Multi Monitor capabilities of Radeon 5770

[Dewdman42]

I just bought a refurbished Mac Pro and I want to run multi monitors, but its not entirely clear to me how many monitors and at what resolution I can run off of a single ATI Radeon 5770 that came with these. Any guidance or suggestions, including upgrading the video card if I have to...

My use is primarily Logic Pro, Digital Performer, etc.. I don't do gaming, I don't do video editing. I really don't need a super fast GPU per say. Just lots of screen real estate and smooth operation.

Current hardware: MacPro 5.1 12 core 3.33, 64gb memory, ATI Radeon 5770 (1 DVI, 2x mini display ports)

I currently have one 24 inch DELL 2407 DVI monitor at 1920x1200. At a minimum I'd like to have 3 monitors with at least this much resolution each and no splitting of a "space" across two monitors; in other words, each display is its own separate display as far as OSX is concerned.

So first off, can the Radeon handle 3 displays at that resolution? Or would I need to get an additional video card?

I can get the Dell monitor in its current DVI form for cheap, to add two more that are all matching. Or I could get two more monitors that have mini display ports on them to avoid having to deal with conversion cables.

Later on I might also want to add an HDMI display on the wall, at 720p, or 1040p perhaps exclusively for video playback...and I believe adding this 4th would probably push me over the edge to needing another video card, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

So first off, any suggestions about whether I can achieve any of the above with my existing ATI radeon 5770 or whether I need to get a new card, or second card to handle 3 monitors at 1920x1200, and what it would take later to add that 4th HDMI monitor on the wall for video playback.

Beyond that, I'm also considering making the jump to 3 x 27 inch displays at a higher resolution, probably 4k..something I can get for maybe around $500-600 per display (and maybe the 4th HDMI video later). Again, what can my existing Radeon 5770 handle and if its totally underpowered for this task, which video card(s) would I need to get?

To reiterate, I don't do gaming, I don't really need a lot of GPU crunching, other then just handling basic UI duties on that much screen real estate.

Any and all recommendations and advice are welcome at this point..

 

[pigoo3]

Here's a product description from Amazon:

"For impressive graphics processing power, the ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1GB of GDDR5 memory is a great choice for visual creative, scientific, and technical applications. ATI Radeon HD 5770 includes three video ports: two Mini DisplayPorts and one dual-link DVI port. This allows you to connect the 24-inch Apple LED Cinema Display plus another Mini DisplayPort-based display, and a DVI-based display such as the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display."

- Nick

 

[pigoo3]

Searching the internet…found this as well:

"It can support three monitors, but only with the right connections. Passive adapters (HDMI or DVI) connected to the Mini DisplayPort will limit you to two monitors at a time. DisplayPort connections or active adapters (VGA or Dual-Link DVI) will allow all three connections to be used."

- Nick

 

[Dewdman42]

I did just now find this page from Apple Support....which clarifies some things about the existing Radeon 5770 card a bit:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202090

So from the sounds of that, in the simplest scenario, I get two more matching DVI displays, plus I have to buy two Apple Mini display to dual link DVI converters at $99/each (ouch), then I could have 3 displays, theoretically at 1920x1200 for all three.

One question though, the spec for the ATI radeon 5770 says max resolution is 2560x1600. Is that the total resolution of all three displays combined, or would I theoretically be able to run 3 display, each one up to 2560x1600, at 60hz, full operation on all three displays? I am guessing yes, but just want to verify.

so option 1, and perhaps cheapest baby step, i could get two used monitors that are just like my existing one(they go for around $120 each), two of those $99 adapters, and for approximately $450 have a 3 monitor setup at 3 x 1920x 1200. But if I ever want to add an HDMI video monitor later, I will simply need an additional video card, end of story.

option 2 would be to try to find two 24 inch 1920x1200 monitors that have display ports in them already.., then I don't need the apple converter. The cost of those is probably about as much more as the cost of the converter, so its kind of a wash, but at least they would be more up to date monitors, possibly new instead of used. They would not exactly match the center display (shrug).

option 3 if I could find some 27 inch monitors that are 2560x1600 native resolution, which I'm not sure exists, but let's say hypothetically I can find some...then I could buy three of those, two of which need the mini display port and one of which would either need to be DVI. But this is getting costly enough that I might rather consider upgrading all the way to 4k with a new video card(s).... But i think that would probably start to be quite a bit more expensive then I can justify right now also...so I digress.. maybe... Maybe its time to take the plunge...

