Should I Use Dual-Link DVI or HDMI?

[whatistaters]

I am getting a HIS 6950 2GB graphics card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161355) and I wasn't sure if I should use HDMI to connect to my ASUS VH242H monitor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052&Tpk=asus%20vh242h). I already have an HDMI cable that I use with my PS3, so I wouldn't need to get one, but I do not have a dual-link DVI-D cable yet so I would have to order that from http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1232 for $9.23 + shipping.

Some background information, the 6950 comes with a single-link DVI port, a dual-link DVI, and an HDMI port. Are there any noticeable differences between dual-link DVI and HDMI? I initially wanted to use dual-link instead of single-link so that I can get my refresh rate >60Hz, but I would think that because HDMI has resolutions up to 1080p the refresh rate would be over 60Hz as well. I am not sure of that however and need someone's knowledge.

Additionally, would using the HDMI port inhibit sound coming out of my computer speakers because HDMI is linked to sound through its cable? I have heard rumors there are incompatibility issues with HDMI and other sound output.

Thanks!

 

[joerge]

Hdmi and dvi are exact same signals as far as i know, only difference is hdmi can carry sound as well,

resolution is the clarity as well as the landscape of the picture, 1920X1080 = 1080p.
so dvi is also 1080p
refresh rate is the rate at which your monitor refreshes, which is dictated by the monitor you get as far as i know

the issue you present as far as sound goes can happen i myself have never toyed with hdmi from my pc, but im sure dvi is the norm for the best functionality. your monitor comes with a dvi cable im sure, though it may not be dual link,

hope this helps its to the best of my knowledge

 

[leon2006]

Here's the info on dual link DVI.

Common application for dual link dvi is higher resolution (i.e. 2560x1600) and 3D application for games or HDVideo (i.e. Blue Ray).

If your card supports HDMI 1.4 just use it. You don't need to use dual link dvi. HDMI 1.4 support higher bandwidth for high resolution and 3D.

Get a certified HDMI 1.4 and check that your card support HDMI1.4. Then you should be OK for game, HD video or 3D video/game.


Dual Link DVI?
http://www.datapro.net/techinfo/dvi_info.html

DVI reference information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface

HDMI reference informaiton including HDMI1.4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI

 

[ko888]

I am getting a HIS 6950 2GB graphics card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161355) and I wasn't sure if I should use HDMI to connect to my ASUS VH242H monitor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052&Tpk=asus%20vh242h). I already have an HDMI cable that I use with my PS3, so I wouldn't need to get one, but I do not have a dual-link DVI-D cable yet so I would have to order that from http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1232 for $9.23 + shipping.

Some background information, the 6950 comes with a single-link DVI port, a dual-link DVI, and an HDMI port. Are there any noticeable differences between dual-link DVI and HDMI? I initially wanted to use dual-link instead of single-link so that I can get my refresh rate >60Hz, but I would think that because HDMI has resolutions up to 1080p the refresh rate would be over 60Hz as well. I am not sure of that however and need someone's knowledge.

Additionally, would using the HDMI port inhibit sound coming out of my computer speakers because HDMI is linked to sound through its cable? I have heard rumors there are incompatibility issues with HDMI and other sound output.

Thanks!

You do not need a dual-link DVI cable. A single-link DVI cable can handle a resolution of 2,098 × 1,311 at 60 Hz and should have been included with your ASUS monitor.

DVI and HDMI use exactly the same digital video signals so image quality should be exactly the same.

For the HD 6950 the HDMI Audio can be turned off in the Catalyst Control Center application or you can choose a custom installation and not install the ATI HDMI Audio driver at all.

 

[whatistaters]

Best answer selected by whatistaters.

 

[whatistaters]

Hdmi and dvi are exact same signals as far as i know, only difference is hdmi can carry sound as well,

resolution is the clarity as well as the landscape of the picture, 1920X1080 = 1080p.
so dvi is also 1080p
refresh rate is the rate at which your monitor refreshes, which is dictated by the monitor you get as far as i know

the issue you present as far as sound goes can happen i myself have never toyed with hdmi from my pc, but im sure dvi is the norm for the best functionality. your monitor comes with a dvi cable im sure, though it may not be dual link,

hope this helps its to the best of my knowledge

It says in the catalyst Control Center that my monitor supports 1920X1080 @ 75 Hz but I can only get 60 hz, and I notice that if I look at the monitor for a while my eyes start to get sore so I would definitely like the higher refresh rate if possible. I thought I had a high speed HDMI cable, but it apparently only supports 60Hz as well too (capped at 1080p @ 60Hz). Is a high speed HDMI cable the same as HDMI 1.4 and will that support my 75Hz refresh rate?

 

[ko888]

It says in the catalyst Control Center that my monitor supports 1920X1080 @ 75 Hz but I can only get 60 hz, and I notice that if I look at the monitor for a while my eyes start to get sore so I would definitely like the higher refresh rate if possible. I thought I had a high speed HDMI cable, but it apparently only supports 60Hz as well too (capped at 1080p @ 60Hz). Is a high speed HDMI cable the same as HDMI 1.4 and will that support my 75Hz refresh rate?

Don't believe what Catalyst Control Center is showing.

The ASUS VH242H only supports a 75 Hz Vertical refresh rate at resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024 and 1440x900.

Resolutions 1680x1050 and 1920x1080 are supported at 60 Hz only.

I haven't seen anywhere in ASUS' published specifications where they claim that the VH242H will run at 1920x1080 with a 75 Hz Vertical refresh rate.

All this information is published in the ASUS VH242/VH222 Series LCD Monitor User Guide if you care to read it.