GPU has 2 DVI, 1 HDMI, and 1 DP. Can run Eyefinity *without* using DisplayPort? DVI-D single link cables good enough?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
PsykoTenshi

PsykoTenshi

Honorable
Nov 18, 2012
49
1
10,540
My web search-fu wasn't strong enough to find an answer to these questions.
This is the gpu in question: Gigabyte Radeon R9 380. Yeah, I know it's not ideal 5760x1080 material, but it's what I've got.
The idea is to run three 1080p displays (at 60Hz ofc) in "super extra widescreen".

"Why not just use a DisplayPort adapter?". I would, it's very powerful, fancy new tech and I can see why AMD is so fixated with it, but: Where I live, an active Display Port to HDMI adapter goes for 65 US dollars, while I can get a DVI-D single link cable for just 4 dollars.
- But will a "mere" single link DVI cable work? Or is there additional requirements for Eyefinity and DVI?
- While on it, are HDMI 1.4a cable(s) (might end up using a DVI-to-HDMI adapter on a DVI port) A-OK for Eyefinity?
- And of course, the starting question in the title: I'm guessing 'no', but one doesn't necessarily have to use a Display Port... port to be able to run Eyefinity, right?


"Budget conscious, yet three casually acquires 1080p displays, what?" If you must know, 2nd and 3rd displays aren't mine, just will be under my care for a couple months. Thought I might as well make good use outta 'em.

Help and/or insight will be much appreciated.
 
Solution
PsykoTenshi
So I managed to borrow a 2nd monitor, added a TV to the mix and, it may be a makeshift setup, but here's proof Eyefinity can run without DisplayPort, using only two DVI and one HDMI ports.
The GTX970 better be faster, since according to PCPartPicker you won't get it for less than 240 dollars right now, but a R9 380 is just 180 dollars (and with Newegg's promo code it goes down to 150!). They're also on different tiers in Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy table. Pay more, get more. Makes sense.
That doesn't mean the R9 380 can't run games at 1080p.
Take for example, this Unigine Valley benchmark I ran today.

So in the end, via that experiment shown in the video, I've answered my own questions...
Sort by date Sort by votes
basroil

basroil

Glorious
Oct 19, 2013
8,698
1
46,960
Last I checked AMD cards are limited to just 2 of the three non-DP outputs at the same time. Double check the manual for that GPU, but I'm pretty sure it'll tell you that one needs to be DP

And no, you should not even consider gaming at that resolution, your GPU can't make full use of one 1080p screen let alone three!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
PsykoTenshi

PsykoTenshi

Honorable
Nov 18, 2012
49
1
10,540
Ah, crap. So even if I have the alternative, I must use a DisplayPort. Well that's an arbitrary, nonsensical limitation.
Also, hey hey! Even my ancient HD 4890 could keep a 1080p display running, are you sure you've got the right picture of the R9 380?
Not at maxed settings ofc, but I *can* play 2015-2016 games at 1080p and 60 fps.

Edit: On a side note, the first two questions on the OP still stand. I wouldn't want to spend 65 bucks in an overpriced adapter to then find out I'm short a dual link DVI cable, or that Eyefinity wants a different revision of HDMI because more nonsense.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
basroil

basroil

Glorious
Oct 19, 2013
8,698
1
46,960


1) Not arbitrary in the least! DVI and HDMI share a clock generator, and there are only two on the card. Hence you can have at most two different clocks, and only two of the three outputs in the back. DP doesn't work that way so it's free to run on top of them
2) My much faster 970 can't manage most 2016 games at that resolution without dropping below medium, your 380 would need lowest settings on most newest games. If you meant AC4 at medium, sure, it MIGHT work
3) Turns out eyefinity requires DP for all monitors according to AMD's website
4) Those adapters are hardly "overpriced", they are basically small computers in a cable form, some with as much as 2GB ram
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
PsykoTenshi

PsykoTenshi

Honorable
Nov 18, 2012
49
1
10,540
So I managed to borrow a 2nd monitor, added a TV to the mix and, it may be a makeshift setup, but here's proof Eyefinity can run without DisplayPort, using only two DVI and one HDMI ports.
The GTX970 better be faster, since according to PCPartPicker you won't get it for less than 240 dollars right now, but a R9 380 is just 180 dollars (and with Newegg's promo code it goes down to 150!). They're also on different tiers in Tom's Hardware GPU hierarchy table. Pay more, get more. Makes sense.
That doesn't mean the R9 380 can't run games at 1080p.
Take for example, this Unigine Valley benchmark I ran today.

So in the end, via that experiment shown in the video, I've answered my own questions.
DisplayPort is not a requirement, and both single link DVI-D and HDMI 1.4a cables will suffice.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom