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Apple Radeon 5770/5870 in pre-2010 Mac Pro's: What We Know So Far

re: can't get 3 monitors to work at the same time

I just spent the last few hours researching this stuff myself, because I'm considering changing out video cards in my 2006 Mac Pro and building a 3 display configuration for it.

I think your problem, below, can be resolved by using one of the $99 "Mini-Displayport to dual-link DVI" converters, in place of the "mini-DP to DVI adapter" you've got now, driving your video projector.

(Apple has a tech note on their web site regarding using the Radeon 5770 with 3 displays simultaneously where they discuss this.) Apparently, you can't use a regular old mini-DP to DVI adapter on one without reducing the total number of supported displays to 2. You either need to run a pair of mini-DP to VGA adapters (plus something using the DVI port on the card), or use that mini-DP to *dual link* DVI converter on each mini-DP port you intend to send out to a DVI input.


Caesar_091 said:
A few fast update about multi-monitor configs.

Can't, repeat CAN'T, get 3 monitor to work at the same time.

This my test config:
- Cinema Display HD 23" connected to DVI port;
- 1080p video projector connected via an Apple's mini-DP to DVI adapter (and a DVI to HDMI cable);
- ACER 15" LCD monitor connected via an Apple's mini-DP to VGA adapter.

When I connect all the monitors only the VGA and the projector are recognized. I can get any combination of 2 out of 3 of those monitors to work but I can't get them to work all together even after reboot/PRAM reset/etc etc (haven't tried on Windows yet).
Click to expand...
 
kingtj said:
I just spent the last few hours researching this stuff myself, because I'm considering changing out video cards in my 2006 Mac Pro and building a 3 display configuration for it.

I think your problem, below, can be resolved by using one of the $99 "Mini-Displayport to dual-link DVI" converters, in place of the "mini-DP to DVI adapter" you've got now, driving your video projector.

(Apple has a tech note on their web site regarding using the Radeon 5770 with 3 displays simultaneously where they discuss this.) Apparently, you can't use a regular old mini-DP to DVI adapter on one without reducing the total number of supported displays to 2. You either need to run a pair of mini-DP to VGA adapters (plus something using the DVI port on the card), or use that mini-DP to *dual link* DVI converter on each mini-DP port you intend to send out to a DVI input.
Click to expand...

After reading your post I've searched for the Apple tech note to get full info.
Here is the note:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

I'll get a MDP to dual-link DVI connector and post results... stay tuned!
 
re: 3 monitors

Great! Let us know how it works for you!

(Also though, this is where I'd note that only the authentic Apple branded version of the 5770/5870 cards have 2 mini-DP ports and one DVI port on the back of them. The people using re-flashed PC versions of the cards should have only 1 mini-DP port, 2 DVI ports and an HDMI port on the back of theirs. That makes me a bit curious how 3 display support works on the re-flashed cards? Will they work fine with 2 DVI displays plugged straight into both DVI ports and a 3rd. using the mini-DP port? If so, is the need for this mini-DP to dual-link DVI converter still necessary to get the 3rd. display to work on one? I *think* I already read confirmation that the HDMI port on this isn't functional with the re-flashed cards, at least in OS X?)


Caesar_091 said:
After reading your post I've searched for the Apple tech note to get full info.
Here is the note:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

I'll get a MDP to dual-link DVI connector and post results... stay tuned!
Click to expand...
 
fouel said:
5770 worked well in 10.6.8(install patches) and 10.7.2(11C35) with a triple screen.

a flashed 5770 in Mac pro 2009.
Click to expand...

Just bought a 5770 for my 2009 octo Mac Pro.
Im running 10.6.8, but what do you mean by "install patches"

Cheers :)
 
Guys,

I have late 2009 MP and two monitors with both DVI & display port (NEC PA301W & NEC PA271W) and they where working fine.
I need a third one and was trying to connect an old 20" HP LP2065 (2xDVI 1600x1200) but no success. It was connected to DVI port.
System is kind of detect it (I can see 3 monitors in display settings) and unit stay active (signal is going through the cable) but screen is black.
According to Apple note this config should be perfectly supported:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

HP unit is fine since it works fine on my MBP.

Eventually I connected it with installation of second old stock NVIDIA card but don't like this setup.

Is anybody have some suggestions?

Thanks
 
I recommend you to convert DVI to VGA for VGA monitor, and for two DVI monitors use Sapphire Active MiniDP to DVI adapters.

nwind said:
Guys,

I have late 2009 MP and two monitors with both DVI & display port (NEC PA301W & NEC PA271W) and they where working fine.
I need a third one and was trying to connect an old 20" HP LP2065 (2xDVI 1600x1200) but no success. It was connected to DVI port.
System is kind of detect it (I can see 3 monitors in display settings) and unit stay active (signal is going through the cable) but screen is black.
According to Apple note this config should be perfectly supported:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

HP unit is fine since it works fine on my MBP.

Eventually I connected it with installation of second old stock NVIDIA card but don't like this setup.

Is anybody have some suggestions?

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
bax2003 said:
I recommend you to convert DVI to VGA for VGA monitor, and for two DVI monitors use Sapphire Active MiniDP to DVI adapters.
Click to expand...

There is no VGA port on any of these displays.

To clarify:

Both NEC displays has ability to be connected either through DVI or display port.

Actual not properly working config:

2 x NEC connected directly through display port to 5770.
HP connected directly through DVI to 5770.
All passive connections.

Actual working config:

2 x NEC connected directly through display port to 5770.
HP connected directly through DVI (or display port to DVI Apple adapter) to stock NVIDIA card.
All passive connections.

It's not working even with only HP connected to DVI and nothing else.
Not working is funny. With all 3 connected as I mention I can see 3rd monitor in display settings and it's detectable (keep it awaked as well) but with completely black screen. Maybe signal from 5770 is just marginal for HP display?
Cable and monitor are OK since they are working on the second card and my MBP through adapter.

BTW according to Apple with straight connection to all 3 ports (no conversion) it must be perfectly functional with all passive connections.

See the first line on they table:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4279

Thanks
 
Yes it's an official Apple 5770 with 2 display ports and one DVI.
Either it's malfunctioning (out of warranty anyway) or it's something else.
 
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