Can my Early-2011 Macbook Pro support dual DisplayPort monitors?

Question

Can my Early-2011 Macbook Pro support dual DisplayPort monitors?

I have an Early-2011 Macbook Pro that Apple states can support two Apple Thunderbolt displays in series (http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5219) but I can't find any information on running two DisplayPort displays in series. I assume that Thunderbolt uses DisplayPort 1.2 which includes the link capabilities but I am not sure as I don't really understand the difference between DP and TB that well.

The displays I would be looking at using are the Dell U2414H (http://accessories.ap.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=au&cs=aubsd1&l=en&s=bsd& sku=391-BBNC&redirect=1) which have DP in and out options.

Does anyone know if this will be possible? I don't really have a way to test this myself unfortunately.

Cheers.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), Early-2011

Posted on Jan 5, 2014 3:58 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,502 points

Jan 5, 2014 4:03 PM in response to chris.watt.mx

It should support it. Part of the problem of the early 2011 MacBook Pro is they are the first to have Thunderbolt. This means some older adapters not familiar with Thunderbolt differences may not work properly. Check with Apple which adapters to use.

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Answer 2

Jan 5, 2014 4:56 PM in response to a brody

I figure as much as well but I can't find information on what version of DisplayPort it actually supports via the Thunderbolt port as I need at least 1.2 to get it to run multiple displays.

I wouldn't need any adapters as it would be form the Thunderbolt port on my Macbook Pro to the DisplayPort In on the monitor, then the second display would go from the 1st monitors DisplayPort Out to the seconds DisplayPort In.

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Answer 3

Mar 20, 2014 1:45 AM in response to chris.watt.mx

I'm curious if you got this configuration working as I'd like to use the same setup (early 2011 MacBook Pro 17" + dual Dell U2414H through daisy chaining the MacBook Pro Thunderbolt port through the monitor displayports).

Apple says you can only have a DisplayPort monitor (Mini Display Port in this case), at the end of the chain, with a Thunderbolt device in between. I'm hoping this is either outdated or just not fully supported but still works.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5219

23. How do I connect my Mini DisplayPort monitor or monitor using a Mini DisplayPort adapter to my Thunderbolt-equipped Mac when I have other Thunderbolt devices connected?

When connecting a Mini DisplayPort display or a display using a Mini DisplayPort adapter to a Thunderbolt peripheral (except as described in question 24), make sure the display is connected at the end of the Thunderbolt chain. You can use only one Mini DisplayPort device in the Thunderbolt chain.

Note: Systems with more than one Thunderbolt port, like an iMac, can have more than one Mini DisplayPort monitor or monitor connected with a Mini DisplayPort adapter connected as each Thunderbolt port can support one Mini DisplayPort display.

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Answer 4

RcNorth

Level 1

20 points

Apr 15, 2014 7:19 PM in response to chris.watt.mx

I found this link http://zitseng.com/archives/4048 that says the 2011 Macbook Pro supports Displayport version 1.2. This means that you should be able to daisy chain 2 of Dell U2414H monitors.

If the monitors are connected via the Thunderbolt/mini displayport Port on the Macbook does that mean that the USB 3.0 hubs on the monitors will also be attached to the computer?

Please keep us posted on what you find.

Thanks

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Answer 5

lolocks

Level 1

0 points

May 1, 2014 2:46 PM in response to chris.watt.mx

Hi, chris.watt.mx

I have the same doubt....

do you found a solution ?

Thanks

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