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MacPro mid 2012 2 x Samsung A850 Mini displayport won't display native 2560x1440

Hi folks,

Just got my 2 x Samsung monitors and I have 1 using the DVI connection and the other plugged into the Mini Displayport using an Apple Mini Displayport to DVI adapter. The second monitor won't go over 1080p.


So, googling a bit throws up the Apple Dual Link adapter for $100. Is this the only solution to enable higher res from the minidisplay port? It has some pretty awful feedback.


What about a Mini Displayport to HDMI? Would that support the higher res? Or are there any alternatives to the Apple active converter?


Thanks!

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1)

Posted on Aug 27, 2012 7:07 AM

Reply
5 replies

Aug 27, 2012 9:26 AM in response to Gr1f

Atlona (Dual Link) DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter for Apple 27-inch LED and 27-inch iMac

http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-Dual-Link-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-USB-Pow ered.html


Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3382


Mac Pro (Early 2009), Mac Pro (Mid 2010), Mac Pro (Mid 2012): Issues with three displays and multiple DVI, HDMI connections


It's not the USB data that is needed to run three displays. It's the extra POWER. If you read the Apple article, they say the only solution they endorse is their US$100 Dual-Link adapters. Check the table at the end of the article.

Mac Pro (Early 2009), Mac Pro (Mid 2010): Supported display configurations


Readers here have found that if you have two Brand-X Powered adapters, aka active adapters, it also works fine. These do not always require another USB. If designed recently, they can pick up a power pin in the Mini DisplayPort interface.


AMD (makers of the 5770 and 5870) lists the qualified POWERED adapters that meet their most stringent requirements. Look down the page and you will find several qualified Active Mini DisplyPort to various others, such as HDMI. These adapters are available from other outlets, such as Amazon, sometimes for far less than the Apple adapters.


http://support.amd.com/us/eyefinity/Pages/eyefinity-dongles.aspx


The other desktop monitor will plug directly into the DVI port on the card and the 40 inch tv will still connect via HDMI over the second Mini Display port.


That will work only if you use an active Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.


The only (someone) have found to work (2009)

http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/337561577/miniactive_display_port_tohdmi.html

but you should confirm that they are really active before buying 500 of them.


You can connect a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable to an active Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter but that won't give you any audio over HDMI. You could connect the DVI displays to the Mini DisplayPorts with active adapters and use a DVI to HDMI cable or adapter from the DVI port to the TV.


If you want audio via HDMI, you can use audio from the Mac Pro's optical output with this DVI to HDMI converter:

http://www.apogeeinc.net/products/item.aspx?item=2745


Discussion: Using three ports.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2734984

Aug 29, 2012 4:16 PM in response to Gr1f

Allrighty then....

So, went and brought a mini Displayport to Displayport 'cable' (6ft) and I can confirm that is supports the 2560x1440 res on my second monitor. In my original post I incorrectly thought the Displayport connection on the monitor was a HDMI.


Happy days....

MacPro mid 2012 2 x Samsung A850 Mini displayport won't display native 2560x1440

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