What are some more modern video cards that work on the 5.1 mac pro and can handle more displays from a single card? Eventually I'd like to add that HDMI video monitor on the wall....and though I could be quite happy in the short turn with 3x1920x1200 displays...down the road I may consider moving to 4k, but I also value large fonts as the display has to sit 3-4 feet away from my eyes.

 

[pigoo3]

So from the sounds of that, in the simplest scenario, I get two more matching DVI displays, plus I have to buy two Apple Mini display to dual link DVI converters at $99/each (ouch)…

Not true. These adapters are only needed for OLD Apple monitors with ADC video ports (these monitors are about 10+ years old now). The video adapters you need (mini display port)…can be purchased for about $5-$10 each.

One question though, the spec for the ATI radeon 5770 says max resolution is 2560x1600.

This is the resolution for a single monitor (the Apple 30" display). Not sure if the 5770 could run three 30" Apple monitors simultaneously. You probably won't have three of these anyway.

What are some more modern video cards that work on the 5.1 mac pro and can handle more displays from a single card?

Forget the single video card idea. Much easier to just purchase multiple video cards. I had a Mac Pro 4,1 with four GT-120 video cards in it (not a very powerful card)…and had 8 monitors running simultaneously (two monitors/video card).

Multiple video cards are the way to go. Figure one-two monitors/card.

- Nick

 

[Dewdman42]

Not true. These adapters are only needed for OLD Apple monitors with ADC video ports (these monitors are about 10+ years old now). The video adapters you need (mini display port)…can be purchased for about $5-$10 each.

ok this I need to understand better what you mean before I over spend. The Apple document says in order to use three displays at once, that the active mini display to DVI adapter needs to be used. you are saying that is only true for older apple monitors... I'm not using any apple monitors. As of now I have an older Dell 2407wfp, which is DVI only. it does not have mini display port on it. I could buy two more matching displays on the used market for around $120 each... Will those require the active dvi converter or can the cheap adapters be used which you say are only $5-10 each? If that is truly doable, then it gets my lowest cost of entry down to around $250 for three monitors, which I wold probably consider doing for a while and hold off on anything more elaborate for a while. How can I verify this is the case that I could use the cheaper adapters with these older DELL monitors?

Alternatively, Dell makes a 24 inch monitor for about $260 each, which has display ports on it. So I could get two of those and no adapters needed, for $520 cost of entry. But they would not match my existing one, so its possible I'd get rid of my exiting old one and just buy three of those Dell's and would need a DVI-to-display port adapter... $800 all in... But much more current monitors. The old one would go into my office to dock my MBP too.

This is the resolution for a single monitor (the Apple 30" display). Not sure if the 5770 could run three 30" Apple monitors simultaneously. You probably won't have three of these anyway.

Well that is what I do want to know though, if its possible. There is a cool 27" Dell monitor 2560x1440, they are $500/each and one possibility is to run three of those..its smaller then an apple cinema display..but a bit wider then a typical 24 incher. Could the radeon handle 3 of those I wonder? They have mini display ports on them. I'd have to get a DVI-to-display port adapter for the third one. But now I'm getting up to $1600 for this total setup..

Forget the single video card idea. Much easier to just purchase multiple video cards. I had a Mac Pro 4,1 with four GT-120 video cards in it (not a very powerful card)…and had 8 monitors running simultaneously (two monitors/video card).

Multiple video cards are the way to go. Figure one-two monitors/card.

- Nick

I hear you, I'm sure I am going to end up getting another video card eventually, I'm just trying to sort out a way to I can do this one step at a time, first get 3 monitors working on my existing 5770, and then add a card later (maybe) for HDMI video on the wall. Having 2 less powerful video cards is also an interesting way to go for me if I pick the right cards, because typically they are also quieter.. if I were to get rid of the 5770 altogether and go with two smaller video cards, which ones would you recommend?

