DVI Pinout: Which Pin Provides +5V Power?

This article explains the pinout configuration of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) connector, focusing specifically on the pin responsible for providing the +5V power line. Readers will learn the exact pin assignment, its physical location on the connector, and its essential role in facilitating Display Data Channel (DDC) communication and Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) detection between a host computer and a monitor.

In both DVI-D (digital only) and DVI-I (integrated digital and analog) connectors, Pin 14 provides the +5V power line.

Purpose of the +5V Power Pin

The primary purpose of Pin 14 is to supply low-voltage power from the graphics adapter (source) to the display's internal EEPROM chip. This chip stores the monitor's Extended Display Identification Data (EDID), which includes information regarding the display's manufacturer, supported resolutions, refresh rates, and color profiles.

Because Pin 14 provides dedicated power, the host computer can communicate with the monitor via the I²C-based Display Data Channel (DDC) bus even when the monitor is turned off or in standby mode. This ensures the operating system correctly identifies the display and applies the proper video configuration upon startup.

Electrical Specifications and Location

  • Voltage: +5 Volts DC (typically regulated within 4.75V to 5.25V).
  • Current: The DVI specification mandates that the host must supply at least 55 mA, with most modern hardware providing up to 500 mA.
  • Return Path: Ground for this power line is provided via Pin 15 (Ground for +5V and DDC).
  • Physical Layout: On a standard 24-pin DVI digital pin grid (arranged in three rows of eight pins):
    • Pins 1–8 comprise the top row.
    • Pins 9–16 comprise the middle row.
    • Pins 17–24 comprise the bottom row.

Pin 14 is located in the middle row, the sixth pin from the left when looking directly into the female receptacle of a DVI port.