GuinnJ
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Mini Display port works for HDMI but not VGA/DVI

Hello,

 

My name is Justin and I have a 2010 model Macbook pro that I purchased used in early 2015 (Model# A1286 - MacBook Pro 15-Inch, Mid 2010). I am having what seems to be a strange issue.

 

System Version: OS X 10.10.2

 

While using my Thunderbolt port I noticed that I can only get it to recognize an additional display if I am using an HDMI adapter, VGA/DVI renders zero results. I've confirmed that it is not an adapter issue by switching multiple adapters across multiple Mac's that work perfectly each time. However, plugging a known working VGA/DVI adapter to my Macbook comes up blank. Again, my HDMI adapter works great, but not VGA/DVI.

 

My Thunderbolt system report shows: "Thunderbolt: No hardware was found."

 

Is anyone familiar with a similar problem? Software/Hardware Related? I haven't research to see how exactly that port functions but I'd assume it's a single chip.

 

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

 

-Justin

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Sep 9, 2015 7:54 AM

Close
GuinnJ

Q: Mini Display port works for HDMI but not VGA/DVI

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Sep 9, 2015 7:58 AM in response to GuinnJ
    Level 6 (15,398 points)
    Sep 9, 2015 7:58 AM in response to GuinnJ

    I don't think the 2010 Macbook Pro has a thunderbolt port. I think it has a mini display port.

  • by GuinnJ,

    GuinnJ GuinnJ Sep 9, 2015 8:07 AM in response to BobTheFisherman
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 9, 2015 8:07 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

    You are correct. Please excuse my poor verbiage.

     

    That explains the no hardware detected. Any ideas on the display issue in regards to the Mini Display Port?

  • by Johnb-one,

    Johnb-one Johnb-one Sep 9, 2015 9:48 AM in response to GuinnJ
    Level 4 (1,891 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 9, 2015 9:48 AM in response to GuinnJ

    I think it has to be active or Dual-Link (depending on the screen size you have) for dvi-D, maybe vga too??

    the max resolution is 2560x1600 on the 2nd display. you may have to turn on mirroring in display preferences......just a guess

    about the only other thing I could suggest is update your MacBook Pro to 10.10.5 and see if that solves your problem

    John b

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Sep 9, 2015 10:06 AM in response to GuinnJ
    Level 9 (61,033 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 9, 2015 10:06 AM in response to GuinnJ

    Now look up what the system report says for Graphics & Displays and report that.

     

    What Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter is in use?

     

    What display are you attaching it to, and what is the display's maximum resolution?

     

    have you made certain that the adapter is inserted into the Mini DisplayPort on the computer so that essentially ALL of the metal-end of the adapter is inside the jack? sometimes you have to push a bit.

     

    Is this the MacBook Pro 6,2 model?

  • by GuinnJ,

    GuinnJ GuinnJ Sep 9, 2015 10:09 AM in response to Johnb-one
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 9, 2015 10:09 AM in response to Johnb-one

    Thank you John, mirroring is turned on.

     

    I've been hitting "Remind Me Later" for a while now. I'll get it updated and see if it makes a difference.

  • by GuinnJ,

    GuinnJ GuinnJ Sep 9, 2015 10:45 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 9, 2015 10:45 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Grant,

     

    Graphics/Display report reads as follow:


    Intel HD Graphics:

      Chipset Model: Intel HD Graphics

      Type: GPU

      Bus: Built-In

      VRAM (Total): 288 MB

      VRAM (Dynamic, Max): 10

      Vendor: Intel (0x8086)

      Device ID: 0x0046

      Revision ID: 0x0018

      gMux Version: 1.9.21

     

    NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M:

      Chipset Model: NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M

      Type: GPU

      Bus: PCIe

      PCIe Lane Width: x16

      VRAM (Total): 256 MB

      Vendor: NVIDIA (0x10de)

      Device ID: 0x0a29

      Revision ID: 0x00a2

      ROM Revision: 3560

      gMux Version: 1.9.21

     

      Displays:

    Color LCD:

      Display Type: LCD

      Resolution: 1440 x 900

      Pixel Depth: 32-Bit Color (ARGB8888)

      Main Display: Yes

      Mirror: Off

      Online: Yes

      Built-In: Yes

     

    I've used everything from cheap knock-offs to apple certified adapters.

     

    I have tried multiple displays. A 24" Dell LCD, a 47" Vizio LCD TV, a MacPro (Unsure on model number), and an Indigo GrassValley Production Switcher. I'm not sure what the max resolution is on all of these but I know that they work on other Macs and also work on mine using HDMI.

     

    Yes, I have made certain that the adapters are plugged in all the way on both ends. Solid connection - if I push any harder it'll break!

     

    Yes, this is the MacBook Pro 6,2 model

  • by GuinnJ,

    GuinnJ GuinnJ Sep 9, 2015 10:54 AM in response to GuinnJ
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 9, 2015 10:54 AM in response to GuinnJ

    Would like to add that I just updated the firmware in my Macs Mini Display Port:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201158

     

    As soon as I get back to my adapter I will test to see if it worked and advise.