single gpu usage).

No idea, are you sure crossfire was enabled in the CCC?

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

No idea, are you sure crossfire was enabled in the CCC?

Positive. I went from ~100% gpu usage to ~66%. I'll give it another try later, but I have never seen anyone running their monitors off of the bottom card. In my mind if that does work it would be smarter to always run that way in a crossfire configuration due to that card not having restricted airflow.

 

[master noran]

Well I have three reference 6970's running in CF, connected everything to the most bottom card and couldn't even get anything to display. Gonna do some research on this.

 

[mdk30]

Definitely interested in whatever your findings are. Thanks.

 

[Matrices]

This is the main flaw of AMD's implementation, at least with reference cards. You can only use the output ports of the first GPU in a CF configuration. Activating monitors from anywhere else breaks CF. In theory, you could just set up two different profiles. In theory...

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

I got video output from the secondary card (when only hooked up to the 2nd, CF on), just not proper cf scaling in 3d applications. That's not too bad of a main flaw when considering that I can easily hookup 6x monitors to my primary card. Are you saying that SLI works with monitors only connected to the second card (I haven't seen this done either -- I'll try on my 8800GT setup)? (obviously not possible in surround)

 

[Matrices]

I don't know what card you're running, but the reference 69xx cards can't output to six monitors, unless Display Port daisychain adapters have finally come out. They can do four max.

The issue I'm pointing to is the way AMD has configured CF. If you want to use CF, you can't have any active monitor connected to the non-primary card. Everything is routed to the first card, which incidentally creates a bandwidth bottleneck when running 1600p x 3.

I ran Crossfire Eyefinity on a 3 + 1 config when I had 2 x 6950s, but again, you must connect everything to the primary card. To get CF on the standalone monitor, you have to reassign it as your primary display.

I don't know how or even if Nvidia handles this situation, except that their Tri-GPU Surround solution seems more logical: each monitor connects to a separate card, minimizing the bandwidth bottleneck.

 

[mdk30]

To quote and then answer myself on this one:

1: Is it critical to be able to run all 3 EyeFinity monitors on the same connection type to eliminate tearing, or any other possible issues caused by using different connector types when gaming?

Answer: Yes. Or at least that's how it appears based on my current setup. Haven't tried TriFinity +1 yet, but with 3x U2412M monitors being driven by a single 6850 I get noticeable tearing in both of the EyeFinity configurations I've tried.

My 6850 has 2x DVI, 1 Displayport, and 1 HDMI out. I'm using 2x DVI + 1 Displayport out and get vertical tearing on two monitors when running EyeFinity in portrait mode, and horizontal tearing on the other monitor when running them all in landscape.

I am just having too much fun gaming in EyeFinity resolutions to get really annoyed with it for now, but it is definitely something I want to eliminate with a different card/s in the future.

 

[haste]

I should know next weekend whether there is tearing with 3 monitors hooked up via x2 displayport(native) and x1 dvi all from the same card.

 

[haste]

finally got my setup going. there is "tearing" on the monitor hooked up via dvi->hdmi. i need to try just hdmi->hdmi or dvi->dvi and see if the problem still exists.

its not terribly noticeable, but now i know to get a card with more than 2 displayports for eyefinity...no big deal though as my 6870 is just a testing ground for my eyefinity setup before I get AMDs next gen card...


i tried getting my receiver to ding in this morning at the same time as my eyefinity group and it TOTALLY f'ed up my eyefinity settings. i had to reconfigure the whole thing in CCC. i will try again tonight to see exactly what needs to be done to have a 3x1+1 setup going...

