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 |
Single-link: 23 pins |
Displays |
Only LED-backlit LCD |
CRT and LED-backlit LCD monitors |
Resolution |
Single-link: 1920 x 1200 |
Single-link: 1920 x 1200 |
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
DVI Type | Connector | Signal Type | Max Resolution | Bandwidth |
DVI-D Single Link |
Digital | 1920 X 1080 | 4.59 Gbps | |
DVI-D Dual Link |
Digital | 2560 x 1600 | 9.9 Gbps | |
DVI-I Single Link |
Digital/Analog | 1600 X 1200 | 4.95 Gbps | |
DVI-I Dual Link |
Digital/Analog | 2560 x 1600 | 9.9 Gbps | |
DVI-A Analog |
Analog | 1920 X 1080 |