x6 46" LED t.vs for lrg computer monitor..Eyefinity? would appreciate help

[usually_quiet]

WOW! Thx, Usual! I like that and plenty of PCIex16's. I like that a lot. A ton of USB and other slots.
Def. going to get this, ordering now.

I know that will fit in a mid-tower, but do you think I should get a full just to make sure all cards fit?
Also, what do you think about the Phenom II CPU? I'm going with a 800 watt PSU as well.

A full tower should only be necessary if installing monster video cards, a big aftermarket CPU cooler, or a lot of HDDs. Two years ago I used a graphic program with pictures from NewEgg to dry fit my parts for my first build. I even printed some of them to be life-sized. Maybe that would help you visualize.

You should consider where the PC is going to sit. A full tower won't be a good fit under a desk or inside a compartment.

The Thermaltake Case-Thermaltake V3 Blk. edition is a good choice for appearance and features. It is well ventilated, functional, and seems like it will be easy to work on. It doesn't have a lot of "personality", which is a big plus for a business environment. If it has a lighted fan, you may need to replace that. Some people don't care for decorative lights on their PC. You know what your boss better would like than I do, and know what kind of furnishings are in the office.

I spend way too much time window shopping for things I don't need. This is something to look at just for fun. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133041 It has a door and locks for security, which would be a good thing for some people, but a pain for others. The light in the door is be somewhat questionable too. Some people might find it distracting. Here is a good review highlighting its good and bad points http://www.hwupgrade.com/articles/cases-cooling/30/thermaltake-soprano-dx-nothing-is-w...ems_index.html

A black edition Phenom II x 4 will certainly work, but for what you describe, this one propably would too http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103921. Yeah, I know. It doesn't seem like it fits with that cool motherboard, but I suggested the motherboard mainly for the USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, two PCI-e x16 slots and the multi-monitor support in the overview. Just to be sure you are buying the right things to use with it, you can check the supported CPU list for the motherboard and the supported memory list too, before you buy either item. Since Gigabyte has a downloadable manual, you can look at that as well.

[Edit]You should look for a case with removable HDD cage if you want a mid-tower case that can still hold huge video cards. I took a second look at the Soprano's review, If the video cards are longer than about 220mm (8.6 inches), they will touch an HDD installed in the HDD cage. This is not unusual for mid-tower cases. However, the HDD cage is removable, and HDDs can be installed in the external drive bays, if there are not too many drives and other devices occupying them. The Thermaltake V3 Blk. edition can hold somewhat longer cards, but the hard drive cage is not removable,

[networx]

UPDATE...Got the Firepro 2460's yesterday and so I installed x1 on the previous computer (the Lenovo) and I upgraded the PSU to 650w. Well, only x2 of the mini dp to HDMI's work, but I can add x3 of the externals and those work??? I'm not quite sure why only x2 of the Firepro's output work since it doesn't draw a lot of power. #6 monitor isn't working because the cable is messed up, but will be replaced. Here is a pic of x5 of them working and like I said x3 are the external video cards. I guess I will call AMD in the morning and see what they say. If I've got x2 FirePro's and only can use x2 outputs from each, I'm still short and have to use the externals and by God, I didn't pay $600.00 for those cards to only get x4 outputs!!! I'm still building the new computer, but I think I need to figure this problem out before I spend more of my bosses money.

Usual, what do you think?

[usually_quiet]

The only thought I have seems like a long shot. If you were using the motherboard's onboard video before installing the FirePro 2460, did you make sure you disabled the onboard video? Normally that is necessary when installing a discrete card in the PCI-e X16 slot.

[Edit]I think some motherboards automatically disable onboard video when a discrete video card is installed, but for others there is a BIOS setting to select either onboard video or a discrete video card.

[usually_quiet]

I decided to look at the user reviews at Newegg again, and AMD's datasheet for the card. http://www.amd.com/us/Documents/ATI_FireMV_2460_datasheet-LoRez_48119-D.pdf

It seems using 4 monitors with this card is only possible when running Linux, Windows 7 or Vista. Windows XP only allows 2 monitors.

A reviewer said he could use this card to run 2 monitors or 4 monitors but not 3 monitors, which is what AMD's datasheet for the card says as well.

The datasheet says it is an Eyefinity card, which Newegg's product description didn't mention. AMD apparently told one reviewer that active display port adapters were needed to run more than 2 monitors without using actual display port connections for the rest. This is what Eyefinity cards normally require, but if that is true, it seems odd that AMD included 4 passive adapters with the card.

[networx]

Well, I'm using Windows 7! I also thought that there were only passive minidp to hdmi and there was not an active made. This is what an AMD tech told me. Included with the card was x4 MiniDP to DVI.

