Can't get full resolution of 27" LED screen + MacBookPro

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Can't get full resolution of 27" LED screen + MacBookPro

I don't get the full resolution of my secondary screen. In fact the resolution is even less than the one of screen of the connected MacBookPro. What is the problem? My settings are a Samsung S27B970D LED screen (resolution: 2560 x 1440 px) connected to a MacBookPro 17" model 2010 (screen resolution: 1920x1200px). I tried several DVI cables plus different adapters, but no change. I tried to find the solution in the system settings of the Mac and the screen, but nothing. I had no problem with my NEC 24" screen and I'm really surprised about the fact that the 27" Samsung allows only a blurry resolution of ~1600 x 900. I'm so disappointed. Is it possible that the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB is the problem?

Any help very much appreciated!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 2,66GHz Intel Core 8GB 1067 MHz Ram

Posted on Dec 9, 2012 8:27 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 9, 2012 3:35 PM in response to typogretel

Be sure mirroring is disabled in the Arrangement tab of Displays system preference,

Are you sure you are using a dual-link DVI cable? You can't always tell be the number of pins in the connectors. Some single-link DVI cables use dual-link connectors. A single-link cable won't let you use resolutions greater than 1920x1200.

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Answer 2

typogretel Author

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Dec 9, 2012 11:55 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

mirroring is disabled and the DVI cable is a dual-link one for sure.

Cable and settings worked with other sreens very well (Nec 24").
Only the Samsung 27" LED shows a smaller resolution than the one of the MacBookPro - means less than 1920x1200pxIf I change from "optimized" to "scaled" I have no larger resolution in the list I could pick.
My settings are German, but I think It's still understandable as the menues are the same.

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Answer 3

Dec 10, 2012 12:28 AM in response to typogretel

What adapter are you using? For full resolution with DVI you need a dual-link adapter, such as

<http://store.apple.com/de/product/MB571Z/A/mini-displayport-auf-dual-link-dvi-ad apter>

Even better, if the computer has Mini DisplayPort and the display has DisplayPort, use a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.

<http://eu.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/DisplayPort/6-ft-Mini-DisplayPort-to-D isplayPort-Adapter-Cable-Male-to-Male~MDP2DPMM6>

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Answer 4

typogretel Author

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Dec 10, 2012 12:52 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hi Malcolm ... thanks a lot for taking the time to answer me!

Hmmm ... so maybe the adapter is the problem ...

I use the DVI dual-link cable with an Apple DVI->mini displayport adapter

(http://store.apple.com/de/product/MB570Z/B/mini-displayport-auf-dvi-adapter?fnod e=53)

The Sceen has a "DP IN", so maybe I should try a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable?

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Answer 5

Dec 10, 2012 12:58 AM in response to typogretel

That is a single-link adapter and can't run greater than 1920x1200. Get a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. There are several companies that make them.

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