No more Eyefinity, maybe. Hello HP ZR30w 2560x1600... not a perfect transition

[rich9cinti]

Bitter Sweet. More to come...

[TSXmike]

whats this?

[rich9cinti]

Originally Posted by TSXmike

whats this?

Yesterday, I realized I spend more time processing images than playing games the past 4 months. My current 5760x1080 resolution was making it difficult to post process. I bought a 30 inch 2560x1600 HP ZR30w to address the productivity need. In short, I tried to use two 23" displays extended on each side and I hit a bunch of bumps. Already miss my Eyefinity setup. A little frustrated.

I'll start my log later today or tomorrow of how this mixed bag of an upgrade turned out. Venting...

[Nagoshi]

Did you try to do eyefinity using the 30" as the center monitor, or did you try to set up a regular triple monitor setup with the 30" in the middle?

I also tried to use a secondary VGA screen (using an adapter) on my 6950 yesterday, next to my korean 30" (2560x1440) and I almost FUBAR my OS. Need to wait till I get my DVI cable back... anyway. Sounds like you might have had similar issues to me.

[hostage67]

You can't use different resolution monitors in eyefinity, they need to all be the same. Now, you could do 3x 30" monitors . Or you can use the 30" center and two sides in a normal setup that isn't eyefinity.

[kwiksilver]

You could have bought like 3xcatleap 27" ips LCD ledbacklit 2560x1440 monitors for that price.

[rich9cinti]

Ok, now that I had some sleep I'll continue on less my frustration lol.

First off, I have to say that the HP ZR30w is a beautiful monitor, period. The vertical resolution of 1600 versus 1440 is a plus for when I'm working on a 22MP RAW image in Lightroom 4.1 from my Canon 5D Mark3. Portrait images was always a tedious task to process on a 1080 resolution display. The 1600 vertical resolution of the ZR30w without a question was what I needed.

So the whole master plan was this. I was going to keep the 5760x1080 Eyefinity setup in tact for my gaming desires. I was quite content the way things performed with my single 5870 1GB card. The plan also was to mount the 30inch on a VESA arm from the wall suspended atop of the center of the Eyefinity setup. The plan was to have the 30 inch run from a second ATI HD card like 67xx or 77xx non-crossfired card as an extended monitor for Lightroom work and other productivity stuff including running it as a utility display while I gamed. The goal was to keep my budget to the cost of one 2560x1600 plus the purchase of a mid-level card to run it. Lastly, the plan was to take the 30 inch monitor home and test it out as a single monitor stand alone before I committed to purchasing the second card.

Here is where I hit the bumps. I diverted away from my plan and caused myself several hours of sheer frustration. All because my duma$$ didn't stick to the plan. More to come.

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by Nagoshi

Did you try to do eyefinity using the 30" as the center monitor, or did you try to set up a regular triple monitor setup with the 30" in the middle?

I also tried to use a secondary VGA screen (using an adapter) on my 6950 yesterday, next to my korean 30" (2560x1440) and I almost FUBAR my OS. Need to wait till I get my DVI cable back... anyway. Sounds like you might have had similar issues to me.

Hey Nagoshi... Yes and yes but not in that order. I shouldn't have done either YET but I did. You'll see what it caused me later on in this thread.

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by hostage67

You can't use different resolution monitors in eyefinity, they need to all be the same. Now, you could do 3x 30" monitors . Or you can use the 30" center and two sides in a normal setup that isn't eyefinity.

Hey Hostage, sup Yeah, it's been long time thing with ATI requiring all three at the same resolution. That's what took me some time to save up a couple of years ago when I did an Eyefinity project. Three 23" 1920x1080 displays, Windows 7 and the search of the inexpensive but effective DP adapter.

30"x3 would be awesome... $3,600.00. Not in the plan, too, being a 3x1 plus 1 extended project. Yes, that was an option.

HERE'S THE KICKER, THE LAST OPTION YOU MENTION IS WAS WHAT I DID WHEN I DIVERTED FROM MY PLAN . So instead of taking the three original displays off of the system, I decided to remove the center and placed the 30 inch in the center. I said, well HECK, I'll just make these two side displays into extended. Easy enough... connect this, connect that, viola. Configured on CCC and everything looked great.

