Using VGA over DVI

[MrEgo]

The reason that I'm asking is because my KVM switch doesn't have a DVI interface.. and I have a very hard time finding KVM switches that use DVI. So.. do you sacrifice any image quality or any kind of performance by using VGA instead of DVI? I have nice video cards in each machine and a 2007FPW monitor.

 

[BernardP]

It depends on the resolution of your monitor. If you have a 1280x1024 resolution, probably not, unless there is some problem with the VGA connection on either end. But when you get up to 1600x1200, 1680x1050 or 1920x1200, the required bandwidth is starting to strain the analog VGA connection and picture quality can suffer.

Also, if you have an NVidia card, the DVI connection opens up the options of NVidia scaling which are not available through analog VGA.

 

[ElFenix]

use the dvi hookup on the back of the monitor for the computer you'd like better image quality from. then just switch inputs when you switch keyboards/mice on the kvm.

 

[JustaGeek]

I've observed a significant increase in clarity and sharpness of the picture, and all the colors seemed to have become more vivid, switching from VGA to DVI.

Also, the framerate in games have become seemingly smoother, even though the refresh rate has changed from 75 to 60MHz.

And that was with the 1280x1040 LG monitor.

But obviously everyone's perception is different.

 

[VinDSL]

Yes, there is a difference, but...

I've been running an IOGEAR MiniView SE KVM for years - cost me, like, 200 bones. Still works great! They'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands - I digress...

Anyway, I have a dual output video card - half VGA analog - half DVI digital. Dittos for my Dell monitor - dual inputs - VGA & DVI.

So, I hook them both up - VGA through the KVM, and DVI directly to the vid card. That way, I can switch inputs using the monitor control buttons whenever I want to run one or the other. Make sense?

You didn't ask, but I also hook my lappy up to the KVM using a USB-PS/2 adapter and VGA. Works great! I can use my desktop 'K' 'V' & 'M' on my Toshiba Notebook, instead of wearing them out...

Simple pimple...

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
But obviously everyone's perception is different.

Your perception is correct!!! :thumbsup:

There IS a difference - no doubt about it...

 

[MrEgo]

Hey, thanks for the replies. Very helpful advice.

That leads me to another set of questions..

1. I would like both of my computers to use DVI. Both of them have dual DVI outputs in the respective video cards (one is an 8800GTS and the other is a 7800GTX). Is there any way to connect 2 DVI cords to my monitor (Dell 2007FPW)? I guess I can live with just one computer plugged in to the DVI interface.. but I'd prefer both of them to use it.

2. I frequently switch through my KVM. Would I constantly have to select the DVI input from the monitor every time I switch back and forth? Or would it have some kind of memory to what I prefer it to be set as?

*edit - had an 8800gtx instead of an 8600

 

[imported_Filbert]

Originally posted by: BernardP
Also, if you have an NVidia card, the DVI connection opens up the options of NVidia scaling which are not available through analog VGA.

Wait, why have I never seen that option in my Nvidia Control Panel?