DVI -> VGA, it should work, but doesn't. Help please?

Zulu · 16-04-2012 11:15AM #1

Ok, so I have a "dell ati radeon x1300 pro 256mb pci e" card on my work desktop, which is outputting to two dell monitors via their DVI sockets.

Each monitor supports two inputs, DVI & VGA.

I want to output my laptop to one of the monitors, however, my laptop only outputs HDMI or DisplayPort (D port).

I checked the x1300 to see and as far as I can figure out it's DVI-I dual.

I got a DVI (female) to VGA (male) converter, with the intention of changing one of the outputs from my desktop from DVI to VGA, so I could free up the DVI port on the monitor. Then I could switch between inputs (digital/analogue) on the monitor, and use both my laptop & desktop off that monitor. This, sadly, didn't work.

I did a bit more research, and the cable I have is DVI-D single.

Is the solution as simple as just getting my hands on a DVI-I to VGA cable? (Leaving me with my desktop outputting to two monitors, one via straight DVI link and the other via DVI-I to VGA link) Or will I run into a new unforeseen problem when/if I get the cable?

Thanks for the help.

maggy_thatcher · 16-04-2012 11:21AM

The easiest option (IMHO) is to just get a regular VGA video cable, and plug that into your DVI->VGA adapter, and then plug the adapter directly into the DVI port on your graphics card. This is what I do with my laptop anytime I need to plug it into the projector etc. The monitor almost certainly came with one.

Zulu · 16-04-2012 11:27AM

Thanks maggy! The only problem is the VGA cable is male/male, and the adapter is DVI felmale->VGA male, so I need to source a female/male VGA cable.

But thanks, I'll see if I can't find one in here for the meantime.

Zulu · 16-04-2012 11:50AM

Ok Maggy, sadly that won't work. The output from the graphics card is DVI female and my connecter is DVI female to VGA male, so it a non runner.

maggy_thatcher · 16-04-2012 12:22PM

Zulu wrote: »

Ok Maggy, sadly that won't work. The output from the graphics card is DVI female and my connecter is DVI female to VGA male, so it a non runner.

OK - the adapter I have is the other way around, so in your case, you need either a DVI-A or DVI-I cable up to the monitor and then have the adapter on that end.

Alternatively, you could use a DisplayPort-VGA adapter on your laptop. These may cost a little more, but allows your desktop to have the higher quality connection. What's your "primary" display going to be?

Zulu · 16-04-2012 12:31PM

Got it sorted! I managed to wrangle another connector in here (DVI male to VGA female)

Sorted

thanks for the help Maggy.

DVI -> VGA, it should work, but doesn't. Help please?

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