Maximum VGA resolution for external display?

Question

Level 1

9 points

Maximum VGA resolution for external display?

I am considering a MacBook purchase. A make or break is being able to use my external display over VGA at native resolution. (I am already using its DVI for my current desktop.) It is a Samsung SyncMaster 2343BWX with 2048 x 1152 resolution.

What is the max resolution the current MacBook will support using the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter?

Thanks for any assistance.

MacBook (Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 30, 2009 1:44 PM

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Answer 1

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Dec 30, 2009 2:02 PM in response to Aaron Karp

Hi Aaron,

You can go up to 2560 x 1600 on the external display. Under tech specs:

+Extended desktop and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors+

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Answer 2

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Dec 30, 2009 7:58 PM in response to Aaron Karp

VGA won't go up to 2560 x 1600, but it will drive 2048 x 1152. I have that same monitor and have driven it at that resolution by VGA with an original aluminum MacBook using the Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter.

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Answer 3

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Dec 30, 2009 8:33 PM in response to BSteely

Good information to know BSteely, thanks!

Interestingly enough, I was unable to find any technical documents on Apple's website that states the absolute maximum that can be used via VGA. It would appear, however, that the only way you're going 2560 x 1600 is with the Dual Link DVI adapter ($99).

If someone finds a document from Apple that states the maximum supported resolution with the VGA adapter it'd be awesome to see it linked.

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Answer 4

Aaron Karp Author

Level 1

9 points

Jan 4, 2010 10:42 AM in response to JasonFear

I had similar issues to Jason with the technical documentation. It was clear on the maximum resolutions for the laptop's screen and the max resolution on an external monitor, and the max for single and dual link DVI on the adapter pages, but vague on VGA.

I suspected it should work since I have a PC laptop with a graphics card that is a generation behind that can do the full res of my monitor over VGA, but thank you BSteely for confirming this.

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Answer 5

BSteely

Level 5

7,643 points

Jan 4, 2010 8:11 PM in response to Aaron Karp

By the way, that's a great monitor for the money. One of my favorite monitors, even though the stand is complete **.

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