If you look at the HDMI pinout, HDMI (unlike DVI) only transfers digital signals. VGA needs analog signals.
The means there are no passive HDMI to VGA cables. All VGA to HDMI cables contain electronics, which implement a complete HDMI receiver and a VGA output, and need to be powered (from the HDMI power pins, you don't need ab extra power brick).
The "bigger case" is where the electronics are. Sometimes the electronics are small enough you don't notice them in the plugs.
Answer from dirkt on Stack ExchangeHDMI to VGA monitor
HDMI to VGA with converter cable & adapter
could a VGA to HDMI converter connect an older monitor with a VGA cable to my newer pc that only accepts HDMI work?
VGA to HDMI?
I've run 1920x1080 over VGA on my home theater PC (Ubuntu, XBMC). That said, once I got the proper cabling for DVI -> HDMI -> TV rather than DVI -> VGA -> TV, image quality climbed drastically. VGA was riddled with artifacts (although I never noticed until the switch).
Should just be a software limitations preventing you from using 1080 over VGA.
More on reddit.comThe monitor says HDCP, the monitor only works with certain sources, or I am getting a black screen, but only when displaying certain content. What do I do?
What to do When the Monitor is Not Getting a Signal and the Monitor Says “Out of Range"
The monitor is not getting a signal and there is no error on the monitor. What do I do?
Videos
If you look at the HDMI pinout, HDMI (unlike DVI) only transfers digital signals. VGA needs analog signals.
The means there are no passive HDMI to VGA cables. All VGA to HDMI cables contain electronics, which implement a complete HDMI receiver and a VGA output, and need to be powered (from the HDMI power pins, you don't need ab extra power brick).
The "bigger case" is where the electronics are. Sometimes the electronics are small enough you don't notice them in the plugs.
Both the images you have listed are actually adapters. No they do not need to be powered, it will draw the required power from the HDMI Port. Also they both will work.
With both of these you will still need to use/buy an extra VGA Cable.
So instead I suggest you buy this (hdmi to vga cable) : https://www.amazon.com/NewBEP-Gold-Plated-Converter-Notebook-Projector/dp/B01NBOQP1F/ref=sr_1_3?crid=EADZ0AO2FNSK&keywords=hdmi+to+vga+cable+with+audio&qid=1572159196&sprefix=hdmi+to+vga+cable+%2Caps%2C400&sr=8-3
Even if you don't care about the audio, you can leave the audio cable unplugged but who knows you might need it in the future so better to have it, there's not any major cost difference.
Also with this, you wont need an extra VGA cable
You can choose what length you want (assuming you buy it from this link).
Taking our the old card would probably be a lot more reliable.
OK Spiceheads… I need some help. I have a new PowerSpec B332 PC for a user. User has 2 monitors. The old PC had a new graphics card put in it to accommodate the dual monitor setup. The new PC has a VGA port & an HDMI port onboard.
My questions is this: Can I take an HDMI-to-DVI cable & slap a DVI-to-VGA adapter on the end & have it work to send one of the monitors to the onboard graphics card? Or am I going to have to take the card out of the old PC & put it in the new one?