[networx]

No, I didn't edit anything in BIOS because the on-board wasn't working so I figured........

The only thought I have seems like a long shot. If you were using the motherboard's onboard video before installing the FirePro 2460, did you make sure you disabled the onboard video? Normally that is necessary when installing a discrete card in the PCI-e X16 slot.

[Edit]I think some motherboards automatically disable onboard video when a discrete video card is installed, but for others there is a BIOS setting to select either onboard video or a discrete video card.

[usually_quiet]

Well, I'm using Windows 7! I also thought that there were only passive minidp to hdmi and there was not an active made. This is what an AMD tech told me. Included with the card was x4 MiniDP to DVI.

I am really scratching my head as to how 4 passive miniDP to DVI adapters can be used with this card at the same time, unless somehow it can be configured to work as if it is two discrete cards.

As I understand it, mini display port is incompatible with DVI, HDMI, and VGA. However, dual-linked and single-linked DVI are compatible with the video portion of an HDMI signal using RGB colorspace, and can carry HDCP. This means a DVI to HDMI cable will work for connecting a DVI port on a PC to a TV, although there is no audio signal available.

From what I have read about them, when passive DVI adapters are used for miniDPs on an Eyefinity card that only has miniDPs, the card can output a DVI signal on the right pins to provide a DVI connection on the DVI end of the adapter.

The catch is that Eyefinity cards normally only allow two passive adapters to be used at a time. The remaining connections on an Eyefinity card that only has miniDP must either use display port/miniDP, or use an active miniDP port adapter. These adapters need power to actually convert a DP signal to another standard.

You are right, it seems there are no active miniDP to HDMI adapters. The available active adapters are miniDP to single-linked DVI, and miniDP to VGA.

[networx]

Connectivity Requirements: AMD Eyefinity technology is supported by graphics cards in the ATI Radeon™ HD 5400 series and higher. These cards can support up to six monitors (depending on the model), subject to the following restrictions:
• A maximum of 2 legacy monitors (VGA, DVI or HDMI) can be enabled simultaneously, provided that each monitor is connected either directly or via a “passive” DisplayPort™ adapter/dongle. “Passive” adapters/dongles will NOT support more than 2 legacy monitors.
• To enable support for more than 2 monitors, “active” DisplayPort™ adapters/dongles are required (or monitors with direct DisplayPort™ connectivity must be used).
• Approved “active” adapters have no general connectivity restrictions with AMD Eyefinity technology.

[networx]

I wonder if it would be easier to just to do dvi to vga and order x 6 vga 50 ' cables???

[networx]

This is a disclaimer on AMD's FirePro 2460 page....

"*Important: When using mini DisplayPort-to-singlelink DVI adapters, quad output is divided into two pairs (displays 1 and 2 and displays 3 and 4). The displays used in each pair must be identical (with the same manufacturer and model number) and must be identically configured (with the same resolution). However, the display pairs do not need to be identical to each other."

Does this mean I can use x 2 of the miniDP to HDMI's and then x2 miniDP to VGA's?

[usually_quiet]

I wonder if it would be easier to just to do dvi to vga and order x 6 vga 50 ' cables???

You should ask AMD, but I don't think it is likely that this card can provide VGA on any ports via the included adapters, and likely not third-party passive adapters either. I think you would need four active miniDP to VGA adapters.

Looking at the passive miniDP to single-link DVI adapter pictured on the datasheet, the DVI end is DVI-D, which doesn't support VGA output. You need DVI-I for VGA output.

The FirePro 2460's DataSheet clearly says "Quad DP and Quad DVI". When you talked to AMD tech support, did they make any suggestions as to how you might get the quad DVI working?

I will have to get back to you on #40.

[networx]

I actually talked with x2 different tech's at x2 different times and one said use active miniDP to HDMI and the other said that there were no active HDMI adapters. I bought x1 from Best Buy and it worked so I ordered x3 more and last night is when I tested it and found that only x2 outputs worked. Now,both AMD techs advised me to get the card w/ x6 miniDP's ( I forgot the HD#).

As far as the miniDP to VGA, yea I figured it would need to be active, so I'm thinking that would be the way to go and just get this damn thing done. All my boss will be using it for is URL stuff so no biggie on graphics.

[networx]

Usually, check this out and if you have time; let me know what you think. I'm thinking for now at least till I finish the build, get this and x4 VGA cables and then use x2 of the externals. The reason, after checking the 2460 at my house with x2 t.v's it worked and so I called my bos to the office and told him that I solved the problem and was on my way to install. Lol, well, wouldn't you know that only x2 worked because of the passive adapters and I only checked with x2 t.v's at my house. So, when he got there it didn't work. lol Anyways.. yea check it out please.

http://www.amd.com/us/Documents/ATI_FirePro_2450_DataSheet_LoRes_032509.pdf

[usually_quiet]

This is a disclaimer on AMD's FirePro 2460 page....

