Most modern graphics cards include a Digital Video Interface (DVI) connector, which allows you to connect a digital flat panel LCD or projector to the card.

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When you need to connect your computer to any monitor, you have two options: DVI-I or DVI-D. Both cables offer high-quality video connections. Still, each has its own unique set of features that you should consider before making your purchase.

While many people connect their computers to other devices using USB or HDMI, there may sometimes be a demand for DVI-I or DVI-D cables. So, which is better?

This article will clarify the distinctions between DVI-I and DVI-D so you can choose the one that works best for you.

DVI-I vs. DVI-D: A Side-by-Side Comparison

DVI-I vs. DVI-D: 6 Must-Know Facts

  • A DVI-I connector may transmit digital and analog signals, but a DVI-D connector only transmits digital signals.A DVI-D cable can be used with a DVI-I connector without any problems; it will just read the digital output and disregard the analog.The number of pins and the configuration of the pins on every graphics card or motherboard with a DVI connector varies according to the type of connector.Most older graphics cards and motherboards have a DVI port for connecting a monitor or projector to the computer.With an adaptor, DVI-D visual signals can be supported by HDMI and DisplayPort ports; however, DVI-D cannot handle the other features that these ports offer, such as synchronized sound and CEC management.The original VGA connector was designed for analog monitors, while the newer DVI-I version can handle digital and analog signals.

DVI-I vs. DVI-D: What’s the Difference?

DVI-I and DVI-D are digital display interfaces that transfer digital video data from a computer to a monitor or projector. Both connections cannot receive or send audio data. They are incompatible devices that are white in color. Most compatible devices have white DVI-D and DVI-I connections. Additionally, each of them has compatibility for both single and dual links.

Despite these similarities, the two connections have some key differences that set them apart.

Features

The first thing to understand is that both connectors are digital. The I in DVI-I stands for integrated, meaning that the connector contains the necessary electronics (called an integrated circuit, or IC) to convert analog signals into digital data and vice versa. The D in DVI-D stands for digital; this type of connector transmits only digital signals. Digital connections transmit a pure signal without the fuzziness associated with analog signals. A DVI-D connector is considered to be “male,” whereas a DVI-I connector is considered to be “female.” Due to this characteristic, other DVI visual interface formats can be supported by DVI-I; however, DVI-D cannot.

Number of Pins

The single-link connector has 23 pins, whereas dual-link connectors have 29 pins. The DVI-D visual interface, on the other hand, has 19 pins for single-link connectors and dual-link connectors have 25. A single-link DVI connector can send a 1920 x 1200p resolution at an interface rate of 60Hz, whereas a dual-link DVI connector can transmit a 2560 x 1600p resolution at a refresh rate of 60Hz.

Transmission

A DVI-D video interface can transmit only digital video signals, whereas a DVI-I video interface can relay digital and analog video signals. This implies that the DVI-I connector and a DVI-D connector will be broadly compatible. Analog cannot be converted to digital, nor digital to analog, with the DVI-I connector. They acknowledge the signals but cannot accept both at the same time.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another key DVI-I and DVI-D differentiator. DVI-D connectors are compatible with DVI-D and DVI-I connectors.

This video interface is compatible with HDMI and DisplayPort connections through suitable adapters. This connection, however, cannot allow audio transmission or CEC controls. On the other hand, a DVI-I connector is compatible with all three DVI types. The only issue emerges when a male DVI-I cable is connected to a female DVI-D connector. It will not work because the DVI-I connector has 23 pins and the DVI-D connector has 19 pins.

Single-link DVI connectors are compatible with dual-link DVI-I and DVI-D connectors. As a result, a dual-link DVI-I connector can be utilized instead of a single-link DVI-I connector. A single-link DVI connector, either DVI-I or DVI-D, cannot be used in place of a dual-link DVI connector. A DVI-I video interface can be used in place of a DVI-D video interface in the same way that a DVI-D video interface cannot be used in place of a DVI-I connector.

The connection is successful when using a dual-link DVI-D or DVI-I video interface instead of a single-link DVI, albeit the number of pins on the female DVI connector may limit the connection.

Layout

Another feature of DVI-I and DVI-D is the layout. Typically, the DVI-I connector’s long flat pin is wider than the DVI-D connector’s. Therefore, even if the female DVI-D connector’s four analog pins are removed, it will still be unable to link to the male DVI-I connector.

However, a male DVI-D cable can simply connect to a female DVI-I connector. Most flat-panel LCD monitors today include a DVI-D port. Overall, the DVI-D connector is similar to the DVI-I connector except for the absence of the analog portion of the signals.

Pros and Cons of DVI-I and DVI-D

DVI-I vs. DVI-D: Which One Should You Use?

The type of DVI connector you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. DVI-I and DVI-D connectors share many characteristics but differ in key features and functionalities — the number of pins on these connectors, the type of signals transmitted, their adaptability, and the range of compatibility.

Although the DVI connector is becoming increasingly obsolete, you’re more likely to discover a DVI-D port on a monitor or projector than a DVI-I connector.

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