3 Monitors - R9 280X not working

zakwild · Dec 1, 2013

So I've bought myself a new graphics card to switch over from Nvidia GTX 670. I still like nvidia I just thought why not give amd a go, I had ATI a while ago but then I switched to Nvidia. I have 3 24" monitors that have the same resolution etc, same everything. PS. nvidia surround works pretty well with them.

But now I have a problem connecting my 3rd monitor , I have the Windforce R9 280x version from Gigabyte which has 1x DVI 1x HDMI and 2x mini-display ports. Now ,I've read that you don't require a displayport to displayport monitor connection anymore to make eyefinity work. Besides my monitors don't have displayports in them, BUT I have a display port to DVI cable with a reduction to mini display port. To make it sound less confusing , the DVI goes into my monitor since it doesnt have a DP and the DP goes to DP to DP mini reduction which goes straight to my graphics card.

I've tried switching tons of variations of cables like DVI , DVI(DP to DVI) , HDMI or HDMI, HDMI(DP to HDMI), DVI and nothing seems to work.
Both windows and AMD catalyst center register ALL 3 monitors and ofcourse all of them work perfectly fine. But when I try to activate a 3rd monitor , windows says unable to save display configuration and then in catalyst center thats impossible since I dont have such option there for the 3rd monitor I can only switch it while disabling another one.

Please help me , this is giving me a headache. On Nvidia I had no such problems, I could be using HDMI , DVI and DP to DVI and it would work just fine, hell even VGA worked with 4th monitor.

3ogdy · Dec 1, 2013

Remember one thing you need to check:
You need an ACTIVE DVI->DP adapter. Passive ones won't do the trick.
I think that, basically, what you need is an active miniDP->DVI adapter.
I personally happen to have a 3x1 Eyefinity configuration (HD6950 2GB, 2x20",1x23", 1680x1050 & 1920x1080 respectively) and I use an active adapter. It works perfectly fine under Windows Se7en Ultimate x64.

Usually, when the software detects the screens it means they work - if you can't have them all display image at the same time, it's a matter of cables/adapters /bad card. In your case , you need an active adapter.
I'd buy this if I were you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999034&Tpk=minidisplayport%20adapter

zakwild · Dec 1, 2013

3ogdy :

I understand that, but I think I already have an active cable , I just bought it today to make it work. I couldn't find it on newegg. Its from Roline and the cable is Displayport M > DVI M which goes into a small DP reduction that I got with my GPU and thats definitely passive its just a small plug that goes from mini DP to normal DP. The cable I got cost me about 30 dollars. Its almost like my other DP to DVI cable but heftier and bulkier, looks like an active one to me considering the price , but I might be wrong.
I guess the cable isnt active afterall despite the pricing, maybe its because of the small passive mini-DP to DP adapter?

Jonathan Cave · Feb 7, 2014

You DO NOT need an active DP adapter, the R9 Series can be set up with 3 monitors without it.

http://www.amd.com/uk/products/desktop/graphics/R9/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-r9-series.aspx#5

i have 3 x 24" IPS monitors with 1 x 280x running eyefinity / extended desktop WITHOUT active display port adapter.

Best answer on a post card plz

Proof : (2x DVI + 1 x HDMI)

ABCD61 · Feb 28, 2014

The new R9-280X (and 270X) allow the use of Eyefinity without the need for a DisplayPort adapter... output configuration permitting. So in the case of the reference configuration of Dual DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort we can use 2xDVI and HDMI for Eyefinity. There is one caveat on the cards we have tested, the screens and system must be off when connected. Hot plugging displays will not enable Eyefinity without DisplayPort in Windows.

Destiffmast · Apr 24, 2014

Did you solve this situation? I have a powercooler r9 280x connected with 1 hdmi and 2 mini display but can't get the third display to work, I get the same error, 1 display must be disabled.

Jonathan Cave · Apr 24, 2014

Here's a screenshot of my eyefinity set up.

You need to fiddle about with the windows display settings first though to get all 3 displays working in order to get eyefinity working across the 3 screens. - it's really fiddly trying combinations but you'll get there eventually.

Destiffmast · Apr 24, 2014

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I have been doing that more than playing with CCC but still no luck, I really can't understand it coz I had it working before just can't remember how I got working. Once I have windows accpeting it I can deal with CCC no problem for eyefinity right now I just want the 3 working with Windows not worried with infinity just yet.

Jonathan Cave · Apr 25, 2014

It's immensely frustrating getting windows to utilise the 3rd screen and although it took me hours , i finally got the right combination. Persist and you will get there. - it's a bloody nightmare & should be easier.

If my memory serves me correctly, its getting the right combination of combining the correct 2 monitors together and then extending the display of the final monitor, which monitor to combine first is key.

here are some screenys of the settings i have.

