Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Issues using DVI/Mini Display port combination

I have a Mac Pro with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 card that I'm trying to use with both a DVI and Mini Display port adapter to show dual screens and it crashes the video display when I plug in the second device.


This happens regardless of which is the first device (DVI or the MDP) and the proceeds to crash when I plug in the second. The display becomes pixilated and hangs until I remove one of the displays. This does work if I use two MDP adapters though... Can any one help as to why I cant mix the 2 and only use 2 MDP adapters?

Mac Pro

Posted on Mar 19, 2013 9:34 AM

Reply
2 replies

Mar 19, 2013 9:44 AM in response to Porkpie2310

10.8.3? the display resolutions are?


Not all adapters are the same or support high resolution. you may need active dual link adapter for the MDP.


Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382

Guide to Apple graphic display adapters needed

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT3235


Atlona (Dual Link) DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter for Apple 27-inch LED and 27-inch iMac

http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Dual-Link-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-USB-Pow ered.html

Mac Pro (Early 2009), Mac Pro (Mid 2010), Mac Pro (Mid 2012): Issues with three displays and multiple DVI, HDMI connections

It's not the USB data that is needed to run three displays. It's the extra POWER. If you read the Apple article, they say the only solution they endorse is their US$100 Dual-Link adapters. Check the table at the end of the article.

Mac Pro (Early 2009), Mac Pro (Mid 2010): Supported display configurations

Readers here have found that if you have two Brand-X Powered adapters, aka active adapters, it also works fine. These do not always require another USB. If designed recently, they can pick up a power pin in the Mini DisplayPort interface.

AMD (makers of the 5770 and 5870) lists the qualified POWERED adapters that meet their most stringent requirements. Look down the page and you will find several qualified Active Mini DisplyPort to various others, such as HDMI. These adapters are available from other outlets, such as Amazon, sometimes for far less than the Apple adapters.

http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-dongles.aspx

The other desktop monitor will plug directly into the DVI port on the card and the 40 inch tv will still connect via HDMI over the second Mini Display port.

That will work only if you use an active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

The only (someone) have found to work (2009)

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/337561577/miniactive_display_port_tohdmi.html

but you should confirm that they are really active before buying 500 of them.

You can connect a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable to an active Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter but that won't give you any audio over HDMI. You could connect the DVI displays to the Mini DisplayPorts with active adapters and use a DVI to HDMI cable or adapter from the DVI port to the TV.

If you want audio via HDMI, you can use audio from the Mac Pro's optical output with this DVI to HDMI converter:

http://www.apogeeinc.net/products/item.aspx?item=2745

Issues using DVI/Mini Display port combination

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.