 

[MehmetN]

I currently run 2x Asus 2GB 6950 DirectCU II's that each have 4x DP ports and 2x DVI ports. I run 3x Dell P2310H monitors in landscape eyefinity all connected via. DP (although I did not experience tearing with my 5870 using dvi/dvi/dp), and a 4th monitor over the top connected via. DVI. I have the landscape eyefinity set up as one group and the fourth as another in CCC -- it's really, really easy to setup. In the past I had used a 4th monitor off of my extra 8800GT card and windows always lost the monitor position -- this works great. In games that I play in non-eyefinity mode the sides turn off, but the center of the eyefinity group and the 4th stay on -- exactly how I would like it. Eyefinity games work properly over all three lower monitors and the 4th. I do believe that all monitors need to be hooked to the primary card when crossfire is enable, but I haven't tested that theory (for sure the eyefinity group has to all be connected to the same care). You are going to want to setup hydragrid so that you can more easily maximize windows to certain monitors. This setup has been a joy so far -- love watching videos up top while gaming below, etc. In short -- no issues whatsoever with this setup.

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx307/yeSn1PeR/83b5c342.jpg
http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx307/yeSn1PeR/c72ed400.jpg

Two of those cards fit on my P8Z68-V Pro*

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx307/yeSn1PeR/IMG_0545.jpg

*Emphasis mine.

Hello there,

I am about to get a very similar set-up with 2xAsus EAH6950 DCII/2DI4S/2GD5 cards. My chassis is a CM HAF 912 (200mm front, 200mm exhaust top, 12 mm exhaust back) and I am concerned that its circulation may not be adequate for this setup since there virtually isn't any gap between the cards.

Do you have problems with those cards sitting back to back? What are your temperatures?

Cheers...

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

*Emphasis mine.

Hello there,

I am about to get a very similar set-up with 2xAsus EAH6950 DCII/2DI4S/2GD5 cards. My chassis is a CM HAF 912 (200mm front, 200mm exhaust top, 12 mm exhaust back) and I am concerned that its circulation may not be adequate for this setup since there virtually isn't any gap between the cards.

Do you have problems with those cards sitting back to back? What are your temperatures?

Cheers...

I'm running a custom fan curve that throttles up to 60% fanspeed at 60C and remains there. My temps do not exceed 75C with those settings. It throttles down to 40% or so when in desktop use (which is silent). My main reason for going with those cards was the 4x DP ports (for same-port eyefinity). More space would obviously be ideal, and my be feasible with flex pci-e risers, but I've been happy with this setup. I may jump on the new 650D case sides that are rumored so that I can blow a 120mm fan on the cards and throttle down the fanspeed a bit more. I will get you more detail (idle temps) when I get home.

 

[MehmetN]

I'm running a custom fan curve that throttles up to 60% fanspeed at 60C and remains there. My temps do not exceed 75C with those settings. It throttles down to 40% or so when in desktop use (which is silent). My main reason for going with those cards was the 4x DP ports (for same-port eyefinity). More space would obviously be ideal, and my be feasible with flex pci-e risers, but I've been happy with this setup. I may jump on the new 650D case sides that are rumored so that I can blow a 120mm fan on the cards and throttle down the fanspeed a bit more. I will get you more detail (idle temps) when I get home.

Cheers for that, appreciated. I can't seem to find Twin Frozr III for the life of me (in the country to which I'm moving next month) - I might just get a couple from here and bring it with me (although UK is not cheap with such things) if all else fail.

Having one slot between them should allow for better circulation I reckon - especially if the side exhaust slot is anywhere near the gap, I should check.

Cheers...

 

[-Sn1PeR-]

I'm idling at 50/35C respectively at 50%/10% fan speeds with 3x monitors on.

 

[MehmetN]

I'm idling at 50/35C respectively at 50%/10% fan speeds with 3x monitors on.

Thanks for that. I suppose depends on your case and cooling equipment but it seems quite good.

Cheers...

 

[Digital Viper-X-]

I have an Asus Direct CUII in xfire with an HIS 6970(reference) pushing 3 x U2412M monitors.

I chose the Asus for the same reason, 4 DP outputs, and it's quiet / cool running =).

1: Yes, you need to use the same connection type to avoid this issue.
2: Not sure, but if you get the Direct CUii that won't be a problem.