UNTIL I moved the mouse. Big time tearing and flickering. With no activity, it looked pretty. I never had that issue in the past with extended multi-monitor set-ups with different resolutions nor had any tearing/flickering with my Eyefinity setup.

Here's what I knew and learned. Recent ATI cards, 5xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx down-clock. With no activity it goes down to 157GPU/300Memory. Never had an issue with that until I mixed in this monster 2560x1600 resolution at the center. At the start, my 5870 had the 11.12 driver... I was one of those that never updated unless I had to. I thought maybe the newer 12.x driver would fix that. A no go. If I turned of the overclocking in CCC, it then changed to 400GPU/1200Memory which confirmed and addressed the issue of tearing/flickering. And I was not happy with that option cuz at 400/1200, the temps were shooting up to 49C when typically it sits at a cool 30C-32C. When the cards down clock too low like 157/300 in extended mode, it is well documented that it caused those problems above. I could not create profiles to address that issue. For years, I have loved my ATI 5870 and because of this scenerio I created... I did have some ill feelings about it. On top of the issues, the 12.x driver update did in fact update but it still shows on CCC that is the 11.12 driver. No biggie but I had to take the time to research if others were having the same and yes, they were.

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by kwiksilver

You could have bought like 3xcatleap 27" ips LCD ledbacklit 2560x1440 monitors for that price.

Hey kwiksilver... what up my man

Yes, I could have. Definitely was an option especially after reading everyones comments in the DEALS section of our forum. What a great price for 2560x1440 resolutions. Freaking great buy. I did spend alot of time checking out how large image files in protrait show up in LR4 and how it fits on the screen. Hands down, my choice was the 30 inch. I also did not desire to sell off my 3x23" 5760x1080 displays. It works (worked ) great for gaming and thought if I bought the 3x27" Korean displays, I would not be achieving the 3x1 eyefinity plus 1 extended suspended above the three.

Additional Comment:

So after hours of tinkering and finding out what was causing the tearing/flickering issues I disabled the side displays and gamed to relieve my frustrations on the single 30 inch. It looks great with minimal lag in any being a 7ms display. It sure isn't eyefinity but after the past 24 hours of gaming, it's a solid performer.

I then removed the side panels from the desk and cleaned things up. Ok, stand alone, the down clocking of 157/300 was no issue since only dealing with one display even at 2560x1600. This display is enormous and now I can say it is a very nice monitor. I spent time processing in Lightroom this morning and it was fantastic. No regrets there. My only regret was not following with my plan and avoiding the frusrtation and issues stated above.

From here, I'm gonna continue to use the monitor for a few more days to ensure I'm still happy with it. If so, stage 2 of the plan will be to buy the mid-level 6xxx or 7xxx card with displayport connection and see how it addresses the extended configuration. To reiterate, the new mid-level card will solely handle the work to power the 30 inch and the 5870 would continue to push along the 3x23" displays in eyefinity.

I will send images in the coming day and also will update how the rest of the project pans out.

[Nagoshi]

Something tells me that ATi cards (I have a 6950 2GB) doesn't like the massive resolution to be used with other monitors. I could be wrong. I think my issue has happened because it did not like the DVI>VGA adapter I was using. Also maybe because only one of my two DVI ports seems to support VGA, and it is the one in which my 27" was connected in.

Anyway, glad you got it working in the end. Pîcs!

[hostage67]

Couple of things to note...

1. Different connections on the GPU will be able to push different amounts of data. DisplayPort actually has the highest bandwidth, but if you are using an adapter that can be a limiting factor. So if at all possible make sure your 30" is using a displayport direct to the GPU (if you must use an adapter, make sure you get a good one that can handle the expected resolution).

2. When you use different sized monitors it is still good to match the resolutions. Using a 30in center with two sides, the typical setup is to flip the sides vertical so they match the height of the center monitor. However, if you didn't design the setup specifically for this, then this may not be a viable options since the resolutions won't match. I would guess this is most likely the cause of your tearing issue.

3. When looking for a new card I would suggest looking into the 670 SC 4gb card. This should be able to push all 4 displays by its self. You could try also using the 5870 but I"m not sure how mixing and matching vendors would work, I'm guessing that will probably cause you more headaches.

