Dual monitors with a gtx980 - which ports to use?

Hey guys,

I recently ordered a new computer with a gtx980. I just realized that the card only comes with a single dvi connector, but I currently have a card with 2 dvi connectors that I am using to connect to my monitors. I have two dell 2408wfp that have dvi, hdmi, and display port connections.

So, with these monitors and the gxt980, what would be the preferred method to connect them?

Should I use 1 dvi and 1 hdmi connection? Or should I use 2 display ports? Or perhaps another combination?

Thanks,

 

...i'm not familiar w/ the specs on the vid card, ..but I know many times, there is a select number of combinations in terms of connecting the available output connections to multiple monitors... so, i'd consult the user manual for the vid card to see what those combinations are... i'd suspect that 1 DVI and 1 HDMI would be supported, ...and display port could probably support at least two monitors per DP connector (split to two monitors), ...again, ...consult the user manual...

 

It really doesn't matter which combination you use. HDMI = DVI, they're basically the exact same except HDMI can carry audio.

The best would be two displayports, but I don't think any 980 has two displayport outputs. But since both are digital signals, it's essentially splitting hairs. DVI, HDMI, and DP for your purposes are identical.

 

This.

I'm using HDMI and DVI for my monitors with my GTX 970. Works great.

However, depending on your BIOS settings the PC will likely show your boot screen on the monitor hooked to the DVI and may not show anything on the HDMI until Windows loads up.

 

Actually the 980 has 3 DisplayPorts to use. Use the display ports. No reason at all not to use the latest and greatest. My son is using all the DP on his triple screen setup.

 

The normal (reference) 980 has 1 displayport. That one displayport can be split into three, but only if the monitor supports daisy chaining, or you have a splitter.

Unless the OP has something other than a reference board, and has DP cables and hubs ready, it's best for him to go with just HDMI and DVI. No sense in spending more for zero benefits.

 

right, the card I am getting is very close to this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487068&cm_re=gtx980-_-14-487-068-_-Product
it has a dvi, an hdmi, and 3 display ports.

my concern was using the display ports. I have read many threads about the display ports not working properly. for example, they just didn't work or after a period of use, they would cause flickering or lose connection with the monitors.

the benefit that I have read about the display ports is that they can transfer 10bit colors vs 8bit on single link dvi and hdmi 1.2. so, you do get better picture quality.
http://fireuser.com/blog/display_port_part_2_of_3/

I will get a couple of display port cables. if it doesn't work as expected, I can always go back to dvi and hdmi.

thanks for the feedback, guys.

 

That's a cool chair!

 

Most of the nvidia cards I have, have two DVI ports and 1 mini HDMI. The mini HDMI and the DVI port directly on the side of it can't be used at the same time.

 

Huh, apparently the one with two DVI, one HDMI, and one displayport is the non-reference version. Of course, googling the 980 and clicking the first Newegg link shows the other version.

If what you have is the 2408WFP (don't see any WFS), it's an 8 bit monitor, so the 10 bit over DP isn't going to help you. Also, the GTX 980 is capable of outputting 10 bit over HDMI.

 

Yes, It's the WFP. Thanks for finding that info. I didn't realize it was an 8 bit monitor. Oh well, the display ports are easier to use. Maybe I will upgrade my monitors at some point.