Multi display gaming is now more fact than fiction
With the launch of AMD’s new DirectX 11 graphics processors in six weeks the world will move into yet another era of enhanced 3D graphics and gaming.
Part of the company’s drive towards DirectX 11 and integration with Windows 7 is the newly introduced ATI Eyefinity multi display technology which will allow users to connect six high definition displays in a variety of configurations to one GPU.
The mechanics of Eyefinity
Eyefinity pivots itself on the existence of an as yet unannounced AMD ATI DirectX 11 GPU which will be the first graphics processor to date to make use of a 40nm fabrication process (this allows for better power and heat efficiency).
The card itself features six mini video ports, each of which are connected to DVI adapters. Each adapter powers a single screen with no limitations set on size or resolution. This makes it possible to offer a combined theoretical resolution of 268 megapixels which is roughly equivalent to a 90 degree arc of what the human eye can see.
AMD recently went some way to demonstrate the possibilities behind Eyefinity. The company connected twenty four 24” Dell monitors to four cards running on a single AMD Phenom II 955 Black Edition CPU and ran X-Plane on a Linux operating system. The resulting resolution load was 12240×5820, demonstrating massive 3D environments. In comparison the resolution of a single competitive display is 1920×1080.
The requirements for the demonstration set up would be prohibitively expensive for the average consumer. But a basic Eyefinity setup for a real world consumer would be far less expensive requiring a competitive processor, a motherboard with at least one PCI Express slot, 2GB-4GB of RAM, three displays and AMD’s DirectX 11 Eyefinity GPU.
Eyefinity provides for a number of configuration options including portrait and landscape displays in varying numbers.
Display manufacturers are also embracing this new technology with Samsung announcing that it will produce a range of ultra-thin bezel displays within the coming months.
The benefits
There are a number of practical benefits behind Eyefinity. Workstation engineers, designers, graphic artists and architects will now have access to a more competitively priced multi-display setup.
The most significant benefit however lies with gaming. Eyefinity will allow for panoramic views – a dynamic which is sure to change the way consumers experience new titles.
Gamers will no longer have to scroll a map in real time strategy (RTS) titles. Instead they will be able to view the map as one at any given time, providing obvious benefits for strategy and defence.
For racing and simulation Eyefinity will allow the player the pleasure of peripheral vision. This means that gamers would be able to make better use of side mirrors and windows.
AMD recently demonstrated the benefits of Eyefinity in a first person shooter (fps) setup. With multiple screens players will have access to a better field of vision in play which in turn will allow for better tactical play and increased awareness of one’s surroundings.
Pricing and date of availability of AMD’s DirectX 11 GPU range has not yet been released but analysts predict that its flagship model will retail for roughly R5 000-R6 000.
AMD Eyefinity – comments and views
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