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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The mechanics of Eyefinity<\/strong><\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Eyefinity provides for a number of configuration options including portrait and landscape displays in varying numbers.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n