Monitor 1 is HDMI the Monitors 3 & 2 are DVI

Destiffmast · Apr 27, 2014

If I could see my 3 monitors displying in windows like that I could make them work, the problem is I only see 2 monitores active and windows won't let me extend to third monitor, again this happens with CCC.

I can see 2 monitores all in blue like you and the third one comes up as a smaller box in black, I click in it chose option to extend, apply and get the usual message "unable to save display settings"

I have now made a new installation, updated to 14.4 driver and still the same problem, also tried a different card and same problem... This is the weirdest problem I have seen with no logic whatsoever in my computing time..

Jonathan Cave · Apr 28, 2014

You need to set the main display as a different monitor than the one you have currently selected, and work from there extending the other monitors and combining them. i absolutely understand the problem because i had the exact same problem. the 3Rr monitor would never enable and always said "unable to save display settings" - you need to use a different monitor as the main display note that my main display is monitor 3 and monitors 1 & 2 are extended.

Destiffmast · May 2, 2014

Jonathan Cave :

Hey Jonathan,
Thank you very much for trying to help.
Yes that is exactly what happens to me, but already have tried change all the screens, extend, duplicate, but never get 3 at same time.. I have gave up, just have a 2 displays working and a 3rd monitor looking stupid. Pretty sad about it but nothing I can do I tried everything to best of my ability.

Jonathan Cave · May 2, 2014

I've re-created the problem and took screenshots of how to fix it.

MAKE SURE YOU DUPLICATE THESE STEPS TO THE LETTER AND NOTICE IN THE PICTURES THE SELECTED MONITOR HAS A BLUE EDGE ALSO MY MAIN DISPLAY IS MONITOR 3.

My config [1 HDMI] [3 DVI] [2 DVI]

1. This is how your displays should look right now (1 redundant monitor)

2. Select 'Duplicate desktop on 1 & 2' for the left screen - DO NOT EXTEND YET YOU FIRST MUST COMBINE THEM TOGETHER!

3.it should now look like this.

4.Select 'extend desktop to 1 & 2'

5. You should then have this.

If this does not work, take a screenshot of how you have it set up like i have and i'll help you further today/tomorrow. DO NOT GIVE UP

KevinAr18 · May 2, 2014

If you still can't get it to work after trying the other suggestions....

According to this article the R9 280x does not support true 3 independent monitors:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/10185/xfx-radeon-r9-280x-black-edition-video-card-review/3/?cbg_tz=240

The requirement is that either two or three of the monitors must use the same resolution and refresh rate (I think) if all three plugs are using DVI or HDMI.

So, in that case, run all monitors at the same resolution and refresh rate.
In fact, it might even require that all 3 monitors are exactly the same (either in model or in other specs like resolution and refresh rate), but I don't know about this. See here:
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/asus-r9-280x-dc-ii-top-3072-mb.191781/#post-2996835

If so, your only option may be to run the 3rd monitor using a true active adapter like this one:
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=9425&seq=1&format=2

It is quite possible the adapter you bought was not active. May I ask what model it is ... or a link to the product on the webpage you bought it from?

Jonathan Cave · May 13, 2014

any news?

Jacobbb · May 17, 2014

Jonathan Cave :

Did you find the solution

I have connected 3 displays at 60 Hertz to the card.

#1 monitor through active adapter Accell B087B-006B listed below
#2 monitor directly to DVI port
#3. Monitor directly to HDMI

While GPU usage goes up due to turning on any game or watching a video. The R9 280x changes the appearance of display endlessly until I press Alt+F4 in other words the system gets busy by shuffling the game image from one monitor to another or making display black.

Is it passable that I need a passive adapter ?

Are you using active or passive one ?

Please answer

KevinAr18 · May 19, 2014

Jacobbb :

I sort of doubt the problem is the "active" adapter -- unless it is bad/broken. Using a passive one would probably not help either... in fact, it would probably not even work at all for the 3rd monitor, so don't bother getting a passive one.

However, the cause of this problem is likely very different from the problem zakwild had. It would be a good idea to go ahead and start a new thread specifically for your particular problem with the monitors.

viizi78 · Jun 3, 2014

Jonathan Cave :

I'm useing Asus R9 280x matrix, and i try to connect 3 monitor, one 23' wide screen(1920x1080), and two 17' Lenovo L171p and L171 (1280x1024). I try to do as you said.. but i get unable to save display settings.. What can i do?

thanks for the help

KevinAr18 · Jun 5, 2014

viizi78 :

If you are using a Displayport to DVI or HDMI conversion cable, that *may* be the cause. (See #8)
There are several things you can try....