[rich9cinti]

Originally Posted by Nagoshi

Something tells me that ATi cards (I have a 6950 2GB) doesn't like the massive resolution to be used with other monitors. I could be wrong. I think my issue has happened because it did not like the DVI>VGA adapter I was using. Also maybe because only one of my two DVI ports seems to support VGA, and it is the one in which my 27" was connected in.

Anyway, glad you got it working in the end. Pîcs!

Probably true but if they can just fix the downclocking, it wouldn't be an issue. When I did turn off the 5870 overclocking, it did work fine and it set the downclock to 400/1200 but temps were to0 high for the GPU, 47-50C at idle . That's a no no in my book lol.

Since I've settled to continue enjoying my single monitor setup... idle temps at 157/300 is a cool 27C... everything is gorgeous and I'm admiring my new monitor minute by minute

BTW, this is my first native Displayport monitor. No need for a DP adapter, FTW!

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by hostage67

Couple of things to note...

1. Different connections on the GPU will be able to push different amounts of data. DisplayPort actually has the highest bandwidth, but if you are using an adapter that can be a limiting factor. So if at all possible make sure your 30" is using a displayport direct to the GPU (if you must use an adapter, make sure you get a good one that can handle the expected resolution).

2. When you use different sized monitors it is still good to match the resolutions. Using a 30in center with two sides, the typical setup is to flip the sides vertical so they match the height of the center monitor. However, if you didn't design the setup specifically for this, then this may not be a viable options since the resolutions won't match. I would guess this is most likely the cause of your tearing issue.

3. When looking for a new card I would suggest looking into the 670 SC 4gb card. This should be able to push all 4 displays by its self. You could try also using the 5870 but I"m not sure how mixing and matching vendors would work, I'm guessing that will probably cause you more headaches.

Hey hostage67, thanks for taking the time with the notes. Learn more each day

In response to the above:
#1 No need for adapter... Native displayport on the HP ZR30w. Cable included.

#2 Yes, I agree... coupled with the downclocking thing. I wish ATI/AMD left CCC more customizeable like the old versions where profiles can easily be made.

#3 I was contemplating a new card and also considered the green monster . That might be a possible upgrade later. ATI do produce cards that go up to 6 displays. I've been eyeing the 7970 for some time but again... eyefinity gaming with the 5870 for me has been quite a pleasure for the past couple of years or so. So my logic with getting a mid-level 6xxx or 7xxx card to power the 30 inch is this. I figured it will have its own dedicated card to run it's resolution. And the 5870 can continue pushing along the 5760x1080 eyefinity setup.

Hey all thanks for viewing and giving comments and suggestions. Always love hearing from my EOCF family

Gonna get some images posted comparing sizes of the 23" display and the 30 inch. Maybe some images of it in single display setup on my desk. Hey, BTW... I now have space on me desk hahahahaha!

Additional Comment:

Eyefinity setup prior to going solo display for testing. Pardon the skewing... was using my Ultra Wide Angle.


The BOX lol


The contents spread out


Front comparison


Rear comparison


With side displays extended... too distracting and weird looking


My junior high daughter playing Skyrim at 2560x1600... she likes it better than eyefinity


Enjoying simplicity of one display... for now

[kwiksilver]

In before the "more pics of your daughter" or "zomg girls can (or can't) game"

Also, I came from eyefinity 1920x1080 Dell 22" P2210H monitors to a 2560x1440 apple cinema display and I couldn't go back. I thought for sure multiple monitors were the way to go. Now I know better.

Also what is the little figurine on the top of the monitor?

[hostage67]

I really like that last black and white pic of your PC. Looks nice.

Originally Posted by kwiksilver

In before the "more pics of your daughter" or "zomg girls can (or can't) game"

Also, I came from eyefinity 1920x1080 Dell 22" P2210H monitors to a 2560x1440 apple cinema display and I couldn't go back. I thought for sure multiple monitors were the way to go. Now I know better.

Also what is the little figurine on the top of the monitor?