"*Important: When using mini DisplayPort-to-singlelink DVI adapters, quad output is divided into two pairs (displays 1 and 2 and displays 3 and 4). The displays used in each pair must be identical (with the same manufacturer and model number) and must be identically configured (with the same resolution). However, the display pairs do not need to be identical to each other."

Does this mean I can use x 2 of the miniDP to HDMI's and then x2 miniDP to VGA's?

It sure sounds like the FirePro card should let you use x2 miniDP to HDMI for one set of monitors and x2 active miniDP to VGA for the other set.

I saw some active miniDP to VGA adapters, and active miniDP to DVI adapters when I looked at AMD's approved list, but I only found passive miniDP to HDMI adapters there. The Rocketfish adapter I saw at BestBuy's website could well be passive. It is marketed as a Mac accessory.

I think there is a reason why there are no active HDMI adapters. I'm guessing it is HDCP. HDCP probably doesn't work with an active adapter in the chain.

[usually_quiet]

Usually, check this out and if you have time; let me know what you think. I'm thinking for now at least till I finish the build, get this and x4 VGA cables and then use x2 of the externals. The reason, after checking the 2460 at my house with x2 t.v's it worked and so I called my bos to the office and told him that I solved the problem and was on my way to install. Lol, well, wouldn't you know that only x2 worked because of the passive adapters and I only checked with x2 t.v's at my house. So, when he got there it didn't work. lol Anyways.. yea check it out please.

http://www.amd.com/us/Documents/ATI_FirePro_2450_DataSheet_LoRes_032509.pdf

It looks like a good choice for VGA and DVI-I. Should be OK for spreadsheets and text. I don't have DirecTV and don't know if streaming video from DirecTV is any more demanding than typical web video..

When I read the user reviews, I keep seeing reports where the various multi-monitor cards don't work properly with some motherboards, but work fine with others. I'm beginning to think they are more finicky than the usual video card.

[networx]

I think I may have found a solution.....

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=...#specification

O.k, follow me here. I get DVI-D to HDMI cables (50') and get (active) miniDP to DVI-D adapters and replace the current HDMI cables or just get like 10' DVI-D to HDMI cables and connect them to the current cables and get the above adapters. In theory, that should work, right?

[usually_quiet]

I think I may have found a solution.....

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023102&p_id=...#specification

O.k, follow me here. I get DVI-D to HDMI cables (50') and get (active) miniDP to DVI-D adapters and replace the current HDMI cables or just get like 10' DVI-D to HDMI cables and connect them to the current cables and get the above adapters. In theory, that should work, right?

DVI to HDMI cables should work, but long cables introduce problems of their own. Monoprice recommended 22AWG for HDMI cables longer than 15 feet. I would guess the same would hold true for DVI to HDMI cables.

I can't tell from the description whether the MiniDP to DVI adapters that ATI sent with the FirePro are active or passive, but to provide DVI-D output for all the MiniDP ports on an Eyefinity card, they would have to be active, if they were all identical. I thought you were using ATI's adapters and they didn't work, but I guess that is not the case. You should test ATI's adapters with a DVI to HDMI cable before buying other adapters.

[networx]

Rocket Fish miniDP to HDMI adapters

[usually_quiet]

If you only used the Rocket Fish miniDP to HDMI adapters, you should definitely try the miniDP to DVI adapters ATI sent with the card before buying other active adapters.

Instead of getting new DVI to HDMI cables, you could try something like this with one of the 50' HDMI cables and the adapters ATI provided with the Firepro 2460 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270286 If it works you could buy 3 more.

[networx]

So, what do I get? A DVI-D TO HDMI adapter to connect the AT adapter to the HDMI cable? I've attached the DVI chart I've been looking.

So, going by this chart, the DVI that ATI sent w/ the cards are DVI-D Dual link, but it does not say active, so that means it's passive, correct?
If so, why in hell would ATI send x4 adapters with their cards if they cannot be used? I've received with the cards P/N KS30009-131
and unless I'm somehow mistaken, they are passive.

[jagabo]

Maybe you could look at something like this:

http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/products/gxm/dh2go/

It splits a single 3840x1200 output for two 1920x1200 displays. There's a triple head version too.

[networx]

I appreciate your help J, but I have already spent 600.00 on these Eyefinity cards, so I have to figure the solution around them. Plus, I have found everything that comes from Matrox works, but is hella expensive! Thx tho.

