DVI-D Vs. DVI-I Connector: Side-By-Side Comparison

A DVI connection is common. It comes in multiple types, with DVI-D and DVI-I being among the most popular options. This article will give you a side-by-side comparison between the DVI-D vs. DVI-I. Let’s see how they differ! 

What Is The Difference Between DVI-D Vs. DVI-I?

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) connectors, along with DisplayPort and HDMI connections, are common on GPUs. They are often white ports on your GPU. 

The DVI connection uses a digital protocol to transfer binary data representing pixel illumination. It will transmit each number when a panel works in its original resolution. Then, the monitor can set the proper brightness for every pixel. 

There are three types of DVI connectors: DVI-A, DVI-D, and DVI-I. Besides, DVI-I and DVI-D have two versions, single-link and dual-link connectors.

DVI-I (with I meaning Integrated) is the connector that can transmit both analog and digital signals. On the other hand, DVI-D (Digital) can’t handle analog signals. 

Here are the similarities and differences between DVI-D and DVI-I:

	DVI-D	DVI-I
Transmission	Digital signals	Digital and analog signals
Pins	Single-link: 19 pins Dual-link: 25 pins	Single-link: 23 pins Dual-link: 29 pins
Displays	Only LED-backlit LCD	CRT and LED-backlit LCD monitors
Resolution	Single-link: 1920 x 1200 Dual-link: 2560 x 1600	Single-link: 1920 x 1200 Dual-link: 2560 x 1600

Similarities 

Because they are both DVI connectors, DVI-D and DVI-I share many features in common. For example:

• They both deliver high-definition digital video from your computer to the monitor. 
• They can handle data at high speed to ensure a stable and smooth playback. 
• You can use them for digital displays, like LCD monitors. 
• They are common in computers, so most computer manufacturers support them. 

Differences

Aside from the noticeable similarities above, DVI-D and DVI-D are different from each other in these factors: 

• DVI-I allows both digital and analog data, whereas DVI-D only supports digital signals.
• All the pins needed for a single-link DVI cable are available on DVI-I connections, but DVI-D connectors don’t have the extra four pins needed to carry the analog signals. 
• The tall, flat pin on DVI-D is shorter than on DVI-I.
• The single-link of DVI-I connections come with 23 pins, while there are only 19 pins in the single-link DVI-D. 
• There are 25 pins and 29 pins in dual-link DVI-D and DVI-I, respectively. 

You may wonder about the difference between DVI single-link and dual-link. In fact, the maximum resolution and data lanes will set them apart. 

A single-link connector has only one data lane, while the dual-link version has two. The additional lane enables it to transmit more signals and handle higher resolutions. 

In addition, a single-link DVI connector can only support the highest resolution of 1920 x 1200, whereas you can use the dual-link DVI for resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600. 

Which Is Better: DVI-D or DVI-I?

Your decision depends on your specific requirements and the type of display you have. Here are some things to think about when choosing between DVI-I and DVI-D: 

• Type of display: DVI-D is the best option if all your displays are digital, such as LCD and flat-panel monitors. However, if you need a combination of analog and digital displays, go for the DVI-I.
• Compatibility: DVI-D is only compatible with digital displays. Meanwhile, DVI-I is more flexible since you can use it with both analog and digital displays. 
• Budget: If all your monitors are digital, using DVI-D might save you money because DVI-I costs more than DVI-D.

Can You Turn A DVI-I Into A DVI-D?

No. The connection design determines the difference between these connectors, not the software settings or cable management.

While DVI-D connections only have digital pins, DVI-I connectors feature analog and digital pins. Essentially, you can’t change the DVI-I connector’s maximum number of pins or allowed signal types.  

You can ignore the analog pins if you use DVI-I for a digital display. However, converting DVI-I into DVI-D is impossible.

Comparison Table: DVI-A, DVI-D, DVI-I Connector Types