AMD radeon R9 295X2 User manual

AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics
User Guide / Owner's Manual
Part Number: 54168_enu_1.01

© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only, and is subject to change without notice.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, it may contain technical
inaccuracies, omissions and typographical errors, and AMD is under no obligation to update or otherwise
correct this information. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect
to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document, and assumes no liability of any kind, including
the implied warranties of noninfringement, merchantability or fitness for particular purposes, with respect to
the operation or use of AMD hardware, software or other products described herein. No license, including
implied or arising by estoppel, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Terms and
limitations applicable to the purchase or use of AMD’s products are as set forth in a signed agreement between
the parties or in AMD's Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Trademarks
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Catalyst, AMD CrossFire, AMD FirePro, AMD Radeon, Catalyst Control Center,
and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
HDMI is a licensed trademark of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.
PCI Express and PCIe are registered trademarks of PCI-SIG.
Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of
their respective companies.
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
Rovi Corporation
This device is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. The use of Rovi Corporation's
copy protection technology in the device must be authorized by Rovi Corporation and is intended for home
and other limited pay-per-view uses only, unless otherwise authorized in writing by Rovi Corporation.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG ACTUAL OR DE FACTO VIDEO
AND/OR AUDIO STANDARDS IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT ALL NECESSARY LICENSES UNDER
APPLICABLE PATENTS. SUCH LICENSES MAY BE ACQUIRED FROM VARIOUS THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IN THE MPEG PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA,
L.L.C., 6312 S. FIDDLERS GREEN CIRCLE, SUITE 400E, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111.
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AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Important Safety Instructions
Note: This product is for use only with compatible UL-listed personal computers that have installation
instructions detailing user installation of this class of product.
Read all instructions before beginning installation. All safety and installation instructions should be read
before the product is installed or operated.
Retain all instructions. Safety, installation, and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed all warnings. All warnings regarding the product and its operating instructions should be obeyed.
Use appropriate grounding.
Caution:
[Where applicable] For continued protection against the risk of electric shock and fire, install this accessory
only in products equipped with a three-wire grounding plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This is
a safety feature. Do not remove the grounding pin of a three-pin plug.
Attach product securely. All product-securing screws or fasteners should be completely tightened in order to
provide continuous bonding between the product and the PC chassis, as appropriate.
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© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

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AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Recording the Serial and Part Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1 Installation Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.2 Installing the Graphics Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.3 AMD Drivers and Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 3 Display Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.1 Baseplate Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3.2 Display Adapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3 Connecting Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3.1 Multi-Display Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.4 Using Adapters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 4 AMD CrossFire Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1 AMD CrossFire Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Installing Additional Graphics Cards for AMD CrossFire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 Enabling and Configuring AMD CrossFire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 5 Using the Control Center Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
5.1 Control Center Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2 Starting the Control Center Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.3 Using the Control Center Help System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Chapter 6 Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.1 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
6.1.1 Graphics Card Installation Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.1.2 HDTV Adapter Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6.2 Customer Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2.1 Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2.2 Disclaimer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.3 International Compliance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.3.1 FCC Compliance Information (USA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

6.3.2 Industry Canada Compliance Statement (Canada). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.3.3 CE Compliance Information (European Union). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3.4 Electrical Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3.5 VCCI ITE Compliance Information (Japan). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.3.6 KC Certification Information (Korea). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.3.7 BSMI Certification Information (Taiwan). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
6.3.8 C-Tick (Australia and New Zealand). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.3.9 Product Environmental Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
6.3.10 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive Compliance (European
Union). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
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AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Chapter 1
Getting Started
Before you begin installing your new AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card (P/N: 102-
C67301-xx), make sure that you have the proper system requirements and have
completed the required preinstallation tasks as outlined in this chapter.
1.1 Introduction
The AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card comes with a closed-loop, maintenance-free
liquid cooling solution which includes a radiator, 120 mm × 120 mm fan, and a pair of
rubber tubes.
Figure 1–1 AMD Radeon R9 295X2 Graphics Card
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

