Q: 2560x1440 resolution suddenly stopped working. 1080p now the max option available
I have 2010 macbook pro (el capitan) and ASUS H257HU monitor which supports 2560x1440 resolution. Up until yesterday I was able to get the full resolution, but suddenly it stopped working and the max resolution I could get was 1080p.
I tried resetting smc and NVRAM, but that didn't help.
In safe mode, I followed the suggestion by apple and was able to get 2560 resolution. But restarting the machine reverts it back to 1080p. Holding down the option key and clicking the scaled option does not display any resolution above 1080p.
I tried searching and followed a few recommendations, but none helped.
Restarting the machine and going into displays sometimes does give 2560 option, but clicking on it makes the the screen turn blue and then it comes back still at 1080p, with no options available in the scaled dialog box. The system preference dialog box hangs up for a few seconds.
Has anyone came across this same issue and found a solution. I am not sure why it will suddenly stop working, while being able to work in safe mode but not in normal condition. I had tried deleting the profiles as well.
With bootcamp (win 7), the display works fine with 2560x1440.
The connector I am using is mini-display to DisplayPort.
Any suggestions/solutions will be greatly welcomed.
Macbook Pro
Posted on Jan 18, 2016 7:31 PM
Thanks Pedro. But the solution to reset the display through the safe mode had not helped.
Tried other suggestions as well. Like deleting all the preference files from the /harddisk/Library folder as suggested here:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2385757?tstart=0
But nothing helped.
Here's what did help though and something apple should look into:
Connect the mini-display to DisplayPort connector and power cable to the mac. Close the lid.
For me the monitor was still in 1080p and no higher options available.
Restart the mac.
After reboot, go back to system preference -> display and click on scaled.
Select resolution 1280x960.(something smaller)
Restart the mac immediately. the display will be in the previous selected resolution.
After reboot, go back to system preference -> display and click on scaled.
Now 2560x1440 resolution is available. Select and the display will go to 2560 resolution.
(IMP) restart the mac immediately and it will boot into 2560x default.
NOTE: if I open the mac lid, the resolution goes back to 1080p. But I keep my lid closed so don't care. Hope this helps others figure out.
Posted on Jan 20, 2016 8:07 AM

