Resolution problem with Dell U2711 and MBP Retina. Please help!

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Resolution problem with Dell U2711 and MBP Retina. Please help!

Hi,

I have connected my Dell U2711 to MBP retina via HDMI but the max resolution available is only 1080p.

This particular HDMI cable can support the Dell's max resolution as it worked perfectly when connected to my Sony VAIO.

I have tried holding the "Option" key whilst selecting "Scaled" resolution, and whilst this does increase the number of available resolution options, the max remains 1080p.

I would be most grateful if someone could assist in resolving this issue - I was so looking forward to the high res glory of the Dell U2711 alongside my MBP retina in extended display mode! 1080p just doesn't do the U2711 justice.

Kind regards

bartman1652

MacBook Pro with Retina display, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Aug 1, 2012 8:09 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 3, 2012 8:48 AM in response to bartman1652

Same here, I'm afraid we might have to use DisplayPort...

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Answer 2

Aug 3, 2012 8:50 AM in response to bartman1652

I'm not 100% but I'm pretty sure that via HDMI output (through the DisplayPort), the maximum resolution is 1080p. I think for higher resolutions, such as that of your monitor and the Cinema Display, you have to output through the Thunderbolt/DisplayPort connector. Hopefully someone can confirm, but I'm 99% sure..

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Answer 3

Rudick

Level 1

65 points

Aug 3, 2012 8:53 AM in response to bartman1652

The HDMI port is for 1080P. The Thunderbolt ports can connect to the Dell monitor with higher resolution.

Use an adapter if necessary. DVI to Mini-display.

Cheers,

Barry Rudick

Houston, TX

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Answer 4

bartman1652 Author

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Aug 8, 2012 2:17 AM in response to bartman1652

Although HDMI 1.4 can handle up to 4k resolution, and it was able to achieve native resolution on the Dell with another laptop, I figured perhaps there may be a restriction on the port itself on the MBPR.

I tried mini-display port to HDMI adaptor and resolution still capped at 1080p.

Next I tried min-display port to DVI. Still no luck (max 1080p).

Finally I relented and purchased the ridiculously expensive mini-display port to dual-link DVI adaptor and hey presto it works. Full native resolution. Happy days.

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Answer 5

Aug 8, 2012 12:05 PM in response to bartman1652

Alas Bartman, you may have just spent $97 too much 🙂

I tried the ports and cables you mentioned, but the solution, aside from this ridiculously expensive Mini Display Port to Dual-Link DVI is actually simple, it's a Mini Display Port to DisplayPort cable. You can find some for $2, to be on the safe side I ordered the more expensive one, for $8. I just received it, it works perfectly, full native resolution.

http://amzn.com/B0034X6SCY

http://amzn.com/B002XVYZ82

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Answer 6

vincro

Level 1

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Sep 24, 2012 1:24 AM in response to Sebastien BARRE

I bought a 27" Dell monitor to work on with my new MacBook Pro Retina, and was also super peeved when I couldn't make it work at anything more than 1080p.

I tried everything from the HDMI, which apparently at firmware version 1.4 should be able to handle 2560 x 1440, to the Mini DisplayPort to DVI, and Mini DisplayPort to HDMI, using the Thunderbolt slots, which in and of itself was news to me. Who know Mini DP and Thunderbolt were related sockets?

Anyhow .... Finally ... Both with the news above, and the perserverence to find the ****** thing here in Singapore (I tried about 20 shops in the Funan Digital Mall) I found a MonoPrice Mini Display Port to DisplayPort ... and as soon I plugged it in, the 27" monitor came turned on at 2560 x 1440 ...

AMEN!

Thanks for the advice/help/tid bits guys and gals!

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Answer 7

vincro

Level 1

0 points

Sep 24, 2012 1:32 AM in response to vincro

Here's a link to the MonoPrice website. 75% less than mine, but at least I am a happy camper now =)

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10246

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Answer 8

Nov 30, 2012 3:23 AM in response to bartman1652

Can some one help?

anyone can tell me if you rotate the DELL screen to portrait, and then under the "display" preference rotate it to 90 degrees, does the DELL display at native resolution at full screen please??

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