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gameface

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 11, 2010
472
0
Boston, MA
So I have a Dell u2711 hooked up via DVI from my 2010 Mac Pro. I wanted to add a second screen so I got a MPD -> displayport adapter so that I could hook up my Dell via displayport and my crap monitor to DVI. Problem is, as soon as I plug in the MDP adapter the screen goes to the "stars" desktop and I can't see or do anything. What the hell am I missing?
 
I fail to see how that's relevant, since the OP is only using 2 screens, not 3...
 
Two or three screens, you still have to use certain ports. Besides, if he's lost there are more links at the bottom of the page explaining things further.
 
Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but the OP says he's trying to plug a "legacy" monitor through the passive DVI port and a second monitor with a direct DisplayPort connection (where MDP is electrically identical to DisplayPort) which is an active connection. From what I understand, you don't need to use an active DVI adapter unless you're trying to power 3 screens. Or is the issue that you can't mix active and passive, at all, ever?
 
He doesn't need any active adapters. 5770/5870 have 1 DVI and 2 MDP, and he's using the native connections (save for the MDP->DP, but as previously mentioned, they're electrically identical).

Need some clarification, though, from the OP. Which screen goes to the "stars" desktop? What about the other screen? Does that black out or something?

Aside from those questions, I can say that some monitors and/or the graphics card can be picky about the type of DP cable you're using and can result in the monitor not receiving signal and all that.
 
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