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ThunderBolt + External Monitor = Mounds of Woe

I posted this issue in another thread but since I'm seeing more issues I thought it best to create my own post.

I use an external monitor, connected using either HDMI or DVI. This monitor (an Ausus) works fine & has been working correctly attached to my old macbook.

With the new 2011 MBP, I can get the external monitor to work, but it exhibits strange behavior. It's difficult to make it the primary monitor using the normal macbook methods, and so I have resorted to just dimming my MBP display to zero (which I don't like having to do).

Once the external is running (either mirrored or as extended) it functions normally. However if the MBP display goes to sleep (or the MBP itself goes to sleep), the external will go black but remain on. When this happens I can no longer turn the external on/off or use any of the buttons on the display. It's frozen in this black "on" state. I have to remove the mini display adapter from the Thunderbolt port which makes the MBP screen primary again & I can then enter pass and wake the MBP up.

At first I thought I could turn the external off and access the controls once the mini display adapter was removed but this is no longer the case. Once it's in this "frozen" state the external won't do ANYTHING until I actually unplug the power cord.

This renders an external monitor on the new MBP's unusable. I reported this to Apple directly along with this post. I may call apple tech support when i have the time. Hopefully I won't have to return this lappie because overall I really like it, but no external monitor is not cool.

I would love to hear if anyone else is having this issue or has any ideas for a fix.

13" macbook pro (early 2011), Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 7, 2011 5:42 PM

164 replies

entropic23 Author

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May 5, 2011 10:55 AM in response to MaxHedrm

Grrr. Just installed the Update 1.4 & EFI updates on my MBP & still no luck.

Dagnabbit! I was gonna post here to let ppl know that update was supposed to address this problem, but looks like it's not completely fixed.

Anyone else still seeing this prob after the .4 update? I'm working with an HDMI + ASUS combo that doesn't have the issue, and I don't have time right now to test my other monitors.

May 5, 2011 11:29 AM in response to entropic23

Didn't work for me before and doesn't work for me after the updates either.

I have Apple MDP > DVI. Tried to a Samsung monitor and an older Apple Cinema Display, both don't work. I ordered a MDP > VGA, since my Samsung monitor has VGA input also, hope that works.

May 5, 2011 11:35 AM in response to Vidmaster

Vidmaster wrote:

Didn't work for me before and doesn't work for me after the updates either.

I have Apple MDP > DVI. Tried to a Samsung monitor and an older Apple Cinema Display, both don't work. I ordered a MDP > VGA, since my Samsung monitor has VGA input also, hope that works.

Hey !

The update did not change anything for me either.

I used a Samsung monitor and a MDP to VGA cable 😢

It's really a shame that apple can't even make its OS work properly : contrary to Windows, Os X is only designed for a few computers, and as manufacturers, they know exactly how these computers work ! My macbook pro costed me a lot, and now i can't even use the professional monitor i bought for photo-editing on photoshop ! 😠

ave01

Level 1

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May 5, 2011 12:51 PM in response to entropic23

Just updated with the new MBP update 1.4 & EFI update.....

Connected my MBP 13" to a Samsung SyncMaster 2033 using Griffin's MDP -> DVI adapter

but still no picture on the display!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable!!!!

It's really unbelievable that Apple releases the MBP with such a bug....

It's like releasing an iPhone with reception problems! who would do that?

BTW, when using boot-camp with Windows 7 installed it works great!

but hey, I didn't buy MBP to use freaking windows!!!!!!!!!

So Apple, would you solve this issue already ?!!?!?!?!??!!??$%$%$%!!!?!?!

VGhost

Level 1

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May 5, 2011 1:15 PM in response to entropic23

I've bought a new iMac yesterday and guess what? thunderbolt to vga connection to my samsung projector does not work. The projector works perfectly with my old 2007 Macbook Pro. I have installed the updates this morning, hoping they will fix but no luck.

I have a remark though, normally when I connect dvi to vga cable in my macbook pro the computer immediately reacts by changing the resolution or even if it does not change the resolution you would see the screen go off for a moment and come back. I have seen this reaction in newer macbook pros as well. When I connect the mini displayport cable nothing happens.

Is this the case with you as well?

May 5, 2011 1:20 PM in response to VGhost

I have a remark though, normally when I connect dvi to vga cable in my macbook pro the computer immediately reacts by changing the resolution or even if it does not change the resolution you would see the screen go off for a moment and come back. I have seen this reaction in newer macbook pros as well. When I connect the mini displayport cable nothing happens.

