- This topic has 5 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 16 years ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Is anyone interested in the new feature the ATI 5xxx series graphics cards are capable of, Eyefinity?
For those who are not aware, it is a feature that enables up to three different displays to be connected to one graphics card at the same time, allowing your viewing area to be spread across all three displays at once, or across two with one used as an extension, or even connected to one with two used as an extension. As such, you could have an extra wide desktop working space, extend your desktop for extreme multi-tasking, enjoy watching movies or playing games in extreme widescreen, etc.
While I’m aware similar solutions have been available for some years, it’s not until now that a solution has been available for free and with such a major company backing it. While currently the maximum number of simultaneous display connections is three, in the future you will able to connect up to six different displays at once; this can be evidenced in a demo in one of the links below.
You can find more information, with image and video, here, here and here.
If you don’t want to game across three screens then the cheaper solution would be to buy two cheap graphics cards or something like a Matrox triplehead2go. I’ve been running a triple head setup for a while off 2 graphics cards. If I’m playing games though I tend to use one screen as the bezels get annoying.
Also I wouldn’t call using an ATi 5xxx series graphics card a free solution.
The free part of the solution is that the feature comes with the graphics card, as opposed to paying for an additional item, such as the Matrox triplehead2go. As the feature is also available on the mid-range 5xxx series cards too, this would be an easier solution all round, in my opinion.
The bezel situation does seem slightly off putting, however, Samsung are supposedly releasing an LCD with a very small bezel which should counteract this distraction somewhat.
hehe Im sitting in front of 3 screens at the moment. Powered by two very cheap nVidia cards here at work. Actually they are powerful enough to run CS:S (we’ve had a couple of post work frags in the past ;)!).
I keep meaning to add a fourth (the two seats next to me are unused and each has 3 monitors – is there a card that can run 9?). So the 2x cheaper card solution can provide for four monitors.
But still, sounds a good step forward – might persuade a few more people to try larger viewing areas. I would consider 2 screens a minimum now, 3 is great :D!
[quote1256218684=Rsaeire]
The free part of the solution is that the feature comes with the graphics card, as opposed to paying for an additional item, such as the Matrox triplehead2go. As the feature is also available on the mid-range 5xxx series cards too, this would be an easier solution all round, in my opinion.[/quote1256218684]
I can see where you are coming from, but having to buy a 5xxx series and I believe it also requires monitors that support DisplayPort (not just a converter) the costs seem to mount up.On my old computer with a built in Via something or other and an ATI Radeon 9600 it could drive three displays, and it’s around 5 years old.
From what I can see the 5xxx + DisplayPort screens would be the better solution for gaming, but for other tasks you can get away with a couple of very cheap graphics cards and some DVI/VGA screens.
[quote1256219255=jez]I would consider 2 screens a minimum now, 3 is great :D![/quote1256219255]
I find two screens to be a bit annoying as I find myself sitting in front of the bezel between the two screens. With three I get to stare at my main screen and glance left or right at the other screens.[quote1256219874=Alfihar]
I can see where you are coming from, but having to buy a 5xxx series and I believe it also requires monitors that support DisplayPort (not just a converter) the costs seem to mount up.
On my old computer with a built in Via something or other and an ATI Radeon 9600 it could drive three displays, and it’s around 5 years old.
From what I can see the 5xxx + DisplayPort screens would be the better solution for gaming, but for other tasks you can get away with a couple of very cheap graphics cards and some DVI/VGA screens.
[/quote1256219874]
I understand your point. If a basic setup is what someone needs, then buying two, cheap graphics cards may be the best solution. I’m looking at the Eyefinity option more from a newcomer standpoint, i.e. someone who has nothing and is looking to get into using multiple displays, with minimal hassle. If it were me, this solution would be ideal, however, for someone like you, given your current setup, I can see your reluctance.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.