?? Connect two DVI-D 1280-1024 Monitors

[Dezlboy]

HI....I've read threads on same subject, but still confused. Mini 2018 on order. Currently using two old HP L1950 (1280-1024) 19" monitors with DVI-D dual link connectors. Wish to continue same setup at least for now. Use is web,email,Office for Mac, some TV watching, no photography, video work, etc. [Note was going to buy new monitor(s) but have unexpected medical bills; dislocated elbow. ]

Current 2009 Mini uses two DVI-D single link cables (with mini-DVI and Mini Display adaptors).

1. For first monitor, is solution an DVI-D to HDMI cable? I have no other use for HDMI port. Example: Monoprice. product

2. For second monitor, use a TB3 (USB-3) port or the remaining USB 3 port? Four devices require USB, will use a USB hub, leaving one USB 3 open. I have zero devices to connect to the TB3 port.

I think I can use my existing DVI-D cable and buy a DVI-D to TB3 adaptor, or a DVI-D to USB adaptor. I can't find a cable with those terminations.

Suggestions most welcomed. Thx!

 

[DeltaMac]

You can connect USB-C to DVI.
You could use two of these - https://www.amazon.com/Smolink-Thunderbolt-Adapter-2017iMac-ChromeBook/dp/B076367RYZ
One display could probably use the HDMI, too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VKYHY6
But, with identical displays, I would probably try to use identical connections if two are available.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

HI....I've read threads on same subject, but still confused. Mini 2018 on order. Currently using two old HP L1950 (1280-1024) 19" monitors with DVI-D dual link connectors.

Yes, the adapters @DeltaMac suggest would be fine. There is no need for a dual-link DVI at that resolution, you only need dual-link for above 1920x1200 resolution so any USB-C (or HDMI) to DVI should work fine.

 

[Dezlboy]

@DeltaMac, FreakinEurekan: Thanks for your advice. Many of us would be lost without this great forum.

I'll change title to "resolved" in a bit, although I suspect the only different advice will be "get a frigging 4K or similar monitor, you fool"

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I suspect the only different advice will be "get a frigging 4K or similar monitor, you fool"

Use it till you can't! I had two Dell 1600x1200 displays on my Mac Mini for YEARS, I'd had them on PCs before that - one died about 3 years ago and the other last year, finally got a nice 2560x1440 display and it's great. But those Dells lasted me probably 10-12 years.[/user]

 

[Dezlboy]

Use it till you can't! But those Dells lasted me probably 10-12 years.[/user]

My two HP L1950 have production date of Jan 2008 (!).

 

[Dezlboy]

Hi all....I'm about to order the DVI-D to USB-C convertor cables. Two questions.

1. Amazon prices range from about $14 to $20. Can I go with the less expensive?

2. One cable manufacturer states this is not a bi-direcional cable, and provides this illustration. What the heck are they talking about?

 

[DeltaMac]

It means exactly what it shows in the illustration.
The cable won't work when connected to a DVI output adapting to USB-C (Computer DVI output to USB-C device)
So, USB-C to DVI device will be fine. The cable just isn't designed to provide an acceptable video signal both directions.
YOUR usage is the one that cable supports (video out (on a USB-C connector) to DVI device (which uses that DVI-D connector.) All good.
Can you go with a cheaper cable? That will vary from one setup to another. Some will be OK, some not. No way to tell (unless you see a review post that is specific to your exact setup). If the price difference was more than just $6, then it might be worth testing on your own setup (just my opinion, but whatever you find worth trying out. You may be lucky.)

 

[Dezlboy]

DeltaMac, thanks for the explanation. My confusion (and at first when reading your reply) was that ISB-C is considered video output. Which makes sense as the Mini is sending video to the monitor. My mind was thinking (??) of a TV plugged into a cable box, where the TV is the output and cable box the input. Duh, I need more coffee! Thanks again.

 

[DeltaMac]

Confusion about the ports is common (I'm not sure if I understand it all)
The mini has USB 3.0 ports, which would be a poor choice for video (might be possible, if that's a final choice)
but you have 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are also called USB-C (provides USB 3.1 gen 2 - double the speed of the USB 3.0 ports), and when you connect Thunderbolt devices, the same ports provide double the speed of the USB 3 gen 2 connection. So, you have 5GHz on USB 3.0 (USB 3.0 connectors); 10GHz on USB-C; and, 40 Ghz available to thunderbolt devices that fully support TB3. And, the same type USB-C connector provides DisplayPort video protocol when attached to a display. Needless to say, the USB-C connector as used on a Mac is quite versatile.

 

[Boyd01]

Use it till you can't! I had two Dell 1600x1200 displays on my Mac Mini for YEARS

I still use the Apple HD Cinema Display (1920x1200) I got in July of 2005 with a DVI adapter on my 2013 quad Mini and it looks surprisingly good. Cost a small fortune back then, but I've certainly gotten my money's worth. Of course, one issue with DVI monitors is that they will not play protected content like iTunes movies, and that can be annoying at times. But you probably already know that.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Perhaps you ought to order just ONE cable first.
See if that works, then order the second one...

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Of course, one issue with DVI monitors is that they will not play protected content like iTunes movies, and that can be annoying at times.

DVI “can be” and often is HDCP compliant, you might be thinking of VGA which never is. But my old displays definitely were pre-HDCP so you’re right, I couldn’t play protected itunes video or presumably Netflix, etc - which I very seldom even tried to do since i have Apple TVs for that.