Is this the case with you as well?

Yes, I have exactly the same reaction on my early 2011 Macbook Pro : when i connect the computer to the monitor, it goes blue and then back to normal after a sec.

I even managed to make it work perfectly the first time I connected my mac to my monitor. Sadly I can't find a way to make this happen again 😟

entropic23 Author

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May 5, 2011 1:36 PM in response to entropic23

In an effort to be thorough, I thought I would say to make sure you check software update after installing the .4 update... There's an EFI Firmware update that addresses TB... And while it didn't work for ave01 it may help someone.

entropic23 Author

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May 5, 2011 1:44 PM in response to VGhost

I have a remark though, normally when I connect dvi to vga cable in my macbook pro the computer immediately reacts...

...Is this the case with you as well?

Actually no. For me, on each of my monitors something different happens, but something happens. It may be a flashing blue screen, or the lappy display goes black etc. I've never had nothing happen. I can't recall reading that either, but don't hold me to that. Read through this thread and see if it came up. Either way MAKE SURE to call apple tech and report your issue and let 'em know the .4 & firmware updates didn't resolve the issue.

In other news, I have to agree with some of the some of the criticism above. I was surprised this issue happened at all & I'm continually amazed that it has remained unfixed for so long.

May 5, 2011 2:18 PM in response to entropic23

For me, on each of my monitors something different happens, but something happens. It may be a flashing blue screen, or the lappy display goes black etc. I've never had nothing happen.

Have you tried plugin in the DVI to whatever adaptator you have, without turning on the screen ?

For me, the same thing happens whether my Samsung SyncMaster F2380 is on or off : my screen turns blue and goes back to normal 1 sec later.

Seeing that black screen all day (working perfectly with my windows netbook) is really frustrating.

VGhost

Level 1

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May 5, 2011 2:22 PM in response to Elliot Guillaume

Yes, I have tried plugin without turning on the projector, also without the projector, it doesn't do anything...

I will take it to the apple store tomorrow, it is so annoying to have a problem like that on the first day!

entropic23 Author

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May 5, 2011 2:37 PM in response to Elliot Guillaume

Hey Elliot-

I'm not sure which monitor you're referring to... One thing I do know is I DON'T like this new apple forums layout…

Anyway, sorry for the digression. I've tried pretty much every configuration. Monitor on/off different adapters etc etc. Every monitor seems to give a different result... My guess is that this is why it's not fixed yet...

And I'm with ya on the frustration. Luckily I've got a setup working (HDMI + an ASUS monitor) but I've got a bevy of other monitors looking very very lonely and getting a setup to work is a total crapshoot. Besides, who wants to buy a new freaking monitor because apple/IBM didn't get their wunderport working before release?!? Aargh!

entropic23 Author

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May 5, 2011 2:42 PM in response to VGhost

@VGhost

I will take it to the apple store tomorrow, it is so annoying to have a problem like that on the first day!

Personally I wouldn't waste my time (this is a known issue and has happened to me on two different 2011 MBPs), but by all means do it if you feel so inclined.

However, what I would absolutely do, is call apple tech and make your problem known to them. But if you do go and visit a "genius" drop back here and update us if anything positive results.

johnl927

Level 3

594 points

May 5, 2011 4:01 PM in response to entropic23

Hey Guys:

I recently purchased my 2011 MBP 13" and a generic Mini-Display-> DVI adapter (Dynex) $18.00 bucks from best buy and have it hooked up to my 19 inch monitor, I have no issues whats so ever except sometimes I have to detach the MDP adapter to the DVI cable to get it sync properly ( maybe once a month ). Hope you guys figure out what the problem is on your end.

VGhost

Level 1

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May 6, 2011 4:34 AM in response to entropic23

Update:

I have tried to connect with my roommate's monitor and it worked! The catch is, the mini displayport to vga cable I bought was faulty and with his cable everything is working perfectly... I'll just go and replace the cable!

May 6, 2011 9:31 AM in response to VGhost

VGhost wrote:

Update:

I have tried to connect with my roommate's monitor and it worked! The catch is, the mini displayport to vga cable I bought was faulty and with his cable everything is working perfectly... I'll just go and replace the cable!

I'm glad you managed to make it work !

But speaking for myself, my external monitor works perfectly in Bootcamp, so it means that there's no hardware problem : the problem comes from mac OS.

I should call Apple's French customer service, but sadly I have no credit 😢

ThunderBolt + External Monitor = Mounds of Woe