 

[pigoo3]

you are saying that is only true for older apple monitors... I'm not using any apple monitors.

If you aren't using any Apple monitor's…then we can skip this part. It only applies if you had an Apple 30" Cinema Display.

If you're using other monitors with a DVI port or HDMI port…then all you need is this (per monitor):

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5106
http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12742

...if I were to get rid of the 5770 altogether and go with two smaller video cards, which ones would you recommend?

The Radeon 5770 and 5870 were some of the last "official" video cards used by Apple in Mac Pro's. The 5870 is roughly 2x the performance of the 5770. It is possible to "plug & play" some Windows video cards in Mac Pro's. But there really isn't a complete list of compatible Windows cards as far as I know. You kind of have to "hunt & peck" via internet searches. And individual recommendations form users.

- Nick

p.s. I misspoke regarding the video adapter & ADC port above with older Apple monitors. There are actually two different $99 video adapters Apple sold. One was for much older Apple monitors…and one for the 30" Apple monitor. As I mentioned. If you have no Apple monitors…we can skip this part of the conversation.

 

[Dewdman42]

If you aren't using any Apple monitor's…then we can skip this part. It only applies if you had an Apple 30" Cinema Display.

So you're saying Apple's tech note about needing the $99 adapter is specifically in order to support 3 monitors only applies if the 2 mini display ports are being used to drive specifically each a 30inch Apple Cinema display..otherwise all other DVI monitors (that you know of), will work fine with the $10 adapter? Is the problem requiring the more expensive apple adapter related to the resolution being large or something specific in the Apple hardware requiring the active adapter?, whereas all third party DVI monitors would work perfectly fine? It sounds good to me! But I have read a lot of places about needing the active adapter, so how can I verify what you are saying?

If you're using other monitors with a DVI port or HDMI port…then all you need is this (per monitor):

http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5106
http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12742

Right...well if that is true...that is definitely the cheapest way for me to go..I can grab a couple old school 24 inch monitors and be done with it for a while. Or I am also now asking myself if I should just run a single Cinema Display at 2560x1600 and be done with it that way...it leaves more room on my desk for speakers and probably I could still add an HDMI video monitor on the wall in that configuration

The Radeon 5770 and 5870 were some of the last "official" video cards used by Apple in Mac Pro's. The 5870 is roughly 2x the performance of the 5770. It is possible to "plug & play" some Windows video cards in Mac Pro's. But there really isn't a complete list of compatible Windows cards as far as I know. You kind of have to "hunt & peck" via internet searches. And individual recommendations form users.

I agree, that's why I'm asking here!

p.s. I misspoke regarding the video adapter & ADC port above with older Apple monitors. There are actually two different $99 video adapters Apple sold. One was for much older Apple monitors…and one for the 30" Apple monitor. As I mentioned. If you have no Apple monitors…we can skip this part of the conversation.

I think I am understanding that the expensive adapter is only needed if I plan to use a DVI monitor that is larger then 1920x1200, regardless of whether its apple or not. Apple's tech note does not make that clear, it makes it sound like only 2 of the 3 ports can be used at once unless the expensive adapters are used.

 

[pigoo3]

Is the problem requiring the more expensive apple adapter related to the resolution being large or something specific in the Apple hardware requiring the active adapter?

It's a dual-link DVI thing required for the Apple 30" display.

...so how can I verify what you are saying?

That's up to you! I've already explained (that to the best of my knowledge) there is no need for this $99 adapter if you don't have a 30" Apple display.

Or I am also now asking myself if I should just run a single Cinema Display at 2560x1600 and be done with it that way…

Then you would be purchasing a used 30" Apple display via eBay. Since the 30" Apple Cinema display (2560x1600) was discontinued 6 years ago. The best Apple display you can do now is the 27" Apple Thunderbolt display 2560 x 1440 for $999.

