USB-C to DVI-D dual link for 1600p

fuzzy · 10 May 2020 at 12:04

I’m trying to connect an old Dell 3007WFP monitor to a new mac book and having some problems with connectivity.

The dell only has 1 input, a dual-link DVI-D port, and the laptop only has 1 output, USB-C.

Is anyone aware of a suitable adapter? I ordered a USB-C to DVI-D but appears it doesn’t support resolutions up to 1600p, though I can’t actually get it to recognise the monitor even at lower resolutions.

BongoHunter · 10 May 2020 at 12:07

Maybe DVI to HDMI adapter? Plug HDMI into one of those USB-C mini hub things that have HDMI, ethernet, USB etc

DrBombcrater · 10 May 2020 at 15:22

You need an 'active' USB-C adapter that supports dual-link DVI, and honestly I don't think such a thing exists. There are active adapters that convert DisplayPort to DL-DVI, so in theory it is possible to use one of those in conjunction with a USB-C to DP converter. I don't know anyone who's actually done that, however.

Hades · 12 May 2020 at 09:30

You can convert a Displayport to dual link DVI using an active adapter. I have two including an old Apple one they used to sell and also a cheaper ebay one for about £60. I did use the Apple one to connect my old 2009 Macbook Pro to the same Dell 3007 WFP monitor which I still have. These adapters are actively powered. So not only do they need to connect to a Displayport port but they also need power over USBA. You will then need to get a USBC/Thunderbolt to Displayport adapter. While I haven't tried this exact combination I would think the following would work:

This should work:
Macbook --> Thunderbolt to Displayport adapter (£20) --> Active Displayport to Dual Link DVI adapter (£60) --> 3007 WFP

Depending on the exact adapters you buy you might also need a mini Displayport to full size Displayport adapter. You will also need some way to power the active adapter with a USBA cable. In the old days you could just use another spare USBA port but with Macbooks no longer having them you might need to power it from a USBA wall socket. So at worst case you would have:

Worst case:
Macbook --> Thunderbolt to Displayport adapter (£20) --> Mini Displayport adapter (£10) --> Active Displayport to Dual Link DVI adapter (£60) --> 3007 WFP
USBA wall socket power ----------------------------------------------------------------->

Again I need to point out I have not personally tried it but in theory it should work. It's still a great monitor and the high resolution 16:10 aspect ratio makes it quite unique nowadays.