Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

How to connect a 27" Apple display to DVI

I am afraid it's gonna be a vague try with those. The first one seems to be an extender plug only. The other one is too cheap for this purpose (I think).

Does your card put out dual-link DVI? Single-link will not be enough to get 2560x1440.
You can visually inspect the card and see that straight from the connector (you need either the DVI-I Dual Link or DVI-D Dual Link), pic attached.

If it's either one of those, it might work, but you will need an active adapter at least. They are expensive, and that's why you might want to upgrade your graphics card instead. It's gonna be of more help and probably faster too.

Displayport protocol is packet based protocol (against synchronized by a clock signal). DVI/HDMI are different, but they use the same kind of signals (older), and their physical plugs are easily converted to each other because of that.

DVI-DUAL-LINK.png
 
mikas said:
I am afraid it's gonna be a vague try with those. The first one seems to be an extender plug only. The other one is too cheap for this purpose (I think).

Does your card put out dual-link DVI? Single-link will not be enough to get 2560x1440.
You can visually inspect the card and see that straight from the connector (you need either the DVI-I Dual Link or DVI-D Dual Link), pic attached.

If it's either one of those, it might work, but you will need an active adapter at least. They are expensive, and that's why you might want to upgrade your graphics card instead. It's gonna be of more help and probably faster too.

Displayport protocol is packet based protocol (against synchronized by a clock signal). DVI/HDMI are different, but they use the same kind of signals (older), and their physical plugs are easily converted to each other because of that.

View attachment 777475
Click to expand...
It's Dual link, with both of those. Here's a pic below. From what I've learned is that the above *may* work but it won't go above 1920x1080.
s-l1600.jpg
 
as posted in the NVIDIA FAQ sticky thread...

According to these specs:
https://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-650ti/specifications

Your GPU has: One Dual Link DVI-I, One Dual Link DVI-D, One Mini HDMI

Only way to drive 2560x1400 with that GPU is via Dual Link DVI-D connection. DisplayPort and miniDisplayPort are easily interchangeable with adapters. Personally would just look for another GPU with mini DisplayPort onboard to make your life easier.

This is the product you want, but it is no longer made:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/810627-REG/Atlona_AT_DP400_Dual_Link_DVI_to.html

Looks like this may be it:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...l_Link_DVI_to_Mini_DisplayPort_Converter.html

-----

That last link is one of the only currently available and in-stock solutions for what you're looking to accomplish. You're not going to find a simple, cheap cable to do it. There were a few more options back when the 27" ACD was being actively sold, but they were all around the same $100+ price point. Only other option is scan-converter style KVM's, but they are also starting at $100+.

At $125-$200 for the Gefen Dual Link DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort Converter (depending on retailer), it would be cheaper to get a GTX 680 and simple DisplayPort to miniDisplayPort dongle style adapter. Some GTX 680's on eBay right now for under $100, even cheaper if you can wait and shop a bit.

For basically the same price ($120), you can get an officially recommended for Mojave RX 560:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072J422CZ
** not 100% positive this is the exact approved and working model, but reviews say it works with Mac OS

Double the budget and you're basically in the officially recommended RX 580 price range. (Just picked up an RX 580 for $240.)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ6FMF8

The DP (male) to mDP (female) dongle adapters are cheap and easy to find:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014DV2RGG
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003N3DTKY
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
  • Like
Reactions: orph
Thanks BSBeamer! I picked up the RX580 for my "main" cMP, and popped the 650Ti into the secondary. I'm just going to have to swap displays and plug the 27" into the RX580 with the mDP>FullsizeDP adapter.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
bsbeamer said:
Same adapter was linked above. It's no longer being made.
Click to expand...
But is available through that Amazon link, not the first link. Just depends on your budget.

I used the single link version with a 24" Cinema LED Display.
 
bsbeamer said:
Good luck and enjoy the card!



Same adapter was linked above. It's no longer being made.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I got a mDP>FullsizeDP adapter to plug into the RX580 and I'm using the DVI display on the other cMP now. I pretty much knew all of this, but wanted confirmation. You guys are on the ball, and my "go-to" for this stuff! Thanks a ton. I guess that makes this case closed! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back