Widescreen Gaming Forum

Hello all,

I've been doing a little research but am having a pretty hard time finding any affirmative answers to my question/confusion-

I'm looking to eventually swap my 5760x1080 setup for 5 2560x1080 in portrait layout (5400x2560).

I've decided to not base my decision off of my current GPU power, but rather what GPUs will better be able to power in the future (in other words, I don't want to limit myself on a monitor purchase right now, when the GPU power will eventually be able to run this just fine).

The problem is my lack of understanding of an MST. In my mind, this device would simply work like a splitter, where it takes bandwidth A from it's input from the GPU and splits that bandwidth to up to 3 connections, dividing it across up to 3 monitors, allowing each monitor what it needs, but not exceeding bandwidth A. What confuses me, however, is this- why in the world would you need an MST to run 4k @60hz providing the monitor with 2 connections, when the DP cable itself is pumping enough bandwidth out (assuming your monitor has a DP 1.2 port on it)?

The reason I'm bringing up 4k, is because 3 2560x1080 monitors (which I'm wanting to hook up to one of the two MSTs) is the same exact amount of pixels as 1 4k monitor. (So, in theory, this should work, right)?

tl;dr- Will one MST support 3 2560x1080@60hz monitors? And will 2 MSTs support 5 2560x1080@60hz monitors?

The math I've done is so close to what the max bandwidth of DP 1.2 is, that I'm worried it will end up being too much by like .01 or something (considering, finding actual correct data of how much bandwidth monitors use and require has been pretty fruitless).

Lastly- if 60hz is not possible, is running the monitors at something like 55hz even an option? I've never seen/tried using an unusual refresh rate like that, so I'm not sure.

My current GPUs are 2x280x CF (for what it's worth).

I'd really love to get this all setup, but am not sure the connection/bandwidth technology is quite there yet to handle it.

Thanks in advance for your help/advice.

Erik

It depends on the monitor, but the Dell UP3214Q and ASUS P321Q can run 4K with 1 DP Cable. The issue with those monitors is that the scaler inside was not good enough to to resolve a 4K signal at 60 Hz. They had to use 2 scalers, hence the need for 2 video streams. Newer 4K monitors coming out are single stream (such as the U28D590D) because newer scalers have been invented.


It's actually less bandwidth than 4K, so in theory, it should work.

I don't see why not. Depending on which 2560x1080 monitor you get, they may have daisy chaining mst hubs on the monitor. Dell U2913WM has this feature.
The math I've done is so close to what the max bandwidth of DP 1.2 is, that I'm worried it will end up being too much by like .01 or something (considering, finding actual correct data of how much bandwidth monitors use and require has been pretty fruitless).


Depends if the monitor will accept it. If it does, then yes this will work.


The easiest way for this setup to run would have been a card with 5 or more displayport output, but AMD hasn't made such a card in forever. I have a list of GPU's supporting more than 4 displays if you're looking to change out or add to your gpu's. Remember that you can crossfire your 280x's with 7970's. Cards that Support Eyefinity 6 (5 as well) I did a 5x1 P 8000x2560 setup with a 5870 Eyefinity 6 Edition Card.

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System Core: | Intel Core i5-2500K + ASUS P8Z68-V + 16GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1333 MHz | Win7 x64 | MSI R7970 Lightning 3GB [1105/1400] |
Display: | 3 x Dell Ultrasharp 3007WFP-HC @ 7680x1600 | Dell u3011 |

That was SUPER helpful. Thank you!

So, 3840x2160 (4k) is 8,294,400 pixels and 3x 2560x1080 is also 8,294,400 pixels, but the bandwidth will be less? I'd love to learn/know why/how this is!

The Dell U2913WM was actually at the very top of my list, yes. Although, I've been looking closer at the new NEC EA294WMi that just came out (although, it's price is $100 more per monitor). It seems to have a more-even bezel width on all four sides, than the Dell (which is a huge plus for me). It has some ridiculously cool features as well (including a 25% better response time). Plus the Dell doesn't specify going lower than 60Hz vertical, whereas the NEC reports being able to run from 56-75.

The NEC, however, does not seem to support daisy-chaining whereas the Dell does... Decisions, decisions...

Anyway, I'll probably do this once I can convince the wife how epic it will be (plus, I've been saving up my brownie points by spoiling her a lot lately, so it should work out, ok)

So, I'd love your input, further, on the bandwidth question and- Which of these two monitors would you go with (money not being an issue)?

Thanks again!

Not sure why, but from the bandwidth calculator:







From those two, I'd probably go with the NEC, but doing some more research, I've found something better. The Acer B296CL has a stand that pivots into portrait and has daisy chaining. So for this format, it's a lot of convenience. Although I don't have much experience with acer as a brand.

_________________
System Core: | Intel Core i5-2500K + ASUS P8Z68-V + 16GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1333 MHz | Win7 x64 | MSI R7970 Lightning 3GB [1105/1400] |
Display: | 3 x Dell Ultrasharp 3007WFP-HC @ 7680x1600 | Dell u3011 |