Newer Radeon video cards come with four ports standard:
- DVI (x2)
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
If I want to run three 24" monitors, all of which are DVI only, from this video card — is it possible to convert either the HDMI or DisplayPort to DVI? If so, how? And which one is easier/cheaper to convert?
I did a little research and it looks like there isn't a simple "dongle" method. I found this DisplayPort to DVI-D Dual Link Adapter but it's $120; almost cheaper to buy a new monitor that supports HDMI or DisplayPort inputs at that point!
There's also a HDMI to DVI-D adapter at Monoprice but I'm not sure it will work, either.
AnandTech seems to imply that you do need the DisplayPort-to-DVI:
The only catch to this specific port layout is that the card still only has enough TMDS transmitters for two ports. So you can use 2x DVI or 1x DVI + HDMI, but not 2x DVI + HDMI. For 3 DVI-derived ports, you will need an active DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter.
Best Answer
From what I heard, the cheap adapters don't work because you need something that generates an TDMS Signal. The cheap adapters expect the source to already support a TDMS Signal and more or less just convert mechanically.
I have a post here. I ended up buying a $100 Dell Adapter which works, but fails whenever power savings comes into play (I basically have to unplug/replug to "reset" the adapter).
In hindsight, I would have bought a Display Port Monitor or a second card, both options would have been cheaper and less problematic than the Adapter, but I already had 3 screens.
Edit: After 2 Weeks, I really regret it. The adapter just "crashes" after some time (black screen, sometimes it turns on, off, on, off... My Monitor always stays on, so it's the adapter not generating a picture signal anymore). I'll try a USB-Charger next as they hopefully have more power, but I now really regret not getting a DP Monitor instead.
Video of DisplayPort-DVI Adapter Suckage: http://vimeo.com/10425439