IOGEAR GCS982U 2-Port Dual-Link DVI Cable KVM with Audio

Pros: Works exactly as specified. Setup was trivially simple. No issues with wireless Microsoft Mobile Mouse 3500 or with Gyration wireless keyboard/mouse combo. No issues with 2048x1152 Samsung SyncMaster 2343BSX monitor.

Cons: heavy stiff cables makes it difficult to mount securely. (better heavy than flimsy) Additional USB connections would have been a better feature to have instead of the audio switches.

Other Thoughts: Other reviewers on Newegg rated this KVM switch very low which did not correlate with reviews found on other websites. Despite that all of the hardware in my setup is 3 to 8 years old, I had absolutely no trouble setting up and using this KVM switch. My previous KVM switch, with similar monitor resolution capacity with dual link DVI (a different manufacturer), was very flaky with various bugs that constantly required resetting of the KVM. This IOgear KVM has so far worked without any bugs whatsoever.

Because other reviewers had problem with lower resolution monitor settings, I tested various other setting on my monitor and found no issues.

I should also mention that both of my computers have dual-link DVI connections. I can't comment what would happen if dual and single link connectors are mixed.

Also, I have not tested the audio switching nor have I used a hub.

If you have dual-link DVI on both computers, I highly recommend the IOGEAR GCS982U 2-Port Dual-Link DVI Cable KVM with Audio.

Pros: The image at 2560*1600 is perfect. There is no tearing, no sparkling pixels (as I experienced with the Belkin F1DG102D). The device is compact and is powered off usb, so there is no need for an external power adaptor. I assume power consumption is very good too, as the two usb could only provide 5 watts max.

The screen switches in about 1-2 seconds which is great. The keyboard and mouse switch take a little longer, more so if emulation is disabled.

Cons: The graphics are totally corrupted with the Dell 3007WFP on single-link sources or at resolutions of 1280*800 or below (see photo).

I had to disable the "Power On detect" feature because when I put the one pc to sleep the KVM would automatically switch to the other, even though it was powered off at the mains. When I took it out of sleep, it didn't switch back, I had to do it manually, and then it took a good 20-30 seconds for the keyboard and mouse to register.

The emulated keyboard was not detected in the bios for the Atom-based machine. This means you can't get into bios setup, F8 to safe mode, escape Windows Restore etc. The only solution is to disable kb emulation, which means you lose the hotkey functionality. That of itself is not too bad, _BUT_ once it's disabled you can't re-enable it. Seriously. that's it. No more hotkeys, ever. I've asked IOgear support about this, but have had no response on this issue.

Other Thoughts: I have the GCS982U connected to the 3007WFP. One PC is Sandy Bridge, the other is an Atom-based machine. Keyboard is Logitech K350. Mouse is Logitech M510. Logitech set-point is not installed.

Manufacturer Response:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. The product should not behave as you described. I would recommend a reset on the GCS982U. Disconnect all cables from the GCS982U and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. After the reset is complete connect the cables to your computers and power up each computer one at a time. This is called booting with focus. Let all drivers load before switches to the next computer and then do the same. Please contact our customer service at email: support@iogear.com and let us know in more detail on when and how you’re having this experience. We strive to ensure our customers are serviced with a properly working unit to exceed your satisfaction. Again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.

Pros: Fast switching in USB emulation mode.

Cons: I keep having problems where the console keyboard and mouse loose power sometimes. It comes back in a few seconds, but it repeats whatever key was pressed until it comes back online. It's done that twice so far while writing this review. This is with plain old wired USB keyboard and mouse. USB emulation only does 3-buttons+wheel. Cables were pretty short.

Other Thoughts: Called IOgear for technical support with the power-loss issue. They had me change a few hotkey settings, then told me - and I quote - "That's as good as it gets."

Will probably wind up having to return the unit to Newegg.

Manufacturer Response:

First, thank you for choosing IOGEAR and we apologize for your experience. The product should not behave as you described. Please contact our customer service at email: support@iogear.com and let us know in more detail on when and how you’re having this experience. We strive to ensure our customers are serviced with a properly working unit to exceed your satisfaction. Again, thank you for choosing IOGEAR.