ATEN CS1788
Expert rating8 / 10
- Port Count:
- 8 computers
- Video Standard:
- DVI (Dual-Link)
- Max Resolution:
- 2560x1600 @ 60Hz (DVI)
- USB Hub Ports:
- 2
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Manufacturer: ATEN Last updated: 2026-10-06
ATEN CS1788 Review
The ATEN CS1788 is an 8-port USB dual-link DVI KVM switch with audio, OSD, 2560x1600 at 60Hz, 1U rack mounting and cascading to 512 computers.
This is the dual-link version of ATEN's CS1768, and the only reason to pay for it is a console monitor above 1920x1200. It drives 2560x1600 at 60Hz over DVI, with OSD port naming, audio and a 2-port USB hub. It is not a DisplayPort or 4K switch. For servers already on DVI it is the right buy. For a fleet moving to DisplayPort or HDMI, we would go to the ATEN CS19208 now.
Specifications
Computers: 8 direct, up to 512 via cascade
Port selection: OSD, hotkey, pushbutton
Video: dual-link DVI-I
Max resolution: DVI 2560x1600 at 60Hz; VGA 2048x1536 at 60Hz
Console: 1x DVI-I, 1x HDB-15, 2x USB Type-A, front and rear audio jacks
Computer side: 8x DVI-I, 8x USB Type-B, 16x audio jacks
USB hub: 2x Type-A (1 front, 1 rear), USB 2.0
Power: 5.2V DC, 8.26W
Size: 43.72 x 16.12 x 4.40cm, 2.80kg, metal, 1U
In the box
ATEN lists the switch with rack mounting kit, two dual-link KVM cables (DVI-D, USB and audio, 1.8m), a firmware upgrade cable, a power adapter, a foot pad set and user instructions.
Two cables for eight ports. Order six more, and make sure they are the dual-link version. A single-link cable on any port caps that computer at 1920x1200.
Design and build
Metal, 1U, 43.72 x 16.12 x 4.40cm and 2.80kg, drawing 8.26W. It shares its chassis with the CS1768.
The console audio jacks are duplicated front and rear, and one USB hub port sits on each side too. Plug a headset or flash drive into the front without reaching behind the rack.
Rack ears come in the box, along with foot pads for shelf use.
The headline claim, examined
ATEN quotes 2560x1600 at 60Hz over DVI. The arithmetic says that needs two links, and the CS1788 has them.
2560x1600 at 60Hz with reduced blanking runs a 268.5 MHz pixel clock. A single DVI link stops at 165 MHz. Dual-link carries 330 MHz, so 2560x1600 fits with about 19 percent of the capacity spare.
2560x1440 at 60Hz needs about 241 MHz, so 27-inch QHD monitors run native too.
What it cannot do is 4K. 3840x2160 at 60Hz needs 533 MHz even with reduced blanking. No DVI switch gets there.
The defining limitation: DVI in a DisplayPort world
Dual-link DVI was the high-end PC connection a decade ago. New servers and workstations ship with DisplayPort or HDMI, and DisplayPort to dual-link DVI needs an active adapter on every machine.
If your eight computers are already DVI, the CS1788 is the right switch. If more than one or two are modern, you are paying for adapters to keep a switch that tops out below 4K. The ATEN CS19208 handles DisplayPort and HDMI at 4096x2160 60Hz in the same 1U format.
Living with it
Name ports in the OSD. ATEN supports OSD backup and restore, so save the configuration once the names are in.
Broadcast mode sends the same keystrokes to every computer. Great for parallel updates, risky if left on.
Multi-display mode stacks up to four CS1788 units for dual, triple or quad monitor computers. Cascading reaches 512 computers across three levels on ATEN's figure.
Versus the competition
ATEN CS1768: same design, single-link DVI at 1920x1200. Winner if your console monitor is 1920x1200 or smaller.
Adder AV8PRO-DVI: 8 ports, dual-link DVI at 2560x1600, RS-232 and mouse switching per our catalog. Winner for scripted control.
ATEN CS19208: 8-port 1U, DisplayPort and HDMI at 4096x2160 60Hz. Winner for any modern server fleet.
SmartAVI SM-DVN-8S: 8-port DVI-D at 1920x1200, no audio. Cheaper class of switch, only for 1080p and 1200p consoles.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating8 / 10
A dependable 8-port dual-link DVI KVM for 2560x1600 consoles, sensible only for fleets already on DVI.
Best for
- Eight DVI computers driven from a 2560x1600 or 2560x1440 console monitor
- Racks wanting OSD port naming and 1U mounting
- Upgrading a single-link DVI KVM to higher resolution
Not for
- DisplayPort or HDMI fleets (see the ATEN CS19208)
- 4K monitors
- 1080p and 1920x1200 consoles, where the CS1768 does the same job
Specifications
What these specs meanHow much this switch can do compared with other rack and server KVM switches, rated from its specifications.
Identity
| Brand | ATEN |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CS1788 |
| Switching Method | Button, hotkey, OSD menu |
Topology
| Computers Supported | 8 computers |
|---|---|
| KVM Segment | Rack |
Video & Features
| Video Standard | DVI (Dual-Link) |
|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 2560x1600 @ 60Hz (DVI); 2048x1536 (VGA) |
| USB Hub Ports | 2 |
| Audio Support | Yes |
Per display capability
| Max Resolution Single Display | 2560x1600 |
|---|---|
| Max Refresh At Max Resolution | 60 Hz |
In the box and price
| Price | 823.50 USD |
|---|
FAQs
Is the CS1788 a DisplayPort switch?
No. ATEN lists dual-link DVI-I ports, with 2560x1600 at 60Hz over DVI and 2048x1536 over VGA. For DisplayPort, look at the ATEN CS19208.
Which cables do I need for the CS1788?
One dual-link ATEN KVM cable per computer. Two ship in the box, so buy six more. Single-link cables limit that port to 1920x1200.
Will my 2560x1440 monitor run native?
Yes. It needs about 241 MHz of pixel clock, inside dual-link DVI's 330 MHz.
Can the CS1788 do 4K?
No. 4K at 60Hz needs around 533 MHz of pixel clock, far beyond dual-link DVI. ATEN's maximum is 2560x1600 at 60Hz.
Can I connect DisplayPort computers?
With active DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapters, one per machine. Passive adapters drop you to single-link 1920x1200.
CS1788 or CS1768?
Buy the CS1788 if your console monitor is above 1920x1200. Otherwise the CS1768 does the same job.
How far can the CS1788 scale?
ATEN quotes 512 computers through cascading, and up to four stacked units for multi-monitor computers.
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