1. Try this technique given on a blog online:
Which monitor won't work when you try to enable all 3? Let's assume it's the 23"
* First, enable just one monitor that you can normally get to work in the 3 monitor setup. Then close the settings window. Now 1 monitor is on.
* Next, enable the monitor that is on & the one that gave you trouble. Then close the settings window. Now two monitors are on.
* Lastly, enable the third monitor. Try to apply/close the settings.
2. Try this technique from the second post:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/a30a3bfd-c163-40f8-98ac-c85b7441797b/unable-to-save-display-settings-and-multiple-monitors?forum=w7itproperf

3. Before you go any further, enable each monitor separately, so it is the only one running (do not move the cables while doing this). You want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the ports or cables (or monitors) by testing each one separately.
4. Confirm that the 23" monitor is really 1920x1080. If you have to, look it up on the manufacturer's website or newegg.com. Note that if it is a TV, it may not be true 1920x1080 resolution.
5. Try lowering the resolution on all three monitors as far as it will go. (You may need to lower the the two working monitors and apply before you lower the third.) Does it work? If so, maybe one of the monitors (like the 23") was the wrong resolution?
6. Do not use analog on any monitor (do not use VGA or DVI-I or DVI-A). This picture shows you the different DVI types, if you want to check: http://www.datapro.net/images/dvi-config.jpg
Make sure it is DVI-D (the last column).
7. Instead use this all digital setup:
7a. for your 2c Lenovo L1781p monitors, use either of these cables:
* DVI-D - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10209&cs_id=1020901&fq=ColorGroupMainPid:y
* HDMI to DVI-D - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10231
7b. for your 23" monitor, use:
* Displayport only (no conversion cables) - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024601&fq=ColorGroupMainPid:y

8. If your monitor does not have a Displayport port (if it only has DVI or HDMI), then this may be the problem. In order to mix different monitors (and/or resolutions and/or refresh rates), the Asus R9 280x may require the third monitor to use 100% Displayport without conversion to HDMI or DVI. If you need to convert to HDMI or DVI, then you need a special "active" adapter. I suspect the adapter you are using is not an "active" one.
Here's what you need; buy one of these

* Displayport to HDMI "Active" Adapter
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812400337
* If your monitor only has DVI (and not HDMI), then get the adapter and then add an HDMI to DVI cable:
http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10231

If none of these solves your problem, you may want to start a new thread.

KevinAr18 · Jun 5, 2014

Jacobbb :

If the three monitors work fine during normal use, but mess up during games or movies, I might wonder if maybe the video card is bad. You may want to start a new post where people can help you diagnose it. If possible, provide the following details:
* what model are all the monitors?
* what cables are they connected with?
*Any more details on when the 3 monitor setup works and when it doesn't, may help.
* What is the exact model and brand video card that you have ... or a link to the product page you bought it from ... or the exact model computer you have if it came with a prebuilt computer.

Also, you might try these and post the results along with the other information:
* Try uninstalling all Nvidia, AMD, and/or Intel graphics drivers and/or software. Then go direcltly to their website and download the latest drivers for your video card and install them.
* Test each monitor by itself. See if each monitor runs fine in games and movies. If none of the monitors work by itself, then you may consider that the video card is bad or there is some software/driver problem. If only one or two monitors have problems, then it may be a failing monitor or bad cable or port on the video card or monitor.

viizi78 · Jun 5, 2014

KevinAr18 :

viizi78 :

If you are using a Displayport to DVI or HDMI conversion cable, that *may* be the cause. (See #8)
There are several things you can try....

1. Try this technique given on a blog online:
Which monitor won't work when you try to enable all 3? Let's assume it's the 23"
* First, enable just one monitor that you can normally get to work in the 3 monitor setup. Then close the settings window. Now 1 monitor is on.
* Next, enable the monitor that is on & the one that gave you trouble. Then close the settings window. Now two monitors are on.
* Lastly, enable the third monitor. Try to apply/close the settings.
2. Try this technique from the second post:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/a30a3bfd-c163-40f8-98ac-c85b7441797b/unable-to-save-display-settings-and-multiple-monitors?forum=w7itproperf

3. Before you go any further, enable each monitor separately, so it is the only one running (do not move the cables while doing this). You want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the ports or cables (or monitors) by testing each one separately.
4. Confirm that the 23" monitor is really 1920x1080. If you have to, look it up on the manufacturer's website or newegg.com. Note that if it is a TV, it may not be true 1920x1080 resolution.
5. Try lowering the resolution on all three monitors as far as it will go. (You may need to lower the the two working monitors and apply before you lower the third.) Does it work? If so, maybe one of the monitors (like the 23") was the wrong resolution?
6. Do not use analog on any monitor (do not use VGA or DVI-I or DVI-A). This picture shows you the different DVI types, if you want to check: http://www.datapro.net/images/dvi-config.jpg
Make sure it is DVI-D (the last column).
7. Instead use this all digital setup:
7a. for your 2c Lenovo L1781p monitors, use either of these cables:
* DVI-D - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10209&cs_id=1020901&fq=ColorGroupMainPid:y
* HDMI to DVI-D - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10231
7b. for your 23" monitor, use:
* Displayport only (no conversion cables) - http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024601&fq=ColorGroupMainPid:y

