About the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter

  • Last Modified: January 27, 2009
  • Article: HT3382

Summary

Find answers here to frequently asked questions about using the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter to connect your Mini DisplayPort Macintosh computer to an external monitor.

Products Affected

Apple Cinema Display, MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008), MacBook Air (Late 2008), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

What is the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter? How is it different from Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter?

Macintosh computers equipped with a Mini DisplayPort need to use an adapter with supported external displays that utilize a DVI interface. Use the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter with a supported dual-link display when the external display resolution is set at higher than 1920 x 1200.  Computers equipped with a Mini DisplayPort include the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008), the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009), and MacBook Air (Late 2008).

What are the operating system requirements for the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter?

You will need Mac OS X v10.5.6 or later to use this adapter.

What are the hardware requirements for the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter?

A Macintosh with a Mini DisplayPort and dual-link DVI display.  If you are using only displays that are not dual link at resolutions of 1920 x 1200 or lower, a dual link adapter is not necessary.  The Mini Display Port to DVI adapter should address your needs.

Which monitors does this adapter support?

Use the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter to connect your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air to a 30-inch display that includes a DVI connector, such as the 30-inch Apple Cinema Display HD.

Can other adapters be interconnected or "daisy-chained" to the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter?

The Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter cannot be interconnected with any other adapter.

My Apple Cinema Display (30-inch DVI) is not working properly when used with the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. What can I do?

If you experience trouble viewing video output on your display when using the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter, you should try these steps:

  1. Reset the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter by disconnecting its Mini DisplayPort and USB connections from the computer for few seconds.
  2. Reconnect the cables back to the computer to see if the issues persist.
  3. If your issue is still unresolved, disconnect both the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter as described in step 1, then power off the monitor.
  4. Reconnect all cables and power on the monitor to attempt to resolve your issue.
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