Mini Display Port. Question

[stellos_artois]

Ok so I was thinking on getting two BenQ XL2420T 24IN 120HZ but the future graphic card I want doesnt have two dvi ports but it has mini and hdmi.

 

So I was wondering can I have a Mini Display port working as a full dual link - dvi? All I need a mini display port to dual link dvi adapter? There are ones with and without the usb for the extra power. I guess I would need the one with the usb?

 

Something like this

[911^NEmeSis]

I believe that you only need an Active DP adapter for resolutions over 1080p? - Not entirely sure on that.

Question is what other displays are you going to be using? Is this the only one and what graphics card are you running?

[SirReallySam]

I would get the extra power USB one, Linus has one so... :D

[pcman2000]

I believe that you only need an Active DP adapter for resolutions over 1080p? - Not entirely sure on that.

Question is what other displays are you going to be using? Is this the only one and what graphics card are you running?

 

Yes, however he is using 120hz so it uses the same/more bandwidth as 2560x1600 at 60hz

[GoodBytes]

Display Port can only get you 1920x1200 @ 60Hz when you convert it to DVI, as it only carries single link DVI.

For anything above you need a powered active DisplayPort. So you need the expensive adapter on the right, with the USB port.

 

The apple version would be this:

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/MB571Z/A/mini-displayport-to-dual-link-dvi-adapter

 

The reason for this, is that Dual-link DVI is a hack done on DVI, where it's actually 2x DVI plugs, merged into one. So on high resolution screen, each DVI links will draw half the screen. As for higher refresh rate monitors, it will alternate the plug signal.

 

DisplayPort uses a single bandwidth for transfer of video. That is why it can't do dual link DVI.

So, it needs 2x bandwidth to do Dual Link DVI. They are 2 ways for this: Active powered adapter, or 2x DisplayPort ports that turn into 1x Dual link SVI, with special graphic card drivers, and system to sync the ports perfectly together. As you can imagine, the powered active adapter is cheaper, and easiest way to do it.

[Glenwing]

The XL-2420T has DisplayPort input, so you could just get a miniDP to full DP cable...