DVI is the abbreviation of a digital video interface that connects the graphic card to the monitor. Besides DVI, there are many other connecting cables such as HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort. With a white plug equipped with small screws to ensure a firm connection, the DVI cable can be easily distinguished among its peers.
Types of DVI
Primarily there are 3 types of DVI cables: DVI-A, DVI-D, DVI-I. Among them, DVI-A only processes an analog signal, DVI-D processes a digital signal, and DVI-I can process both analog and digital signals. DVI-D and DVI-I are further divided into two versions: Single-link and Dual-link.
Adding all of the types and versions, we get five DVI cables. Among them, DVI-I and DVI-D are more mainstream, while DVI-A is rarely used. These cables are not good for sound, so if you plan to use them for the inbuilt sound system of the monitor, you will be disappointed.
DVI-D vs. DVI-I
What is the main difference between DVI-D and DVI-I cords that sets them apart? The major factor is the number of pins both these wires have. This simple difference tells us the bandwidth and the type of signal that can run through these cables.
We already know that DVI-D is a digital-only wire, meaning it can only send and receive digital video signals. The single-link DVI-D cable has 19 pins, whereas the Dual-link DVI-D connectors have 25 pins. DVI-D cables work perfectly on DVI-D and DVI-I connectors; for DVI connectors, it will simply ignore the analog signal while processing the digital signal. It can also be connected with HDMI and DisplayPort connectors with the help of a converter/adapter but keep in mind that doing this will not provide you the other features of these connectors like CEC control or integrated audio.
Many digital monitors come with a DVI-D connector, whereas those with analog and digital output/input come with a combination of VGA and DVI-D connectors. One last thing you should note is that a female DVI-D connector will only accept a DVI-D male.
DVI-I can accept both analog and digital signals, but it does not mean that it can accept both signals simultaneously, only one at a time. Moreover, it also cannot convert an analog signal into digital or vice versa. The number of pins in a DVI-I single-link is 23, whereas a dual-link connector has 29 pins.
In case when a monitor, graphic card, and connector all support both analog and digital signals, we have to choose one approach.
DVI-I connectors justify their reputation by being able to work with all three types of DVI cables. But as mentioned above, a DVI-I male will not be able to connect with a DVI-D female due to the difference in analog pins. So when it comes to DVI-D vs. DVI-I, the former is more applicable, and the same is the case when compared with DVI-A due to its rarity.
DVI-A
DVI-A, unlike DVI-D and DVI-I, has only a single-link option. It only supports analog signals and has 17 pins. The signals carried by DVI-A look similar to VGA signals, except they have a different configuration. If you want to connect DVI-A to a VGA monitor or vice versa, a DVI-A to VGA adapter/converter must be used.
VGA is more commonly used in analog monitors and is more dominant than DVI-A, whereas DVI is generally used for digital monitors. But even on the digital side, DVI-D and DVI-I are dominant, and DVI-A is very rare.
DVI-A cables can also be easily connected with DVI-I connectors in addition to the DVI-A connectors. You can also connect a DVI-D male cable to a DVI-A female connector, but it will not be of any use because DVI-A only works with analog signals.
Difference Between DVI Single-Link and Dual-Link
We already know the biggest difference between the DVI single-link and the dual-link is the number of pins. This difference shows the bandwidth they have and the max resolution it will provide you.
3.96 Gbit/s is the maximum amount of data a single link cable can carry, and it provides a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 on a 60 Hz screen. The dual-link cable can carry 7.92 Gbit/s offering a 2560 x 1600 resolution on a 60 Hz monitor. 4K is out of reach when you use a DVI cable.
These days, everyone is using HDMI or DisplayPort due to the superior image and video quality. Only when they are not available, DVIs are being used.