R6870 DVI+DVI+HDMI - Any two displays of three?

Question

Hi Gang,
I just installed an MSI R6870 and connected three displays (2 x DVI + 1 x HDMI) and wanted to extend the desktop across all three screens.  Unfortunately it appears I can any two of the three but not all three at the same time.  
What am I missing?
Help needed really quickly or card gets returned today.
Cheers ... Phil Usher

Answer 1

Thank you all for your messages.  Here are some answers to questions asked and implied:.
The specific model of MSI R6870 from which I attempted to drive three 1900x1200 LCD monitors from is: R6870 Twin Frozr II
http://www.msi.com/product/vga/R6870-Twin-Frozr-II.html - However, I expect this problem is common to any Eyefinity card.
First: The quick answer for the person who is in this thread trying to learn if you can drive three monitors with the R6870.  Yes but you probably need something very specific to make it work.  Read on:
Chances are (if you're like me) you have three LCD monitors which can be connected as either DVI or HDMI.  This R6870 card (and most like it) can only drive two of these types of monitors.  For a third you need an ACTIVE adapter to connect between one of the Mini-DisplayPort points (on the card) and your DVI cable for your third monitor.  I still don't have a proper grasp on what is Active about an Active adapter but one can be had for ~$30 (yes an Active one) see http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815309008. 
Reminding everyone of the problem.  I bought the R6870 with the intent to drive three 1900x1200 LCD monitors.  The box, sales person and such all suggested that the card was capable of 4 monitors, so three should be easy - right?  WRONG.   I connected up my three monitors and and found I could drive any two of the three.  I spent a good deal of time trying differing combinations and rebooting but you'll still only be able to get two of three. 
Then there was the suggestion that I needed Mini-DisplayPort (MDP) to DVI patch cable (something I think should have been in the box).  Anyway, off I went to best buy and paid a silly amount of money for two (MDP > DVI and MDP > HDMI).  Returned, connected up and still could only drive any two of my three monitors.
At this point I gave up, removed the card and got ready to return it.  Subsequently (via email and additional posts) I have learned a little more and ordered a POWERCOLOR Video Adapter ACTIVE MDP TO SL DVI-D ADAPTER-C Mini DisplayPort to DVI Interface for $27 from NewEgg.  This theoretically should address my problem - I'll return to report the result.
I remain disheartened that what I consider to be an obvious stumbling block isn't properly addressed in the product material - it's a trust issue - I feel I wasn't properly informed and I hold ATI and MSI responsible - Rather than suffering this turmoil I would have happily have paid the additional $30 for for Active MDP>DVI adapter at the beginning.  I know "Caveat Emptor" but this feels more like I was sold a car based on claims that it had four airbags only to discover "after an accident" that two of the airbags required specialized aftermarket wiring before they would work.
Cheers ... Phil Usher