M17x R4 / 7970m - Request assist getting built in + 2 external monitors working

I'm working to get 2 external LCD monitors working in combination with the built in monitor; for a total of 3

My goal is simply to get extended desktop working, NOT use eyefinity.

Basic system specs:
M17x R4
7970m
Win 8 Pro

Monitors & Connection methods:
Built in LCD: 1920 x 1080
Ext LCD 1: 1920 x 1080 (HMDI)
Ext LCD 2: 1680 x 1050 (VGA)

in the Catalyst Control Center (CCC: Version 2012.0719.2149.37214) I am able to detect all 3 monitors and extend to onto a single external monitor (either one, both work), but when I click on the second external monitor and select extend, I receive a "To extend the desktop, a desktop or display must be disabled". Photo attached below.

I've heard conflicting reports that all video connections must be digital (i.e. use of VGA is not allowed when using multiple external monitors) and that an active Display Port adapter needs to be used.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Spere

 

I'm not quite at Guru level yet... But I have a similar setup .. with noe notable exception.

M17x R4 1920 x 1080
Ext monitor 1 1980 x 1020
Ext monitor 2 1680 x 1050
NVIDIA 680 (biggest possible difference).

After some research I have my new monitor going from Dual link DVI -> Display port convertor (active convertor). My existing monitor (monitor 2) uses the DVI-I connector and I have a DVI-> HDMI connector on there and an HDMI cable to the laptop.

When I plugged in the first external monitor (monitor 1) I had to set to "extend" then.

I plugged in ext monitor 2 and it automatically extended without me having to do anything.

Not sure if the 680 plays any part in this - but I'm sure that I read that 2 external monitors works only if one connection is via DP.

This is the DVI-D -> DP convertor I bought. it's ouchingly expensive - but I read it actually worked for 3d - hence the decision.
Not sure if this is needed if 3D isn't in the equation.
Club 3D CAC-1151 Mini DisplayPort to DVI-D Adapter: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Icey.

 

I think its because of how the graphics cards are setup, the display port is connected to your GPU, whereas the HDMI and VGA are connected to your integrated graphics on the motherboard, well thats the idea I get from the nvidia control panel.

I would get a mini display port to hdmi/dvi adapter when you can. Then the integrated card powers the internal and HDMI port and the nvidia/ati card should be powering the display port graphics.

 

I noticed folks were still looking here, so I am adding a follow up.

To get the 2 externals working simultaneously with the built-in I ended up purchasing an adapter:

The MiniPort adapter I am using is the StarTech MDP2DVIS Mini DisplayPort to DVI Active Adapter
StarTech MDP2DVIS Adapter - Newegg.com

The system has been up and stable for 6 months with regard to the three monitors.

While I don't believe it is related, I do have consistent problems with 7970m crashes ("pinstripe" display and need to do a hard reboot).

 

Thanks for letting us know how you made that happen. Will use it for future reference. +1 Rep.