2 types of DVI cable? What's the difference?

[Relztrah]

There is a DVI cable with 18 pins http://i28.tinypic.com/103scvt.jpg

and a similar cable but with 24 pins.http://i32.tinypic.com/1z354bb.jpg"

What's the difference, other than the obvious number of pins? Can each be used with a digital video card?

[poordevil]

I just got through with this exact issue. The DVI with 18 pins is called a single port DVI. The 24 pin is called a dual port DVI. Either will work with a digital video card.

I was using a single port DVI for my CRT monitor and the max resolution I could get with it was 1600 X 1200, even though the max resolution for the monitor is 2048 X 1536. I switched it out for a dual port DVI and bingo! I was able to run my monitor @ 2048 X 1536.

So if you are looking for the highest possible data transfer and to display a higher res than 1600 X 1200, get the Dual port DVI.

[jlreich]

All about the different types of DVI (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface).

But poordevil is right on about the 24pin being dual link. Dual link never was in issue until more recently when large LCD screens became affordable and people started hooking their computer up to their HDTV's.