The liquid cooling solution works with other components on the graphics card to keep
the card cool during operation. Always handle the graphics card and liquid cooling
system with care, especially during installation:
•Make sure that the weight of the radiator assembly is always supported. It should
not be allowed to hang freely from the graphics card.
•The liquid cooling solution is a closed-loop system. Do not disconnect the tubes
from the radiator assembly or graphics card.
•Do not pull, squeeze, twist, or damage the rubber tubes, and make sure that there
are no kinks in the tubes.
•Do not disassemble or modify the liquid cooling solution in any way, this includes
unplugging and changing the location of the fan.
•Do not touch the radiator assembly, including the fan, while the graphics card is
in operation.
1.2 System Requirements
The following are recommended system requirements for installation of the AMD
Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card.
A second AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card can also be installed and configured to
work together using AMD CrossFire™ technology for added graphics performance.
For more information, see Chapter 4 AMD CrossFire Technology (p. 13).
These recommendations apply to both single-card and dual-card installations:
•PCI Express®-based PC with at least one ×16 lane graphics slot available on the
motherboard.
For dual-card installation, there must be enough room on the motherboard to
provide at least one empty slot between the two graphics cards.
•System power supply with two 8-pin PCIe® power connectors that are each
capable of supplying 28 A of dedicated current.
For dual-card installation, a second pair of 8-pin power connectors is required.
AMD does not recommend the use of power adapters or dongles.
Visit http://www.amd.com/r9 for a list of compatible power supplies.
•System case with at least one location for a screw-mounted, 120 mm × 120 mm
chassis fan. The case should also allow appropriate air flow and cooling of all
system components.
For dual-card installation, two mounting locations are required.
•A minimum of 8 GB of system memory.
For dual-card installation, a minimum of 16 GB of system memory is
recommended.
•Windows® 8.1, Windows® 8, Windows® 7, or Linux® operating system (64-bit
operating system is highly recommended).
•At least one display with digital input (HDMI™, DisplayPort, or DVI).
2 Getting Started
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

•A CD-ROM drive, keyboard, mouse, and display are required for software
installation.
•A DVD drive is required for DVD playback.
•A Blu-ray drive and Blu-ray disc are required for Blu-ray playback.
The AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card is not intended for industrial or commercial
use. For professional graphics solutions, visit the AMD FirePro™ Professional
Graphics page at http://www.amd.com/us/products/workstation/graphics/ati-
firepro-3d/Pages/ati-firepro-3d.aspx.
1.3 Recording the Serial and Part Numbers
Write down the serial number and part number before installing the graphics card.
The serial number and 102 part number on the graphics card are required for
registration and free support. They are located on a sticker on the back of the card.
The emphasized numbers in bold are required for registration and free support.
Figure 1–2 Sample Serial and Part Numbers
Getting Started 3
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

4 Getting Started
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Chapter 2
Hardware and Software Installation
This chapter details how to install your graphics card in your system as well as where
to download associated software and drivers.
2.1 Installation Overview
Once you have determined that your system meets the minimum requirements,
perform the following tasks to install your new graphics card.
Detailed installation instructions are provided in the following sections.
1. If you are replacing an existing graphics card, uninstall the old graphics driver
and software.
Note: If you are using a motherboard containing an on-board graphics solution
and do not intend to use it as part of a multiple monitor configuration, disable
it.
2. Turn off and disconnect your computer system.
3. If needed, remove any old graphics card(s).
4. Install the new graphics card and radiator assembly.
5. If applicable, install a second graphics card for AMD CrossFire™ technology.
6. Reassemble and connect your computer system and display(s).
7. Start the computer system and install the new AMD Catalyst™ drivers and
configuration software.
8. Restart the computer system.
2.2 Installing the Graphics Card
1. Turn off the computer, monitor(s), and other peripheral devices.
2. Unplug the computer's power cord, and then disconnect all cables from the back
of the computer.
Caution:
Wait approximately 20 seconds after unplugging the power cord before
disconnecting a peripheral cable or removing a component from the
motherboard to avoid possible damage to the motherboard.
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

3. Remove the cover to the computer's case.
Note: If necessary, consult the computer manual for help in removing the
cover.
Caution:
Static electricity can seriously damage computer components. Discharge
your body's static electricity by touching the power supply or the metal
surface of the computer chassis before you touch any components inside the
computer's case to avoid damaging them.
4. Unscrew or unfasten and remove any existing graphics card from the computer,
if necessary.
Warning:
Some graphics cards can get hot while operating. Wait approximately five
minutes after turning off the computer before touching the card.
5. Locate the appropriate bus slot and, if necessary, remove the corresponding
metal backplate cover(s). Make sure all internal cables are clear of the slot.
Note: If you cannot find a bus slot to match the card, you need a graphics card
with the correct bus to match the motherboard.
6. Align the graphics card with the slot while making sure that the weight of the
radiator is fully supported (not dangling from the card).
7. Make sure that all cables and tubes are moved out of the way and press the
graphics card firmly in the slot until it is fully seated.
8. Fasten the graphics card securely to the back panel.
9. Identify a mounting location for the radiator assembly. Most computer cases
have at least one location for a screw-mounted, 120 mm × 120 mm fan at the back
of the chassis.
•The radiator assembly must be installed above the graphics card and in a
location that has minimal impedance to air flow.
•Select a location that has the most open grills on the case for better air flow.
10. Align the radiator assembly with the mounting location so that air is exhausted
outside the system.
You should be able to see the radiator through the open grills of the computer
case.
11. Make sure that the tubes of the liquid cooling system does not interfere with
other fans in the system and use the four screws that are provided with the
graphics card to mount the radiator assembly.
Tip: For easier installation, fasten then tighten the screws in an “X” pattern (for
example, top-left, bottom-right, top-right, then bottom-left corner).
12. If your card requires supplementary power and must be connected directly to
the power supply, locate the appropriate power connector cable(s) from the
6 Hardware and Software Installation
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

