Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

How to display 2560x1080 on external monitor from MBP or MBA?

Is there any way to make MBP 17 (Intel HD and nVidia GT graphics, SnowLeo) or MBA 13 (Mountain Lion) display 2560x1080 on external monitor (LG 29" ultrawide)? My MacPro with RadeonX1900 card (10.5.8) does it perfectly but I cannot find a way to get the laptops to do it. Tried res. switching apps, still no good. Thanks.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jan 4, 2013 11:27 PM

Reply
110 replies

Apr 28, 2017 3:45 PM in response to Maucir

That's not correct. What you've listed are the resolutions supported on the built-in display. If you want to know what you can connect to it, it's further down the list. Here it is for your early-2015 model:


Graphics and Video Support

  • Intel HD Graphics 6000
  • Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
  • Thunderbolt digital video output
    • Native Mini DisplayPort output
    • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
    • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
    • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
    • HDMI audio and video output using third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately)

Jan 8, 2013 9:07 AM in response to jevzor

I had the same monitor LG 29EA93 and the only way I could get it to work was the older version of SwitchResX 3.8.6.


Using new macmini the best I could do was 2560x1080 @ 52Hz. Took a lot of tinkering with the setting but you just can't seam to get the full 60Hz otherwise screen goes out of range and you get a black screen. Even getting it to 52Hz was a struggle was easier sticking to 51Hz. Just go to custom setting hit + and change the bottom right Vertical Scan rate to 51Hz.


Sent the monitor back as it had over 22 stuck pixels, hoping that during this week’s CES they will finally release this monitor to the USA as the rest of the world have had it for months. Hopefully their quality control has also improved after all LG supply the Thunderbolt LED's to Apple with zero stuck pixels least they could do is the same when purchased direct.

Apr 21, 2013 5:08 AM in response to sharonarnold

It worked perfect for me. Maybe settings should be different for your laptops. In my case I'm using a MBP 15" with a GeForce 330M.


The monitor I have is the LG 29EA93 (21:9) @ 2560 x 1080.


Make sure you have exactly same values in Switch Res X. Special attention to "Scan rate".


You can see in the capture below that it's working 😉

User uploaded file


and, just in case, here you have the settings that worked for me 😉

User uploaded file


It might be also different for each video card...

Greetings!!

May 3, 2013 4:23 PM in response to jevzor

Well, the lastest version of SwitchResX works. all you need to do is following the screenshot above, but to change the 'Scale to' - > 'Vertical' to a number that defines the 'Pixel clock' to 159.84. you need to try the number around 41.XX-43.XX, then tab out of the box, and check. each video card in different pc/mac is different. trial and error is needed.

May 10, 2013 5:30 AM in response to jevzor

OK, I just tested the same cable (mini displayport to displayport cable by Startech) on 13" Air (mid 2011) which has a Thunderbold port and – it works. Flawless, 2560x1080 extended desktop on top of the native 1440x900. It is somewhat confusing as I thought mini display port and thunderbolt port are two different things but whatever... a cable that costs a few quid makes it all run nicely.

How to display 2560x1080 on external monitor from MBP or MBA?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.