GPU advice for 4x 2560x1600 setup (nongaming)

[thonnie]

Looking at getting a GPU for a 4x 2560x1600 setup. I do plan on doing gaming, but would switch to a dedicated single monitor for that (dota2). Looking at possibly getting the Sapphire Vapor-X 7970. Any better suggestions out there?

 

[Eureka]

If you're just doing single monitor 1600p gaming, I would say a minimum of 7870/660, since Dota isn't particularly demanding. The 7970 will definitely suit your needs and expand your options for games, especially if you want to play new AAA titles.

One thing you should consider, however, is what connectors are available. I'm not sure what you're going to need for 4 1600p monitors but make sure whatever card you have will support them.

 

[Sleepingforest]

I'd recommend this Gigabyte or this HIS 7970 instead, as they come with two miniDisplayPort ports. Each Displayport can only power two 2560x1600 monitors at 60Hz (they can power 3 2560x1440 each).

In theory, you could use the HDMI and dual link DVI connectors on the Sapphire VaporX, but I find mixing cable types like that distasteful.

 

[thonnie]

I'd recommend this Gigabyte or this HIS 7970 instead, as they come with two miniDisplayPort ports. Each Displayport can only power two 2560x1600 monitors at 60Hz (they can power 3 2560x1440 each).

In theory, you could use the HDMI and dual link DVI connectors on the Sapphire VaporX, but I find mixing cable types like that distasteful.

Thanks Sleepingforest! This information was helpful

[Edit] What adapter/cable would I need? Or would I need to daisychain the displayports from one monitor to another?

 

[gorobei]

for quad 2560x? setups i would recommend going all DP.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...irtualParent=1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131474

 

[Sleepingforest]

It's going to depend on your monitors--preferably, they have enough Displayport ports for you to link one to the next. Basically, you'll plug in one monitor to the graphics card, and then plug the next monitor into the first. You do this twice, so it should look like this:

Graphics -->Monitor-->Monitor
Card -->Monitor-->Monitor

You'll need two miniDisplayport-to-Displayport cables and two Displayport cables. You need to get these separately from the GPUs--I recommend onoprice.com, where the shipping is usually more than the cables. They won't have the lifetime warranty of the insanely expensive Monster cables, but they will perform basically as well.

 

[3DVagabond]

It's going to depend on your monitors--preferably, they have enough Displayport ports for you to link one to the next. Basically, you'll plug in one monitor to the graphics card, and then plug the next monitor into the first. You do this twice, so it should look like this:

Graphics -->Monitor-->Monitor
Card -->Monitor-->Monitor

You'll need two miniDisplayport-to-Displayport cables and two Displayport cables. You need to get these separately from the GPUs--I recommend onoprice.com, where the shipping is usually more than the cables. They won't have the lifetime warranty of the insanely expensive Monster cables, but they will perform basically as well.

It might be helpful to list a 2560*1600 monitor that supports daisy chaining.

OP, not all dp cables are Vesa compliant and AMD cards don't like ones that aren't. Accell are, but I'm not sure which others are. Just don't get stuck wasting a lot of money because you didn't verify hardware compatibility. I've seen people on forums crying and blaming the hardware manufacturers because they didn't properly qualify their purchase before hand.

 

[Peter Nixeus]

Go by what he recommends:

for quad 2560x? setups i would recommend going all DP.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...irtualParent=1

[URL]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131474[/URL]

It is the most painless setup.