Dell 27-inch Monitor - S2721DGF / Early 2014 Macbook Air

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Dell 27-inch Monitor - S2721DGF / Early 2014 Macbook Air

Hello,

I am attempting to connect my early 2014 Macbook Air to this Dell monitor (S2721DGF). The monitor's maximum settings are 2560x1440 at 165Hz. The monitor uses a DisplayPort 1.4 (full size).

I am attempting to connect via a miniDP to DP cable with a reported maximum throughput of 4K@60Hz. When I connect the two, my mac acknowleges that an external display has been connected and lets me drag my windows "off screen" onto where the external display would be. However, my display continues to say "No DP signal detected. Entering powersave in 4 minutes." I'm also able to "gather windows" in the Display Settings in System Preferences. Here I can see and adjust available resolutions of the external display. I can even see the display named as Dell 27 S2721DGF.

I'm wondering if this has to do with the fact the monitor's DP input is DP 1.4 and the mac is not compatible with that?

I know the cable works (Mini-DP to DP) because I am typing this response on a MS Surface connected to the monitor mentioned.

Any help or advise would be appreciated! Thank you,

Teddy

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 1:40 PM

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Answer 1

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Teddy Sandoval Author

Level 1

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Nov 8, 2021 11:18 AM in response to Teddy Sandoval

SOLVED

Ok I was correct. The DisplayPort on the early 2014 MacBook Air is not compatible with the latest DP 1.4 on the S2721DGF monitor. I returned the monitor and ordered the Dell S2722DGM which uses DP 1.2. My early 2014 MacBook Air perfectly supports 1440p at 60Hz via a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adaptor, and then using the displayport cable supplied with the monitor. I have no need for DisplayPort 1.4 at this time as my only two machines are the early 2014 MacBook air (1440p 60Hz), an Xbox Series X (1440p, 120Hz), and potentially in the new year an M1 MacBook air (1440p, 165Hz). The monitor maintains the maximum spec of the previous monitor (2560 x 1440 at 165 Hz) while offering greater compatibility. For this reason, I would recommend the S2722DGF over the S2721DGF. There is no reason the S2721DGF should have the DP 1.4 given its maximum output.

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Answer 2

Bryan_K1

Community Specialist

Oct 27, 2021 11:10 AM in response to Teddy Sandoval

Hello Teddy Sandoval,

We see that you're having trouble connecting your Mac to an external display.

As this only seems to be happening with this specific display, you'll want to reach out to Dell directly to look in to this. They'll be best to provide you with and available steps for troubleshooting that.

Take care!

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Answer 3

Oct 27, 2021 12:12 PM in response to Bryan_K1

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the message. I think there is a compatibility issue between the mac's age and this new monitor. It connects without fault to a 2020 Macbook air via USB-C to HDMI cord.

I think there is a compatibility issue between the 1.4 Displayport on the monitor and whatever the 2014 Macbook Air outputs from its Thunderbolt/mini DisplayPort.

Dell has advised they don't know of any compatibility issues. I know the macbook's of this time were very particular as to how they output their maximum resolution. For example, they are limited to 1080p via HDMI.

Thanks again,

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Answer 4

Nov 1, 2021 8:06 AM in response to Teddy Sandoval

**UPDATE**

Hello,

I purchased a mini-display port to DisplayPort adaptor, and then used the DisplayPort cable that shipped with the monitor (which works flawlessly with other devices). I am now getting a similar issue. The monitor is just showing a black screen. However, on my mac, I can use the gather windows function in the display system preferences to see that the monitor is recognized and what supported resolutions are available.

I still believe there is compatibility issues between whatever DisplayPort (1.1/1.2?) is on the early 2014 Macbook air and the current standard of my monitor (1.4).

Any help would be appreciated... its very disappointing that this MacBook air which I know can support 1440p at 60Hz will not connect to this higher end monitor.

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Dell 27-inch Monitor - S2721DGF / Early 2014 Macbook Air

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