DisplayPort to DVI, passive, any video quality degradation?

[Peroxyde]

Hi,

Samsung P2370 (1920x1080) having only a DVI output. Unfortunately the computer (Dell Optiplex 960, Intel GMA 4500) has either VGA or DisplayPort video output. Currently I am using a cable which has DVI - VGA ends. I would like to replace it by a passive DisplayPort - DVI cable.

Would the passive DP -> DVI cable be work OK for the above configuration? If yes, does it
give better (or worse ?) video quality than the DVI - VGA cable?

Thanks for any clarification.

 

[ViRGE]

Given your description you're likely using an all analog setup right now, so you're experiencing analog degradation and the downsides to digitizing analog inputs. If that's the case, using a DP-to-DVI adapter would result in a notably better picture; you'd no longer be experiencing any signal degradation or losses from having to convert the signal back to digital.

 

[Peroxyde]

Although you didn't explicitly mention but I take it as a passive DP-DVI cable will work OK. Thanks. Will buy this cable this week-end.

 

[ViRGE]

Correct, a passive cable will be fine.

Active: Actively converts a single from DP to DVI

Passive: Relies on a built-in DVI fallback feature in the DP standard. Using a passive adapter causes the GPU to encode a DVI signal and send it out over DP for the adapter to then put it on the appropriate DVI pins.

The quality is the same; there are no lossy conversions going on or meaningful signal degradation.

 

[Peroxyde]

Bought the cable at a local computer store. A 6 feet cable, 1 end is DisplayPort, the other end is DVI-D. It works OK. I *think* the video quality maybe a little bit better but I can't judge accurately for now.

Now the 2nd video connector in the back of the computer is free. I am going to attempt dual monitors, using a 20 inches flat screen as 2nd monitor. Hope that will work OK.

EDIT: Dual Monitors work OK. Having two monitors side / side is easier to compare. The one connected via DVI (or DisplayPort) clearly has a better visual quality (crisp display and colors), in spite the fact that the one on VGA is a newer model, Asus VE208T LED. Test made on two different computers having different GPU.