In the March Tech Tip, How to Get 3D Working on Your DAT/EM Workstation, we mentioned you need a StarTech Display Port to DVI adapter to connect to the display port on a computer in order to get the 120Hz refresh rate for 3D. We had some confusion about the StarTech Display Port to DVI adapters. This month’s tip will help alleviate any confusion.

All computers have some sort of video port that translates the commands of the software to view on a monitor. To effectively view and synchronize 3D using the NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle*, your computer, graphics card, and monitor must be able to display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. That often means acquiring an adapter. We provided a link to purchase the mini display port. We wanted to clarify that there are two types of display ports, a display port (left) and a mini display port (right). The comparison chart in this article shows you which StarTech adapter you should purchase to run NVIDIA 3D Vision Bundle.

Some graphics cards, such as the Quadro M4000, M2000, and K1200, only have display ports, so you will either need an adapter such as the StarTech or a new monitor that supports Display Port 1.3 or better for stereo.

Comparison Chart

The comparison chart has a line titled “Display Connectors”, and on this line you can see exactly what connectors each graphics card has.

If you see DP, this means Display Port. If you see mDP, this means mini Display Port. Please select your adapter accordingly.

If your graphics card has a mini display port, here is what the necessary adapter looks like:

You can purchase the mini display port active adapter through StarTech, Amazon, or other online distributors using Manufacturer Part#: MDP2DVID.

StarTech Mini Display Port Adapter

StarTech Mini Display Port Adapter on Amazon

If your graphics card has a display port, here is what the necessary adapter looks like:

You can purchase the display port active adapter through StarTech, Amazon, or other online distributors using Manufacturer Part#: DP2DVID2.

StarTech Display Port Adapter

StarTech Display Port Adapter on Amazon

New NVIDIA Graphics Cards

NVIDIA released the new Pascal line of Quadro cards on March 2nd and we would like feedback from any customers currently using them. We have not had a chance to test any of these new Graphics Cards yet; however based on NVIDIA’s comparison chart we believe they will work.

Monitors that work with only a display port cable

We are compiling a list of monitors that work with only a display port cable, meaning they will work without the StarTech adapter. Here is what we have found so far: The ASUS MG248Q and BenQ XL2420T do not need the display port adapter. We ask for our customers’ help in adding new monitors to this growing list.

* We are addressing the NVIDIA Bundle in this tip. Remember, the GeForce line of cards**, while less expensive, will not work with our desktop software systems and nVidia 3DVision. You have been warned.

** If, however, you do have a GeForce video card, we invite you to beta test our new virtual reality system, DAT/EM Point Cloud VR, where this card works wonders. Amaze your friends. Dazzle your IT guy. Stun your accounting department.

Tech Tip by Brian Barnes, DAT/EM Hardware Manager