Because of this, most adapters on the market for DisplayPort have higher quality standards through testing to meet the standard. The reason is that the DisplayPort specification addresses the different formats (VGA, DVI, and HDMI) by design, whereas HDMI was later modified to accomodate them. More expensive dual-link active adapters exist, but those cost over $100 and require additional power by plugging into an available USB port.Īnd finally, it is usually best to go with DisplayPort adapters over HDMI when you have a choice. For future reference (since it doesn't apply in this situation), DisplayPort-to-DVI passive adapters are single link only. I recommend getting a quality VGA adapter by HP or Belkin - I've had problems with some brands like SIIG. The best thing about DisplayPorts is how easy it is to convert them to VGA or DVI. I have not tried to use a digital-to-analog adapter on a single-link DVI port before, so it's possible that's the issue here. The only real difference is that single link will max out around 2 megapixels (roughly the same as 1080p, or 1920x1080), while the dual link can reach the max resolution specified. And yes, you are correct that it means one of the DVI ports is dual link while the other is single link. RE: AMD Radeon 6850, 2nd monitor timftse (Programmer) Although DisplayPort supports much of the same functionality as HDMI, it is expected to complement the interface, not replace it. Backward compatibility to VGA and DVI by using adapter dongles enables consumers to use DisplayPort fitted video sources without replacing existing display devices. VESA designed it to replace VGA, DVI, and LVDS by creating a high performance standard.
The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor, though it can also be used to transmit audio, USB, and other forms of data. From the wiki:DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). " The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty: it's twice as big as it needs to be."įor this site's posting policies, click here. You may be thinking about DVI-D ports which are missing the analog pins necessary for conversion to VGA. Each DVI-I port can be converted to VGA with the use of a simple adapter that usually comes with the video card.
Should be good to go after that! Don't forget that you often need to enable the 2nd monitor either from Windows display properties or from the ATI Catalyst control panel.
You can obtain drivers from the vendor (HP, Dell, etc.), or if you built this system yourself, then visit the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest.Īfter doing that, I suggest uninstalling the ATI software, rebooting, reinstalling it, and rebooting again. Getting these installed will add to the list of available features on your system as well as improve stability and speed. PCI refers to important components integrated on the motherboard, and Unknown could be as well. You need to take care of the "Other" device list. The build quality including the power delivery is top notch, and they must get the pick of the bin (I don't really know that )Īs they seem to OC better than they're competition.I agree with Goom. I was using alot of the Asus and MSI 5850's in customer builds for the same reason. ***note I am recommending specifically the Asus EAH DirectCu I linked to, not a generic 5850. Here is a benchmark/review for you to look over. Thats above HD 5870 specs (or more accurately 5870 production) I have four of them in my own machine and have them all OC'd (during intensive gaming) to 1020/1215. XFX has also produced, from the AMD Radeon HD 6 Series, the HD 6850, HD 6870, HD 6950 and HD 6970. They overclock better than any 6850 I have worked with (quite a few). if you are on a budget and want a card that you can clock the living daylights out of. The 5850 is a few percent faster than the 6850, but unless you are going to OC for maximum you can get out of it, go for the newer 6850. Like Relic said, having the who,what, and how big would help on a recommendation