Isn't This Mini-DVI? What Went Wrong?

[thriii]

Just got back from the apple store with a mini dvi so I can connect a 2nd monitor and it seems the mini dvi isnt small enough

what went wrong here?

I have a 2009 Mac Pro

 

[Intell]

The adapter you have is mini-DVI, but the computer's plug appears to be mini-DisplayPort.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

As PowerPC already pointed out, it is obviously a Mini DisplayPort adapter you need, as no Mac Pro or any plug-in GPU ever came with Mini DVI, as that is not really a standard outside of the Mac world of mobile computers (and the older iMacs)..

 

[thriii]

so for best quality, should i get mini displayport to dvi or mini displayport to displayport? never used that type before so have no idea what i should get

 

[simsaladimbamba]

so for best quality, should i get mini displayport to dvi or mini displayport to displayport? never used that type before so have no idea what i should get

If the new display you have has DisplyPort, get a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter or cable, MonoPrice has them for example.

All the images were from this small guide:

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices

Most common audio interfaces on external computer displays, TVs and the Mac​

 

[Intell]

spinnerlys is correct that a mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter or cable would be best.

 

[xraydoc]

so for best quality, should i get mini displayport to dvi or mini displayport to displayport? never used that type before so have no idea what i should get

Depends on what your monitor has. Does it have a DisplayPort input? Or just DVI?