power supply and connect it (or them) to the graphics card's supplementary
power connector(s).
Note: If applicable, before installing a card that requires a supplementary
power connection, make sure your existing power supply has such a
connection available.
Tip: The location of power connections may vary between models. They can
be located on either the side or back of the card.
13. If needed, install the second graphics card in the same manner as the first.
Note: Graphics cards must be separated by at least one empty expansion slot
for proper air flow.
Figure 2–1 Dual-card Installation
14. Make sure no internal cables are interfering with components inside the
computer (for example, a cooling fan), and then replace the computer cover.
15. Reconnect any cables that you have disconnected during installation, and then
plug in the computer's power cord.
16. Turn on the monitor, and then the computer.
If you have properly installed the graphics card, the computer should start normally.
Proceed to install the software and drivers for your AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics
card.
2.3 AMD Drivers and Software
Drivers are small but important programs that enable an operating system to
communicate with a piece of hardware, such as a graphics card.
Hardware and Software Installation 7
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

When you install a new graphics card, you must also install the driver and
configuration software the card requires to function properly.
You also need to install (or reinstall) your AMD Radeon drivers when you have
reinstalled or upgraded your operating system or when you download updated
drivers.
The latest drivers are available from AMD's Web site at http://support.amd.com.
Note: When reinstalling drivers, always uninstall any previous drivers that are on
your system, even if they are for the same graphics card. Always start "fresh."
8 Hardware and Software Installation
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Chapter 3
Display Configuration
This section describes how to configure displays and lists available display
connections for your graphics card.
3.1 Baseplate Connections
The following figure shows the display connections that are available on your AMD
Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card.
Note: The baseplate may not appear exactly as depicted.
Figure 3–1 AMD Radeon R9 295X2 Display Connections
1 Mini DisplayPort (DP++) connection. Carries video and audio signals to
DisplayPort-compliant devices.
2 Mini DisplayPort (DP++) connection. Carries video and audio signals to
DisplayPort-compliant devices.
3 Mini DisplayPort (DP++) connection. Carries video and audio signals to
DisplayPort-compliant devices.
4 Mini DisplayPort (DP++) connection. Carries video and audio signals to
DisplayPort-compliant devices.
5 Dual-link DVI-D connection. Provides video digital signals and HDMI™ output
that is compatible with most HDMI-compliant devices.
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

3.2 Display Adapters
Adapters/dongles, which may or may not be included with your graphics cards, can
be used to connect displays not directly supported by the connection types available
on the graphics card.
DisplayPort adapters come in three types:
•Adapter—Uses DisplayPort signals to transmit audio and video information
between variants of the same connection type (for example, Mini DisplayPort to
standard DisplayPort).
•Active dongle—Allows connection from a DisplayPort connection to a non-
DisplayPort display using DisplayPort signals.
•Passive dongle—Allows connection from a DisplayPort connection to a non-
DisplayPort display using non-DisplayPort signals.
Adapters/dongles that are not provided with your graphics cards can be purchased
from AMD's Web site or through your local AMD resellers.
A list of compatible adapters/dongles for your graphics card can be found at http://
support.amd.com.
3.3 Connecting Displays
The following table lists sample options for attaching displays to your graphics card.
You can also use other types of adapters/dongles as long as they are compatible with
your graphics card and display.
For best graphics performance and quality, always use native connections, when
available.
Table 3–1 Display Configurations
Display Configuration Connection Options
DFP (digital flat-panel) display •Dual-link DVI-D connection
•Mini DisplayPort connection
HDMI HDTV •Mini DisplayPort connection with Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter
Once displays are connected to the graphics card, you can control how they are
currently configured as well as how Windows® desktops appear on the displays using
the Control Center software application. Common configuration tasks include:
•Adding and removing displays
•Rotating displays
•Setting the main (primary) display
•Duplicating and extending desktops
•Arranging desktops
For more information, see Chapter 5 Using the Control Center Software (p. 15).
10 Display Configuration
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

