P1 G4: external monitor on USB-C?

[awebber]

I've been running a P1G4 with an old external Dell U2410 (1920x1200) on HDMI, it works well as an extended desktop with the internal display. I dug out an even older Dell U2405 (1920x1200) which has lots of inputs but only DVI for digital (also has component, composite, S-Video, and VGA!).

I have only DVI-DVI and DisplayPort-DVI cables, so I figured a USB-C to DP adapter should do the trick. Specifically this one https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B096R39M5Q but the monitor is not responding, not even being seen. It's set for the DVI input.

Should this be working with the USB-DP adapter? If I need a different cable, or a different adapter, I'll get one, but I don't want to waste more money if it's not supported. Or if there's something else I can do to force it to see it.

Thanks.

[axur-delmeria]

Did you connect it like this:

P1 G4 --> USB-C to DP adapter --> DP-DVI cable --> Dell U2405 DVI input

If yes, I'll say that the problem lies between the USB-C to DP adapter and the DP-DVI cable.

The DP-DVI cable only works on desktops/laptops/docks with a Displayport++ output.

Note the ++ to the left of the DP logo:


A DP++ port can output both Displayport and single-link DVI, and since DVI and HDMI are signals-compatible (up to a certain point), it means it outputs HDMI as well. DP++ outputting DVI maxes out 1920x1200 @ 60Hz, which is the limit of single-link DVI.

Because of this, there are a number of possible solutions:

#1 P1G4 --> USB-C to DVI adapter --> DVI-DVI cable --> U2405 DVI input

#2 P1G4 --> USB-C to HDMI adapter --> HDMI-DVI cable --> U2405 DVI input

I've personally tested a variation of #2 with the following setup:

Thinkpad T480s --> Thinkpad Universal USB-C Dock (type 40AY) with HDMI output --> HDMI-DVI cable --> EIZO MX220W DVI input (1920x1200 60Hz).

Alternatively, there's a USB-C to HDMI DVI cable, though I haven't tested a cable like this.

[awebber]

P1 G4 --> USB-C to DP adapter --> DP-DVI cable --> Dell U2405 DVI input

Yes, exactly. I'm sure I used the DP-DVI cable with my old X220 and I was try to cheap out with a $10 USB-DP adapter instead of a $16 USB-DVI cable (for that matter, cheaping out by using a U2405 though I like to think of it as environmentally sensitive.

Pretty sure I only have DVI-DVI and DP-DVI cable,s so I'm thinking I should just go for a USB-C to DVI if there is such a thing. Should that work?

Thank you for confirming that I should be able to connect USB-C to a monitor somehow. I was starting to doubt myself.

[ETA: I found a USB-DVI cable on amazon.ca for C$14.99 (3') or C$15.59 (6'). Cheapest USB-DVI adapter was C$16.99, so I went with the cable. Hopefully it will work. Will report back when I get it. =aw]

[ETA: On eBay I can get an adapter for C$11 or a 6' cable for C$13, shipped, but it ships from Vancouver so at this point I'm paying extra to get it Friday from Amazon. ]

=aw

[axur-delmeria]

cheaping out by using a U2405 though I like to think of it as environmentally sensitive.

Personally I'm fine with using an old LCD monitor as long as it works and fulfills my requirements.

My current monitor is a second-hand Eizo MX220W (22" 1920x1200, with 1 Displayport and 2 DVI inputs) which I got for around 40 USD. Label on the back shows a manufacturing date of 2010/10/19.

[awebber]

That was it. I bought this USB-C to DVI cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HFDDGQ2 (C$15.59 for 6', C$14.99 for 3' [there was another 3' slightly cheaper but I wanted 6' to be safe]). Plugged it in and it worked. Could have got slightly cheaper on eBay but I wanted to deal with this promptly.

Now I have the internal and 2 external displays. Date on the 2405 is 8/05, can't find a date on the 2410 but obviously newer (no more analogue ports beyond VGA, +2*DVI and 1*HDMI). Also have one from 2008 that I use when I'm on vacation (VGA and DVI). Amazing how well this technology still works, though I guess there are more modern technologies available (OLED, 2K, 4K, frameless, etc.). And I still prefer 1920*1200 over 1920*1080.

Thanks again for your help.