It really depends on what you are doing. The larger single monitor is better in some situations, but you ultimately get way more pixels in a surround setup than any single monitor offers these days. So for FPS shooters for example, surround video is the way to go due to the extra viewable area. But for single player games like Skyrim where having that extra viewable area advantage isn't a factor then a single larger monitor may very well be the better option. Really the answer is simply a surround setup with all 30" monitors , but that's just to expensive that it's not really viable for most people. Also the extreme resolution gets a little more tricky on the GPU setup as well.

[rich9cinti]

Originally Posted by kwiksilver

In before the "more pics of your daughter" or "zomg girls can (or can't) game"

Also, I came from eyefinity 1920x1080 Dell 22" P2210H monitors to a 2560x1440 apple cinema display and I couldn't go back. I thought for sure multiple monitors were the way to go. Now I know better.

Also what is the little figurine on the top of the monitor?

Kwik, exactly... I thought the same thing. I think part of the frustration was losing out the surround feel but today, I don't really feel it as hurtful as the first day Still liking this ZR30w.

Oh the figurine is a Japanese Maneki Neko or Beckoning Cat. Nice catch my man Here he is when I was into doing some creative photography with the Maneki Neko:


Stare Down by rich9cinti, on Flickr

Additional Comment:

Originally Posted by hostage67

I really like that last black and white pic of your PC. Looks nice.



It really depends on what you are doing. The larger single monitor is better in some situations, but you ultimately get way more pixels in a surround setup than any single monitor offers these days. So for FPS shooters for example, surround video is the way to go due to the extra viewable area. But for single player games like Skyrim where having that extra viewable area advantage isn't a factor then a single larger monitor may very well be the better option. Really the answer is simply a surround setup with all 30" monitors , but that's just to expensive that it's not really viable for most people. Also the extreme resolution gets a little more tricky on the GPU setup as well.

Hostage67, thanks... much appreciated! I've always dreamed on surround gaming even before Eyefinity. I used to use SofTH to change the game codes to spread over three monitors with any resolution. The frame rates were awesome. Unfortunately, not all games were responding to the formulas... I guess that's why some games play well with Eyefinity and some don't.

For now, I continue to work more in Lightroom and similar PP stuff. I still plan on doing a 3x1 display group plus 1 extended BUT not until a later time.

I also read more on the latest cards like the 670GTX 4GB and Asus 7970 Direct CU II 3GB cards. Talk about needing horsepower to run 3x(2560x1440) let alone 3x(2560x1600). Both cards will struggle to pump out current games at that resolution unless you plan on using multiple video cards. At approximately $450 to $550 for each card, gulp, that's alot for surround gaming

[hostage67]

Originally Posted by rich9cinti

I also read more on the latest cards like the 670GTX 4GB and Asus 7970 Direct CU II 3GB cards. Talk about needing horsepower to run 3x(2560x1440) let alone 3x(2560x1600). Both cards will struggle to pump out current games at that resolution unless you plan on using multiple video cards. At approximately $450 to $550 for each card, gulp, that's alot for surround gaming

Ya, it's not for the faint of heart. I built my new system with the ability to use up to 4 cards in SLI/Xfire if necessary. I am currently running just one GPU atm, but am planning to add more in the future, just a question of adding more 670's or waiting for the GK110 and adding perhaps fewer GK110's (two maybe) as opposed to 3-4 of the GTX 670's to push 120+ fps in BF3. I figure either way I'm running fine atm on a single GTX 670 so no huge rush to fill up my video right now. I'll wait for the GK110 to come out probably then decide what I finally want to do. That way I will know exactly what the trade offs are, and most likely the GTX 670 will have dropped in price by then as well.

[rich9cinti]

Well day 4 since I removed my 5760x1080 eyefinity setup and you know what? I still can't believe it, I love it! Yeah, never thought I would ever get rid of the eyefinity. I played all my popular games and did some image processing since the upgrade... WOWZA! The funniest thing is... no widescreen fixer needed... don't have to worry about game compatibility. I think this was a great change for me

My digital darkroom and gaming system all in one! BTW, random... best bang for my buck in my entire system... my $11 keyboard from Walmart And no, the speckles on the screen are not dead pixels... little smoke specks within the desktop image itself. 100% clean with no dead or stuck pixels.