🧠🖥️ Matrox DMS-59 Adapter Cable

DMS-59 (Dual Monitor Solution, 59 pins) is a high-density video output connector found on select Matrox, Nvidia, and ATI graphics cards. It supports two independent displays via a single port using a Y-style breakout cable—either analog (VGA) or digital (DVI).
 
🔧 Adapter Formats
1. DMS-59 Male → Dual VGA Female
Function: Splits one DMS-59 port into two VGA outputs
Use Case: Connect two analog monitors to a single graphics card
Signal Type: Analog RGB via DE-15 (VGA)
Resolution: Up to 1920×1200 per display
Compatibility: Ideal for legacy CRTs and VGA-only LCDs
2. DMS-59 Male → Dual DVI-I Female
Function: Splits one DMS-59 port into two DVI outputs
Use Case: Connect two digital or analog monitors via DVI
Signal Type: DVI-I (supports both digital and analog)
Resolution: Up to 1920×1200 per display
Compatibility: Use passive DVI-to-HDMI or DVI-to-VGA adapters as needed
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
🧠 Matrox multi-display cards (e.g., G550, P690)
🖥️ Nvidia Quadro NVS series
🧰 ATI FireMV and workstation cards
🖥️ Dell, HP, Lenovo desktops with DMS-59 outputs
📊 Financial trading terminals and control rooms
🧪 Legacy multi-monitor setups in labs and studios
 
✅ Common Uses
🧩 Drive two monitors from a single low-profile card
🛠️ Extend desktop across dual displays
🏢 Power multi-monitor workstations in offices
🧪 Connect legacy VGA or DVI monitors to modern cards
🧰 Enable high-density video output in compact systems
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
Connector: 59-pin DMS (derived from LFH-60)
Breakout Style: Y-cable with two female ends
Signal Types:
VGA: Analog RGB + sync
DVI-I: Digital + analog (can convert to HDMI or VGA)
No Audio: Video-only transmission
Pin Keying: One pin blocked to prevent misconnection with LFH-60
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔌 Not hot-swappable—connect before boot for detection
🧯 DVI adapters must match monitor type (DVI-D vs DVI-A)
📏 Cable length typically short (~1ft)—use extensions if needed
🧪 Not compatible with DVI-D-only monitors if using VGA breakout
🧼 Avoid forcing mismatched plugs—DMS-59 is keyed
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🧭 Identify DMS59 by its compact, offset-pin layout with thumbscrews
🧰 Use VGA breakout for analog-only monitors
🔍 Use DVI-I breakout for flexible digital/analog support
🧪 Test each output independently—some cards require driver config
🧼 Label cables clearly—VGA and DVI breakouts look similar