So, the other day I order a new video card for my new computer because, apparently, my old computer just flat killed the video card I had in it. After installing my new video card, I realized my DVI adapters for my VGA displays wouldn't fit. My adapters had some pins that simply wouldn't allow them to connect.
So, after some Google time, I discovered there are a few types of DVI out there. This info will be good for anyone who ever encounters DVI connections and have to match ports/cables/adapters to make something work. So one of my adapters was a DVI-A, the other DVI-I Dual Link. Obviously, this isn't going to work on a DVI-D of any kind.
A quick breakdown of the major differences between the 3 main types of DVI: DVI-A, DVI-I and DVI-D.
The un-explained differences (other than pins) between Dual Link and Single Link are the video resolution differences. Dual Link connections are capable of much higher resolutions than Single Link. Single Link connections are capable of supplying video feed up to 1920x1200 resolution, while Dual Link can run 2560x1600. Most people will be fine on a Single Link connection, even those running 1080p and 1080i formats, which is 1920x1080 resolution, respectively.
A quick breakdown of the major differences between the 3 main types of DVI: DVI-A, DVI-I and DVI-D.
- DVI-A is anolog only. This can be directly adapted to VGA connections.
- DVI-D is digital only and cannot be adapted to analog connections without an expensive box. (No, the $3 adapters will not work. Never have, never will, don't fall for the ads)
- DVI-I is a combination of both. It is the most common type and it relays both analog and digital connections. However, there is a catch. DVI-I will connect directly to DVI-A, but will not connect to DVI-D. In the image above, you'll notice there are 4 pins present on DVI-A and DVI-I around the ground blade on the left of the plug, but is missing from DVI-D. A cheap adapter will remedy this.
The un-explained differences (other than pins) between Dual Link and Single Link are the video resolution differences. Dual Link connections are capable of much higher resolutions than Single Link. Single Link connections are capable of supplying video feed up to 1920x1200 resolution, while Dual Link can run 2560x1600. Most people will be fine on a Single Link connection, even those running 1080p and 1080i formats, which is 1920x1080 resolution, respectively.