Dual Link DVI-D max resolution?

[txfeinbergs]

Guys, a quick question for you. Every DVI-D Dual link cable ad I have looked at states that the cable can handle a max resolution of 2048x1536; however, I apparently need a Dual Link DVI-D cable for a Dell U3011 monitor to get to 2560 x 1600. I know this monitor comes with a cable already, but I need an extra one for my laptop. What am I missing here? (or do you have a cable recommendation?). Thanks.

Here is an example ad:

Cables To Go - 5M DVI-D M/M Dl Digital Video Cable (Black)
THIS IS A BRAND NEW UNOPENED ITEM.


Description

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is the standard interface for a high-performance connection between PCs and flat panel displays, digital CRT displays, projectors, and HDTV. DVI-D Digital Cables from Cables To Go deliver the high-performance, high-bandwidth interface needed for video displays of today while leaving headroom for the products of tomorrow. These precision-engineered cables are fully compliant with the DVI standard defined by DDWG (Digital Display Working Group). The DVD-D dual link configuration provides enough bandwidth for resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 and allows high speed digital transmission up to 9.9 Gbps.

 

[Rokodo]

I doubt your laptop even has a dual link DVI output.

You could try HDMI if your laptop has that but I have no experience personally.

Displayport is another possibility but I haven't seen it on anything other than MacBooks...

 

[jeremyshaw]

I doubt your laptop even has a dual link DVI output.

You could try HDMI if your laptop has that but I have no experience personally.

Displayport is another possibility but I haven't seen it on anything other than MacBooks...

Dell's been slapping DP onto their Alienware range, and I think most older "workstation" (i.e, HP Elitebook (the good range, not the bad one), Dell Precision, etc) had at least one refresh with DL-DVI before it was ditched in favor of DP and HDMI.

HDMI will work with 2560x1600, assuming your laptop is newer than 2006 (or has anything better than the older Intel IGPs).

 

[Rokodo]

The question is whether the monitor itself will support it from HDMI input. Just been reading around for the Dell 3008WFP out of interest and apparently it won't display 2560 x 1600 from any HDMI source.

 

[txfeinbergs]

I have an HP Elitebook for which the document says it will support Dual Link DVI up to 2560 x 1600 if you have the docking station (which is what I am using). My problem is trying to find a dual link DVI cable that actually supports that resolution. There doesn't seem to be any, which means cable manufacturers are probably just being conservative and stating only what the spec supports ??

 

[jeremyshaw]

DVI spec hasn't changed since 1999, afaik. Any DVI Dual Link cable will work, the resolution you listed is the max for VGA D-Sub... Your monitor should of come with a HDMI, DP, and DL-DVI cable, however.

 

[evilsofa]

Wikipedia says that "dual link maximum data rate is limited only by the bandwidth limits of the copper the DVI cable is constructed of and by the DVI signal's source", though it does go on to say that typical resolutions are 2560x1600 at 60Hz and 3840x2400 at 33Hz - not that you are likely to run into a 3840x2400 display anywhere.

 

[tangoseal]

I feel cheated I have to use a DVI on one of my 3 IPS. I hate DVI now that Dp is out.

I would say that your laptop probably doesnt support true max resolution DVI dual link bandwidth.

 

[txfeinbergs]

I am sure I will run into some issues with it, but I am going by the spec sheet:

HP EliteBook 8530w Mobile Workstation

Display: External: DVI port in optional HP Docking Station (sold separately) supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 for single-link DVI monitors and up to 2560 x 1600 for dual-link DVI monitors.

So it should work, but I doubt too many people ever tested it, so we shall see.

 

[jeremyshaw]

considering it's a higher level HP Elitebook, I see no reason why it would not work properly.