I think I am understanding that the expensive adapter is only needed if I plan to use a DVI monitor that is larger then 1920x1200, regardless of whether its apple or not.

Nope. Since the 27" Apple display (or any other 27" display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution) does not need that $99 adapter.

- Nick

 

[Dewdman42]

i'm not meaning to be disagreeable, but how can I verify this that you are saying that only the "Apple Cinema" display requires dual link dvi adapter and no other third party DVI, including another brand 2560x1600? Can you reference to some documentation somewhere which indicates that to be the case? You do sound like you know what you're talking about, but before I pull the trigger on buying a pair of used Dell 2407's, I'd like to know for sure. That is most definitely the cheapest step up to 3 monitor solution for me if its true.

alternatively, I could buy some of the newer Dell 24 inchers...well it could cost quite a bit more to step up that way, but I guess they'd be IPS and new rather then used.

by the way, I will not buy any Apple branded displays if I get something new... I want matte finish displays...I can't stand Apple's glossy displays....even the glorious retina display on the iMac.

 

[pigoo3]

i'm not meaning to be disagreeable, but how can I verify this that you are saying that only the "Apple Cinema" display requires dual link dvi adapter and no other third party DVI, including another brand 2560x1600? Can you reference to some documentation somewhere which indicates that to be the case?

Here's an Apple document that should explain this better:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201927

The main reason why the $99 Apple adapter is needed with the Apple 30" display seems to be the Mini DisplayPort video port. Around Mid to Late 2008…Apple introduced the Mini DisplayPort. Before this…Apple computers had a full sized DVI port or a mini-DVI port (and didn't need this $99 adapter for the 30" Apple display).

Also. Since the Radeon 5770 video card has 2 mini displayports…and one full sized DVI port. If you were to get a used Apple 30" display…it may very well be just fine connected to the 5770's full sized DVI port (doesn't need the $99 adapter). But the $99 adapter would be needed if the 30" Apple display was plugged into one of the 5770's mini display port inputs.

You do sound like you know what you're talking about, but before I pull the trigger on buying a pair of used Dell 2407's, I'd like to know for sure.

You could always purchase the monitors…try things out…and if they work great. If not return them. I'm only saying this just to be complete in this reply. Any monitor smaller than the Apple 30" monitor should work just fine with the $7.00 adapter I linked earlier.

And if using the 5770's full sized DVI port…no adapter at all should be needed for at least one of the monitors.

- Nick

p.s. To make things 100% complete. Dell did (and maybe still does) sell a 30" display very similar to the Apple 30" display (2560 x 1600). And according to the specs…it looks like it would also need the Apple $99 adapter if it was used with an Apple computer with a mini displayport. But should not need the $99 adapter if it was connected to the 5770's full sized DVI port.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=225-4429

 

[Dewdman42]

Here's an Apple document that should explain this better:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201927

thanks for that.. According to this document:

Such products will be limited to the maximum resolution available with a single-link DVI connection for this product, which is 1280 x 800 (half of the 2560 x 1600 native resolution). Displays that are not manufactured by Apple that require a dual-link DVI connection will similarly be limited to half the maximum resolution when used with a single-link DVI connection.

I think this is the jist of it... if any DVI display requires a dual link DVI connection...such as the Apple Cinema display or some other 2k monitors, then the expensive adapter is required to support converting mini display port into dual dvi. If the monitor uses single link, then I can use the cheap adapter.

You could always purchase the monitors…try things out…and if they work great. If not return them.

Returning used items is a lot easier said then done and shipping costs half as much as the monitor itself, so that's not really a good solution I need to know it will work. the good news is that understanding all of this now, i see that the used monitors I am thinking about getting are in facts single link DVI...so... should work... Thanks Nick.

I'm only saying this just to be complete in this reply. Any monitor smaller than the Apple 30" monitor should work just fine with the $7.00 adapter I linked earlier.

Thanks and I will try that rather then a $29 one from Apple

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks and I will try that rather then a $29 one from Apple

The $7 adapters should work perfectly. The Apple adapters are way over-priced.

- Nick