Werz168

Q: Performa 6300CD - Which Monitor Adapter?

A friend has a Mac Performa 6300CD with the stock Apple monitor that came with it. The monitor is starting to go, and he wants to connect a generic monitor. Does anyone know what type of adapter he would need? Thanks.

Posted on Nov 28, 2014 1:02 PM

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Q: Performa 6300CD - Which Monitor Adapter?

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  • by Allan Jones,Solvedanswer

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Nov 28, 2014 4:21 PM in response to Werz168
    Level 8 (35,141 points)
    iPad
    Nov 28, 2014 4:21 PM in response to Werz168

    It depends on the generic monitor. If you can find and older VGA-Connector monitor rated as "MultiSync," you only need an adaptor that converts a Mac DB-15 connector to VGA. The vendor's link I found shows as out-of-stock but the images give a clear view of what you need:

     

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812296029

     

    You should be able to still find one elsewhere once you know what to look for.

     

    Go for an old style monitor with the 4:3 ratio; newer widescreen monitors are not supported by the 6300's pre-Deluvian video hardware. MultiSync monitors commonly have "MS" in the model number.

     

    An non-MS monitor requires an adaptor with 8-12 tiny DIP switches to set screen resolution properly. They are more expensive, harder to find, and a severe "PITA" to locate the proper switch position codes. It behooves your friend to find the right monitor (Multi-Sync and 4:3 aspect ratio and only then find the simple adaptor.

  • by Werz168,

    Werz168 Werz168 Nov 28, 2014 7:48 PM in response to Allan Jones
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 28, 2014 7:48 PM in response to Allan Jones

    Thank you, Allan. Your thorough response was very helpful.

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Nov 29, 2014 6:25 AM in response to Werz168
    Level 8 (35,141 points)
    iPad
    Nov 29, 2014 6:25 AM in response to Werz168

    You are most welcome!

  • by Jeff,Helpful

    Jeff Jeff Dec 1, 2014 9:29 AM in response to Werz168
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 9:29 AM in response to Werz168

    Allan's reference to "the 6300's pre-Deluvian video hardware" is based on the unfortunate fact that only 1 MB of DRAM is dedicated for that purpose in the Performa 6200/6300s.  What this means is that it's a balancing act to set the optimal color depth, resolution, and refresh rate for any connected display.  That 1 MB will support thousands of colors on a 15" display with a resolution of 640x480 and a refresh rate of 75 Hz.  If you move up to a 17" or 19" display, forget about thousands of colors, if you wish to select the display's optimal resolution.  Selecting a slower refresh rate, such as 60 Hz, may be necessary, although I could see the flicker when I chose that with a 17" display.  Obviously, if your friend only needs to retrieve files or wipe the hard drive, those less-than-satisfactory settings are tolerable for short-term use.  Incidentally, Newegg's listing for that Mac-to-VGA adapter without DIP switches indicated: "This molded adapter is compatible up to a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels."  I always used the adapter with 10 switches and never had problems.  If your friend needs the settings for one of those, post back.

  • by Werz168,

    Werz168 Werz168 Dec 1, 2014 10:46 AM in response to Jeff
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2014 10:46 AM in response to Jeff

    Thanks, Jeff. I will get back to you if we encounter problems.