[usually_quiet]

So, what do I get? A DVI-D TO HDMI adapter to connect the AT adapter to the HDMI cable? I've attached the DVI chart I've been looking.

So, going by this chart, the DVI that ATI sent w/ the cards are DVI-D Dual link, but it does not say active, so that means it's passive, correct?
If so, why in hell would ATI send x4 adapters with their cards if they cannot be used? I've received with the cards P/N KS30009-131
and unless I'm somehow mistaken, they are passive.

Using DVI to HDMI cables is still an option. The cheap DVI to HDMI port adapter is just a way for you to use ATI's MiniDP to DVI adapters with your existing HDMI cables and avoid spending more on DVI to HDMI cables. These are the same type of adapters that are often provided with video cards that have DVI but not HDMI ports so the buyer can use the card with a TV.

I suspect ATI's MiniDP to DVI adapters are active because it is an Eyefinity card. If ATI's MiniDP to DVI adapters were passive, there is no way they would function correctly with all four miniDP ports on the FirePro 2460. ATI's MiniDP to DVI adapters are also likely DVI-D single link. The third party MiniDP to DVI-D dual link active adapters I saw all had USB cables to supply power. http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-003J-UltraAV-miniDisplayPort-Dual-Link/dp/B0030XMREG I saw active third-party miniDP to DVI single link adapters with all the pinholes for dual link, but no USB power connection. http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-006B-DisplayPort-Single-Link-Certified/dp/B004071ZXA

There is a reason why a MiniDP to DVI-D single link adapter would have all the pinholes for DVI-D dual link. Cables and DVI to HDMI adapters with connectors that are strictly DVI-D single link are harder to find and more expensive.

[networx]

Yea, I got ya there, but looking at these Bizlink adapters that came with the cards, there is no "active" on them. From what I have read, only the passive ones do not say anything to distinguish them from the active and so all the active ones say "active."

Yea, I'm taking your advise on the dvi to hdmi adapters, especially since they ae only 5.00, but can doubling adapters like that work?

[usually_quiet]

Yea, I got ya there, but looking at these Bizlink adapters that came with the cards, there is no "active" on them. From what I have read, only the passive ones do not say anything to distinguish them from the active and so all the active ones say "active."

Yea, I'm taking your advise on the dvi to hdmi adapters, especially since they ae only 5.00, but can doubling adapters like that work?

Do the Bizlink adapters include a model number or part number anywhere that you could look up? If so that could resolve this question for good.

Doubling adapters should work. Essentially it is the same thing as a very short DVI to HDMI cable. It is slightly less efficient than a single long DVI to HDMI cable because it adds one more connection in the chain, but the difference should be minimal.

[Edit] This could be a product review for the adapters ATI provided http://alienbabeltech.com/main/eyefinitys-new-30-dp-to-dvi-adapter-abts-first-look

[networx]

Yea, I put the part number in #50 ks30009-131 On their web site for the approved dongles they have a ka30009-a31 and it's passive but that is all I could find.

[usually_quiet]

Yea, I put the part number in #50 ks30009-131 On their web site for the approved dongles they have a ka30009-a31 and it's passive but that is all I could find.

The only other suggestion I have is to email Bizlink customer support and ask them if the adapter with your part number is active or passive, and dual link or single link.

[networx]

Went to Best Buy and picked up DVI to HDMI to go with the Bizlinks and the ATI CC panel picked up the 3rd panel but the monitor would never come up, so I'm pretty sure they are not active. Calling AMD tomorrow.

[usually_quiet]

Went to Best Buy and picked up DVI to HDMI to go with the Bizlinks and the ATI CC panel picked up the 3rd panel but the monitor would never come up, so I'm pretty sure they are not active. Calling AMD tomorrow.

I take it that you tried the experiment with a TV connected to each of the four miniDPs at the same time (since the FirePro will not work with only 3 monitors connected). Did you have any external video cards connected while attempting this?

[networx]

I did not know it will not work with 3 monitors. Maybe that's why ATI control panel picked up the 3rd ati monitor but the display stayed black. This is what I had going....at first x3 were external and x2 were the miniDP to HDMI, so I connected the miniDP to DVI (the type that came from ATI) and the ATI control panel picked up the 3rd miniDP monitor but the display stayed blacked out but I believe the t.v was receiving the signal ( it no longer said no signal) so that set-u did not work so I disconnected and added the 3rd external. Btw, the HDMI cables are 24 guage, thta should help with the 50' run, right? Ya know, I might just install another USB PCIe card and add the freaking externals. They will let me stretch windows across all screens like eyefinity and far less hassle. I'm starting to see why the quotes I got for this job were 30k. It's a pain in my arse.

Here is a pic from tonight.