Does Gateway use a different DVI cable?

[Revivalist]

I was just setting up my new Gateway 21" LCD when I discovered that the DVI cable doesn't fit on the monitor. It fits fine into the video card but not the monitor. I noticed that the cable has 24 pins and next to that a flat pin with 2 little pins above it and below it. But the DVI port on the Gateway monitor doesn't have the little pin holes for the pins above and below the flat pin. . . I can post some pictures if that helps. . .

So does anyone know what I'm missing here? :shrug:

[xbiker321]

hmm, it uses a DVI-D cable
I bought this DVI cable when I got it
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/6733/6733154cv1a.jpg
link FYI (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6733154&type=product&id=1087340589488)

EDIT: and I do believe most LCD monitors use DVI-D inputs

[scott d]

I had the same problem a month or so ago
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=426944

Oh, and don't buy a cable from best buy or circuit city, they're way overpriced. I got mine for $15, and in the classifieds here they're even cheaper. http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=432674

[Evil_Eye]

Yes, DVI cables tend to get a monstrous amount of markup.

However a plain old Startech or No-Name cable will work just fine; DVI-D cables are purely digital and their signals do not degrade due to EMI and whatnot.

[FlakMonkey]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812189048

Would this work fine?

Make sure the ends are right for me lol, I have no idea what I am looking for. This one is male to male.

[xbiker321]

That would be perfect for you FlakMonkey.

[Revivalist]

Thanks for all the info guys! . . .

@ xbiker321 - Yeah, that's exactly what I need! I'm really hoping that I can avoid that price tag but I don't want to wait for shipping. I finally just built my rig and I'd like to fire it up today. :)

@ scott d - Thanks for the links! That other thread totally made everything much clearer (hopefully including my monitor display as well pretty soon. :p ) I was also given this link (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_info.html) which shows pics of the different cables and explains everything well. . . . By the way, the DVI cables being sold at the link you gave to the classifieds are only single link. I don't think that would give the best quality with most LCD monitors.

@ Evil_Eye - Thanks for bringing up the topic of monster cables. The guy at Best Buy was trying to convince me that monster cables are the only way to go. :rolleyes: . . . So it left me wondering, are they are really that much better. Will the quality improvement really justify that crazy price tag ($120-$200)?

[scott d]

aha, you're right. I just found this link that cleared it up for me, maybe it'll help someone else too: http://www.mycableshop.com/3rd_Level/Video-Flat.htm

I can't imagine there's any major difference between monster and regular cables, my monitor looks amazing, and I'm using a cheap cable. You've gotta keep in mind that places like best buy have insane markups on cables, so they love to sell them.

[Revivalist]

Thanks scott d,

Alright, I used the advise in that other thread you posted a link to.

The first photo (14-142-052-06.JPG) is a DVI-I, the second is a DVI-D.

A DVI-D cable will work with either one, but a DVI-I cable will only work with DVI-I, Unless you pull out some pins on the cable (not recommended for the faint of heart).

In short, use a DVI-D cable to connect the monitor and video card and you'll be fine.I went ahead and pulled out the four pins that surround flat pin on the cable I have and it worked perfect. (I guess I'm not "faint of heart" :p ) I wasn't worried about disturbing the quality because that website (http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_info.html) I posted earlier explained that those pins are for the analog signal anways. It worked great. Woohoo! I'm happy. :)

Oh by the way, the cable I got was from RadioShack for $12. It's 24k gold plated and seems to be pretty good quality. I looked on their website today but it's gone. I got the last one in the store by my house so I guess there discontinued. . . . Anyways, I think you're right about Monster cables. They seem to be bit more hype than performance. I'm very happy with this one for a fraction of the price. :thup:

[xbiker321]

Sounds good Revivalist, I hope you enjoy this monitor as much as I am :clap:
Be sure to hit up http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/ so you can play your games at the 16:10 aspect ratio