Since the time of the first Pentiums, a lot of things have changed in the computer world. However, the vast majority of users use outdated monitors with appropriate interfaces. Video cards are used quite modern. But the connectors on them do not match the monitor. And what to do in such a situation? Broke into a new monitor? I would not want to. However, it is not necessary. The VGA-DVI adapter for the monitor will help here. For the last connector is even in the most modern graphics cards.
Connector Classification
At that time, when the first Pentiums ruled the world, there was no better connector than VGA. This is an analogue jack for connecting old CRT monitors. However, many manufacturers also used it in LCD monitors, sincerely wondering why this image quality worsens with increasing resolution. It's simple: this is a feature of analog video output. And in 1999, a DVI connector was created . It was already digital and provided excellent picture quality at resolutions up to Full HD (1920 x 1080). But at that time there were no such prohibitive permissions.
However, PC monitors have been improved. And it soon became clear that the standard DVI could not cope with a resolution of 2K or higher. They created a two-channel DVI that quietly supported 2K. And now the question: "How to connect an analog monitor to a digital port on a video card?" Of course, with the help of such a thing as an adapter for a video card to a DVI-VGA monitor. This connector allows you to just connect the old monitor to the new video card. It does not affect the image quality in any way, because it is impossible to transmit a digital signal via an analog channel. So you have to be content with the same quality. Or purchase a separate monitor, which is preferable.
How do they look?
The VGA-DVI adapter for the monitor can look like anything. Only the connectors are unchanged. And the shape of the case depends on the specific manufacturer. Moreover, such an adapter may look just like a bunch of wires with two connectors, if the user, knowing the circuit, soldered it himself. But for the most part it is a plastic case in which a port and connector are built-in. And that’s all. But this scheme is the most effective, since there is no long wire that can degrade the signal quality.
Often such adapters are a regular plastic "washer". At its ends are the necessary connectors. This design allows to reduce production costs. It is also extremely convenient to use this type of conductors. For the simpler the better. However, there are also very cool conductors that are equipped with indicators, a separate case and special software. But they are of little use, because they cannot improve the image quality. Why then overpay?
Why choose DVI?
There are many reasons. The first and most important is that VGA is already an outdated format. While he is still meeting, but will soon disappear. The latest graphics cards are already being produced without this interface. And what will happen next? Another reason is the image quality. Say what you like, but the analog connector cannot provide high-quality images at high resolutions. But DVI is capable of this. The third reason is that not only a video signal, but also sound can be transmitted through a digital connection. And very good quality. This is useful if the monitor is equipped with an integrated speaker system. The DVI-VGA adapter will not be able to make the old monitor work better. But he is able to solve the problem of connecting obsolete displays to new video cards.
But the matter is not only in image quality. The obsolescence of the VGA connector also has nothing to do with it. Just using DVI is much more convenient. No need to bother with adapters and other gadgets. The monitor turns into a plug and forget device. Therefore, the transition to a digital image standard is very, very desirable. And soon it will become mandatory at all. So it’s worth considering the purchase of a new monitor, and not puzzle over how to connect the old one.
Do I need any software?
If you use a VGA-DVI adapter for a monitor, then you do not need to use any software products to make the connection. Everything is decided at the hardware level. But if you try to connect HDMI, then you will have to use some utilities. Although, most likely, you will not succeed. For these are completely different types of connectors. VGA and DVI are at least somewhat similar. But HDMI and VGA are not alike at all.
Some particularly advanced adapter models have specialized drivers in the kit, which supposedly should provide unrivaled image quality. But all these are empty statements, because the adapter does not convert the analog signal to digital. Just in the DVI connector there is a special channel for transmitting an analog signal. But in HDMI this is not. There is a solid "figure".
Where to buy an adapter?
You can buy such a thing in salons selling computer equipment. Just ask your sales consultant about such a thing as an adapter for a DVI-VGA monitor. The price for it will be just ridiculous, because there is nothing in it that could take a lot of money. He can afford to everyone. Its cost ranges from 150 to 400 Russian rubles. Moreover, very soon without such an adapter it will be impossible to connect the monitor to the video card.
Many consumer electronics stores, as well as kiosks such as "1000 little things" also implement such adapters. True, with regard to the latest points of sale, the quality there is very doubtful. It is better to spend a little more and buy an adapter from a well-known network of computer stores. These retailers value their reputation and will not sell obviously poor-quality products. Even so insignificant.
Conclusion
So, we examined what a VGA-DVI adapter is for a monitor. It serves as a connector so that you can connect an outdated monitor with an analog connector to a completely modern video card. This adapter is sold anywhere and is not so expensive. Everyone can buy it. It’s only better to change the monitor, because in the near future analog screens will not be supported at all. Monitors for PCs with an analog connector - the last century. Now the world is ruled by a "figure". And the situation continues to change in a direction that is extremely undesirable for analog technologies.