Ubuntu - Dual Monitor Issues

[Deathwish238]

I'm running Ubuntu 9.04 x86. My video card is a Sapphire Radeon HD4850X2.

Upon install, I have my two monitors, connected via DVI-D, mirrored. I can't figure out how to make my right monitor(Dell 2209WA) the primary monitor and my left monitor(Acer X223w) have a second desktop.

I tried setting up MergedFB following this guide, but ended up having to reinstall as my picture was all sorts of messed up to the point where I couldn't do anything.

I have a feeling it has to do with my video card. There aren't many HD4850X2s out there, but I don't want to have to sell it if I don't have to.

In the Display panel, it doesn't seem to recognize either monitor as they are both listed as Unknown. I'm also forced to use 1280x1024 instead of 1680x1050 which I would like to use. So I think I need to get ubuntu to recognize both monitors first.

Any ideas?

[benniemc]

ATI + Linux = ****ed.

I have this same issue. It's a nightmare. I've used that guide and it sucks. Make matters worse, I have 2 Dell 2410G screens at 1920x1080!

The only thing I can suggest is to install the fglrx restriced drivers from the hardware manager, and then use amdcccle to configure them from the command line, and then restart. Give me a minute and I'll reboot and figure it out for you!

[benniemc]

My Ubuntu Distro is very broken....

sudo aticonfig --initial=dual-head --xinerama=on

then reboot.

If everything turns to ****, then you can factory reset in single user mode with

sudo dpkg-reconfig xserver-xorg

[011191]

ATI + Linux = ****ed.

QFT.

I've had dual monitors on Linux with an NVIDIA card, i works quite nicely, TBH.

[Deathwish238]

Aww lame. I don't get it, what's the issue? I'll write this myself damnit

[jimmy_Bish]

Bennie on Bish's Computer: It's to do with the kernel modules for the ATI cards, it sucks.

In Hardware in the Prefs, install the ATI restriced drivers, and then run the commands as I said. (Just the aticonfig one...) Should help.

[pparks1]

ATI + Linux = ****ed.

Amen brother. Previous horrendous support for ATI cards in Linux distros has caused me to not even consider the purchase of an ATI video card....even for a Windows box. I only look at Nvidia, PERIOD.

[Deathwish238]

I prefer Nvidia, always have...but the HD4850X2 was easily a better buy than any Nvidia card on the market :Frustybrick:

[pparks1]

I prefer Nvidia, always have...but the HD4850X2 was easily a better buy than any Nvidia card on the market :Frustybrick:

It's not a better buy than Nvidia when you are trying to run it on a Linux machine.

[011191]

It's not a better buy than Nvidia when you are trying to run it on a Linux machine.

QFT.