8. If your monitor does not have a Displayport port (if it only has DVI or HDMI), then this may be the problem. In order to mix different monitors (and/or resolutions and/or refresh rates), the Asus R9 280x may require the third monitor to use 100% Displayport without conversion to HDMI or DVI. If you need to convert to HDMI or DVI, then you need a special "active" adapter. I suspect the adapter you are using is not an "active" one.
Here's what you need; buy one of these

* Displayport to HDMI "Active" Adapter
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812400337
* If your monitor only has DVI (and not HDMI), then get the adapter and then add an HDMI to DVI cable:
http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10231

If none of these solves your problem, you may want to start a new thread.

Thanke you for this, i was trying to do everrything that i can. Then i reach local folks, and they said to me that i need active DisplaPort, so again thank you for your replay and i will go and buy a active DisplayPort and hope it will work.

greetings

Bill Braski · Aug 3, 2014

I know this is an old thread but I signed up just so I could post this in case somebody comes across this problem in the future.

Jonathan Cave is absolutely right, you DO NOT need to use a DisplayPort adapter! Thanks to his posts I am now running 2 monitors and a HDTV on a R9 270 using 2 DVI and a HDMI. I tried for hours and read many conflicting information on the subject before finding this thread. I followed his procedure and it worked for me.

THANK YOU JOHNATHAN CAVE YOU SAVED ME FROM SPENDING $30 ON A UNNECESSARY ADAPTER

KevinAr18 · Aug 4, 2014

Bill Braski :

In case you are interested, here is when you need an active Displayport to DVI cable and when you don't for the AMD R9 and R7 cards:
You do not need an active Displayport adapter, if all 3 monitors are the same (or run the same internally).
You must use an active Displayport adapter if all 3 monitors run at different resolutions, refresh rates, (or *maybe* even if they have different internal timings).
You may or may not need an active Displayport adapter if two monitors are the same and the 3rd or 4th are different (without info from other people I can't say for sure, but supposedly this may not be possible).

Note: The above 3 points only apply to AMD's R9 and R7 cards; other cards and brands are different.

Do you suppose you could post the model numbers of the 3 monitors you used?

So, why is this true?

Essentially, the R9 only has 2 internal clocks built into the chip. This is only enough to run two different monitors.
However, the R9 added a special trick that allows it to share a clock signal with more than one monitor that runs the same. This trick allows the R9 to support 3 monitors over HDMI/DVI.

For the R9 , the result is as follows...:
* You can have 3 monitors if all 3 monitors run the same resolution, refresh rate, (and *maybe* other settings like: bit depth, scan type, front porch, sync width, etc?...).
* In theory, it may be possible to run 2 of the same monitors and then a 3rd or 4th monitor that is different... but I don't know if AMD allows this ... supposedly they don't allow this. (However, I would need to hear back from someone that tried it.)
* It is not possible to run 3 monitors if they all have different resolutions, refresh rates, (or *maybe* other settings).

Note: These restrictions only apply to HDMI/DVI. Displayport allows you to bypass these limits and run many more monitors.

This article explains it a little more:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7400/the-radeon-r9-280x-review-feat-asus-xfx/3

To utilize clock sharing and to drive 3 such monitors off of a single card, all 3 monitors must be timing-identical, which functionally speaking almost always requires the monitors to be completely identical. Furthermore the sharing of the clock generator can only be engaged/disabled upon boot, so the 3rd display cannot be hot-plugged and must be present at boot time.

Bill Braski · Aug 5, 2014

I'm actually using 2 1080 monitors and a 720 plasma TV. 2 SyncMaster P2770s and a PN51D450A2 TV.

KevinAr18 · Aug 6, 2014

Bill Braski :

Thanks. Yeah; those are definitely different.

So I guess that means you can use two monitors that are the same along with a third that is different (on all HDMI/DVI).

Although it likely won't work if all 3 monitors are different, this is still a useful, since it would probably work for a lot of computer setups.

However, to be sure, can you confirm your cable setup?

1. Did you buy this video card or another model?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125475

2a. Are you only using HDMI or DVI cables for all 3 displays (no converters)? That video card only has 2 HDMI/DVI ports, so, unless you bought a different card, what did you do for the 3rd monitor?

2b. If you used a Displayport to HDMI/DVI cable... would you mind giving a link to the product page where you bought it or mention the model and store you got it from?

3 Monitors - R9 280X not working

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