3.3.1 Multi-Display Support
Your AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card provides display functionality for up to six
displays through AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology and any combination of the
following:
•Up to three passive connections.
•Any number of active or native connections.
•Any number of DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST) hub or daisy-chain
configurations connecting multiple displays to a single Mini DisplayPort
connection.
Hubs and displays in this setup must be capable of the DisplayPort 1.2 standard.
The following table shows some examples of multi-display configurations; (A)
indicates that an active adapter is used and (P) indicates that a passive adapter is used.
Display abbreviations are mDP = Mini DisplayPort, DP = DisplayPort, and dDVI-D =
dual-link DVI-D.
Table 3–2 Sample Display Configurations
Sample Display
Configuration
mDP
Connector
mDP
Connector
mDP
Connector
mDP
Connector
dDVI-D
Connector
Total
Output
mDP, mDP, mDP,
mDP, dDVI-D
mDP 1.2 MST
hub
connected to
two displays
Native Native Native Native 6
mDP, mDP, mDP,
HDMI, dDVI-D
Native mDP daisy-
chain
connected to
two displays
Native mDP to HDMI
(P)
Native 6
mDP, mDP, mDP,
dDVI-D, dDVI-D
Native Native Native mDP to dDVI-
D (A)
Native 5
mDP, mDP, mDP,
mDP, dDVI-D
Native Native Native Native Native 5
mDP, mDP, mDP,
mDP
Native Native Native Native - 4
mDP, mDP, DP,
dDVI-D
Native Native mDP to DP - Native 4
mDP, HDMI,
dDVI-D
- Native mDP to HDMI
(A)
- Native 3
mDP, dDVI-D - Native - - Native 2
For additional configuration information, visit http://www.amd.com/eyefinity.
3.4 Using Adapters
The following procedure describes how to connect a display to your graphics card
using an adapter.
1. Turn off your computer and display.
Display Configuration 11
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

2. Plug the adapter into the connection from your AMD Radeon graphics card and
tighten the thumbscrews (if there are any).
3. Connect your display's cable to the adapter and tighten the thumbscrews (if
there are any).
4. Turn on your display first, then your computer.
Use the Control Center software application to configure the new display.
12 Display Configuration
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Chapter 4
AMD CrossFire™ Technology
Note: AMD CrossFire™ Technology features are available only for systems installed
with more than one compatible AMD Radeon™ graphics cards.
4.1 AMD CrossFire™ Overview
AMD CrossFire technology is designed to enhance the graphics quality and
performance of 3D games and applications by combining the processing power of two
or more AMD Radeon graphics cards, essentially creating a multi-GPU performance
gaming platform. A typical AMD CrossFire setup involves two graphics cards.
For more information, visit the AMD CrossFire technology Web page at http://
sites.amd.com/us/game/technology/Pages/crossfirex.aspx.
4.2 Installing Additional Graphics Cards for
AMD CrossFire™
Before installing an additional graphics card, make sure that your system meets the
recommended System Requirements (p. 2) for AMD CrossFire technology. If needed,
consult your system builder or OEM to confirm that your system has an adequate
power supply.
Each AMD Radeon R9 295X2 graphics card must be separated by at least one empty
expansion slot. For installation instructions, see Installing the Graphics Card (p. 5).
4.3 Enabling and Configuring AMD CrossFire™
Once all your graphics cards are properly installed, you can begin enabling and
configuring AMD CrossFire technology support using the
AMD Catalyst™ Control Center software application, which is a component of the
AMD Catalyst software engine that can be downloaded from the Drivers and Support
page at http://support.amd.com.
AMD CrossFire settings can be found on the AMD CrossFire page, which is located
under the Gaming and Performance groups in both the Standard and Advanced views
in AMD Catalyst Control Center.
When AMD CrossFire is enabled, the graphics processor in one of the cards acts as the
primary processor; this card is known as the primary card. Graphics-rendering tasks
are shared between all available processors to accelerate displays that are connected
to the primary card. By default, displays that are connected to other graphics cards
are disabled.
© 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics

Use AMD Catalyst Control Center to change your display setup and AMD CrossFire
settings as needed. For more information, see the context-sensitive help system that
comes with the application.
14 AMD CrossFire™ Technology
AMD Radeon™ R9 295X2 Graphics © 2014 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.