VGA output to DVI Input for DVI only LCD?

[imported_boe]

Hello,

I have an X850 which has both VGA and DVI out. I have a DVI only screen. I was trying to install Vista and Media Center and both left me stuck at a black screen shortly after the initial install screen. My guess is that they will only send data to the VGA port for whatever reason during the initial set up.

I don't know if it is possible, I've seen many DVI to VGA adapters for CRTs but I was curious if they made VGA to DVI adapters?

Thanks

 

[Lord Evermore]

Monitors with only DVI inputs are expecting a digital signal, so you can't just use a pin-adapter to make a VGA port connect to it because it's only sending out an analog signal. Adapters are made, but they're powered devices that actively convert the signal. DVI ports on video cards output both digital and analog signals on separate pins. The DVI to VGA adapter just connects the analog pins on the DVI port to the pins on the VGA port of the adapter. The powered adapters are pretty expensive.

IF you had a monitor that could accept an analog input to the DVI port (DVI-I) then a pin-changing adapter would work, and they are made, but I don't think any monitors do that.

Windows installs just fine with a digital-only output device most of the time. There's nothing inherent about the install routine that would make it only output to the VGA port, since in DOS mode many cards will just output the same thing to both ports, or to whichever port has something connected to it, and it's not controlled by the OS.

I would say there's some other problem with the system that might be causing it to die, unrelated to what type of video you have connected. At what exact point does the install black out?

 

[BigMonty]

My problem is quite opposite. I only get the analog signal. Whenever I click on the digital setting on the graphics card software, it returns me to the analog monitor. My evga card suports both vga and dvi output and I have both the cable connected.

I am using Viewsonic VX2025wm 20.1 LCD.

 

[imported_boe]

Windows installs just fine with a digital-only output device most of the time. There's nothing inherent about the install routine that would make it only output to the VGA port, since in DOS mode many cards will just output the same thing to both ports, or to whichever port has something connected to it, and it's not controlled by the OS.

I would say there's some other problem with the system that might be causing it to die, unrelated to what type of video you have connected. At what exact point does the install black out?

Windows XP installs no problem - however windows Vista dies right after the initial black and white screen stating it is starting Vista install (comparable to the screen in XP install right before you get to the F6 screen to install alternate drivers) It may very well be that this screen is designed for dual DVI input or it may be that Vista on install by default is going to the VGA output - hard to say without magically turning my exact card to a dual DVI out. If I get the time I'll plug in a VGA CRT.

I ordered the part just to find out for my own sake if it can be done - plus it is only $15 with shipping so it might (might not) come in handy in the future for installs or I may end up using on a client who needs one.