[Floyde]

How do I know if my Powerbook G4 1.5GHZ 15inch DVI port is -I or -D?
It has a 9700 128mg video card in it.

I have a dell 24inch display that is DVI-D and I'm confused as to how to connect.
With a DVI-I to DVI-I cable or use the -D to -D cable.

really appreciate any advice and help.

Cheers

[Simon]

You can connect your PB to the monitor with any DVI cable.

DVI-I means it carries both the digital and the analog (VGA) signal. DVI-D means it carries only the digital signal.

C1-C5 are the analog pins. The others carry digital information.

Since the screen expects digital input it has a DVI-D input. The PB can output both digital and analog signals depending on what you attach. If you attach a monitor with a DVI-D input the PB will supply it with the digital signal. If you attach an older device with a VGA port (through a DVI->VGA dongle) the PB will supply the analog signal.

When it comes to cables, DVI-I means all leads (that includes the analog ones) are connected. DVI-D cables only connect the leads used for the digital connection. Since the monitor will take the digital input a DVI-D able is sufficient. However, if you already have a DVI-I cable that will work too. If you're buying a new cable get whatever's cheapest (which will likely be the DVI-D cable).

[Floyde]

Simon.... mate! Cheers... thats the easiest and simplest explaination I've read yet... appreciate your time in the reply.

Ta!

[Floyde]

Although one more thing... Will it be dual link or single link?

Cheers again.

[Simon]

You said you had a 1.5 GHz model with 128 MB VRAM so that must be a rev B 15" PB with the BTO upgrade to 128 MB VRAM. That model however doesn't support DDL.

The first 15" PBs to support it were the rev C (1.67 GHz variant with 128 MB VRAM BTO upgrade) and the rev D.

[Floyde]

Ok.. so just stick with the standard single link dvi-d cable?

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Floyde 

Ok.. so just stick with the standard single link dvi-d cable?

Yep.

[Floyde]

Cheers Simon... your a gent!

[mduell]

All DVI (-D and -I) cables should have all the pins for dual link.

I suggest buying cables at Newegg. Even after paying as much for shipping as you pay for the cable, you'll be paying 10-50% as much as they'd charge at most electronics/computer stores.

[Simon]

I've seen cheap DVI-D cables that actually don't support DDL. The simple way to achieve it is to leave out the leads connecting the center block (4,5,12,13,20,21). I have no idea if that's compliant with the standard, but they certainly sell such cables. If you're certain you'll only be using the cable with a non-DDL port, there will be no harm done.