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Author Topic: multi monitor question  (Read 1214 times)

Offline gravdigr

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multi monitor question
« on: March 17, 2010, 12:55:10 AM »
I am running dual monitors now and have a question.  Should I run both monitors off the same card?  I have two 5770s in crossfire.  My main monitor uses a dvi port and my second monitor is a 19" hdtv using the dvi port.  I am noticing some flickering on both monitors.  Though that may be driver related.  I'm currently using the older 9.12 drivers because I was told there were issues with the new drivers and 5770s in crossfire.

Mainly I'm using them to have a web browser open while gaming and to keep chat programs on the second monitor.  And for dual boxing wow in windowed mode (I know in windowed mode crossfire is disabled).
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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2010, 07:17:33 AM »
Same card should be fine. Are you worried about performance issues? I'm not sure where the flickering is coming from. I'm running 3 monitors off two cards. My GTX 260 is running two and a 7300LE is running the 3rd. No performance issues noted.
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Offline gravdigr

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2010, 09:22:33 AM »
The flickering happens on either/both monitors.  Sometimes when I change webpages in firefox,  Or just randomly when I move my mouse.  I tried the 10.2 catalyst drivers and repeatedly got BSOD after no more than 5 minutes after boot.
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Offline Czar

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2010, 09:37:14 AM »
Does it happen when you only have one monitor hooked up?
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Offline Broken

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2010, 09:46:48 AM »
Check your refresh rates on the monitors... if they are not maxed, try bumping them up to see if the flicker goes away.
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What if bodies just had random errors like computers do?
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Offline gravdigr

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #5 on: March 17, 2010, 10:33:38 AM »
I think both my monitors are locked at 60hz refresh.  I never had the flicker when I ran a single monitor.  I tried 2boxing some WoW just now and there was no flicker, but in windows explorer, firefox, outlook, and other standard windows I get that annoying flicker.  This vista install is pretty old.  Maybe when it gets annoying enough I'll install windows 7 and that could fix it.
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Offline Petch

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #6 on: March 17, 2010, 11:13:59 AM »
Check the manual (and sometimes the built in menus on the monitor) to check for the refresh rate setting.  Most LCD monitors are 60Hz but you can get caught with some that are 60-72Hz.

Also, you can try setting each monitor on separate cards so you can test different refresh rates.

Does this happen when you only have one monitor plugged in (i.e. Plugging in the 19" as your primary monitor)?  Did you try killing the Crossfire and then trying it again?  Did you attempt to take one card out and run both cards on the same (single) card?  If so, what did you notice?

I'd HIGHLY doubt that a reinstall would have any positive results, unless you have an app that you forgot about that effs with your video/monitor settings.
« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 11:16:07 AM by Petch »
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Offline Broken

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2010, 11:22:45 AM »
http://www.overclock.net/ati-drivers-overclocking-software/633195-dual-monitor-flickering-ati-5870-a-4.html

lots of discussions in this thread but mainly around flickering on 5870. There is a comment about reducing the dvi frequency on high res displays.

Dejanh posted: "Go to CCC > Desktops & Displays then select each monitor at the bottom and click on the little black triangle and select Configure... Under Attributes > DVI Settings select Reduce DVI frequency on high-resolution displays... Do this for each monitor you have connected." Some say this worked for them, others not... Are you running and clocking programs at all?
« Last Edit: March 17, 2010, 11:25:33 AM by BrokenShadow »
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A Serbian Film
"James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron is... James Cameron."
What if bodies just had random errors like computers do?
You go to receive your Starbucks coffee and accidentally punch the Barista in the face then Crap on the floor.
What kind of Fudgeing computer errors are you getting?

Offline gravdigr

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Re: multi monitor question
« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2010, 02:21:24 PM »
Well it's looking like a problem on the ATI driver side based on reading the whole thread posted above.  I disabled my second monitor and the problem went away.

I think it's a hoot how ATI is preaching their 'eyefinity' technology all over the place and they can't even get standard dual monitor support to work right on their flagship card. :rolleyes:
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ASUS rampage 2 mobo
i7 920 @ 3.2GHZ
6GB DDR3
Dual 5770s
2x 250GB striped
1x 500GB backup
1x 160GB misc data
Danger Den watercooling for cpu and GPUs
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