Converting HDMI to DisplayPort for higher resolution on older display

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Converting HDMI to DisplayPort for higher resolution on older display

There are quite a few 3rd party displays that do not support HDMI resolutions above 1080p (1920x1080).

I'm trying to use a Dell U2713HM (2560x1440) display with my 2015 MacBook. The Dell U2713HM maxes out its HDMI input at 1920x1080 (1080p) and confirmed it won't go above 1080p using the USB-C Apple AV Adapter.

The display also has DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA inputs which support the screen's optimal 2560x1440 resolution.

I ruled out VGA because Apple's VGA adapter for the 2015 MacBook will not support resolutions above 1080p, and in my experience, 1600x900 is the highest resolution I can run this Dell display without crazy system instability.

Does anyone know what I need to buy to preserve the 4K HDMI capability of the MacBook 12" using the USB-C AV adapter and convert it to DisplayPort to get the 2560x1440 (above 1080p) resolution?

MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Jun 9, 2015 7:35 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 18, 2015 6:44 AM in response to John Swords

I don't think it's possible to simply convert hdmi to displayport, but a simple hdmi->dvi adapter should work fine.

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Answer 2

Jul 6, 2015 12:34 AM in response to John Swords

I'm also very interested in an answer to this question. The new Macbook's USB-C is a pain in the butt for people who want high resolution (e.g. 4k) monitors at 60Hz or above.

Here is what I've been able to gather so far:

OPTION 1: Use the digital AV adapter and stuck at 30Hz refresh rate (4K resolution). This is not acceptable for me.

OPTION 2: Buy a USB-C to miniDP / DP adapter. Google supposedly used to sell this, but I can't find it been sold anywhere. This also has the problem of not able to charge while connected to external monitor, which is not acceptable.

OPTION 3: Get a 2560 x 1440 monitor and try to drive it with HDMI at 60Hz. This should be possible in theory since HDMI 1.3 and 1.4 both support it. This is the route I'm considering taking, but not sure if this will actually work or not... Anyone had success with this?

OPTION 4: Get Macbook Pro...

Would appreciate anyone weighing in on this!

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