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Q: 2008 3,1 MacPro  ATI HD5770 - New Monitor

Want to upgrade my monitor to a 27" WQHD 2560x1440... which my AMD ATI HD 5770 card should support, according to the specs.

 

My question deals with the ports... it has a DVI-D and 2 Mini Display ports. Will they both play WQHD?

 

And can I use an HDMI adapter if the monitor does not have DVI-D... or, do I need a DVI-D port on the monitor?

 

TKS

Mac Pro (Early 2008), Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jul 28, 2016 4:33 PM

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Q: 2008 3,1 MacPro  ATI HD5770 - New Monitor

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  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,Helpful

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jul 29, 2016 3:59 AM in response to mtnhome
    Level 9 (60,692 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 29, 2016 3:59 AM in response to mtnhome

    The 5770 can support up to an Apple 30-in cinema display (DVI at 2560 by 1600) from each of its three ports, or all at once if you like.  It may be able to go a bit higher, but not quite to what we consider 4K.

     

    The DVI is a Dual/Single-Link DVI, which can be directly and simply converted to 1920 by 1080p HDMI. Each mini DisplayPort can be converted simply and cheaply to 1920 by 1080p HDMI.

     

    But going higher using HDMI requires attention to absolutely every minute detail, special cables, special settings inside the display, limited distances, and other things we never think about. And you still run the risk that the resolution you seek is achievable, but only at 45Hz or 30Hz.

     

    DisplayPort (or its Mini variant) is where you should be looking for the best compatibility if you are buying new displays.

  • by mtnhome,

    mtnhome mtnhome Jul 29, 2016 4:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 29, 2016 4:31 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Thanks Grant. Very helpful!

     

    But before I lay out $400-500 on a WQHD monitor, just to confirm, buying a monitor with Display Ports, not Dual Link DVI-D ports, is more likely to get me to 2560 x 1440 rez?

     

    I had thought (mistakenly!) that DVI-D was considered the best shot to 2560 x 1440!

     

    My guess is that the Display Port on my Mac Pro 2008 is 1.0??

     

    As I read the specs newer monitors are 1.2 and 1.3.

     

    Will connecting my 1.0 Mac to a 1.2 - 1.3 monitor still give me the best shot at 2560 x 1440?

  • by lllaass,Helpful

    lllaass lllaass Jul 29, 2016 5:35 AM in response to mtnhome
    Level 10 (187,938 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 29, 2016 5:35 AM in response to mtnhome

    But before I lay out $400-500 on a WQHD monitor, just to confirm, buying a monitor with Display Ports, not Dual Link DVI-D ports, is more likely to get me to 2560 x 1440 rez?

    You can get 2560 x 1440 with either displayport/min displayport or dual-link DVI. Since link DVI only support 1920x1200. max. If the monitor only has dual-link DVI input and graphics card only has mini displayport you need an expensive ($99) dual-link mini displayport>DVI adopter

     

    I had thought (mistakenly!) that DVI-D was considered the best shot to 2560 x 1440!

     

    My guess is that the Display Port on my Mac Pro 2008 is 1.0??

    Yes, very very likely

     

    As I read the specs newer monitors are 1.2 and 1.3.

    Corrrect

     

    Will connecting my 1.0 Mac to a 1.2 - 1.3 monitor still give me the best shot at 2560 x 1440?

    I do not know what you mean by best shot. A DP/MDP video card output 1.0 will get you 2560 x 1440 on any monitor that supports 2560 x 1440, the DP/MDP of 1.0. 1.1 or 1.2 is not relevant for 2560 x 1440

  • by mtnhome,

    mtnhome mtnhome Jul 29, 2016 5:44 AM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 29, 2016 5:44 AM in response to lllaass

    Sounds like either the Dual Link DVI-D or the DisplayPort will take me to 2560 x 1440... just need to make sure the new monitor and Mac Pro are fully aligned with the same ports.

     

    I'm not thrilled about using an adapter... just more signal loss!

     

    BTW, do you know if my 2008 Mac can handle a 144htz 2560x1440 monitor.?

     

    Thanks!

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Jul 29, 2016 6:14 AM in response to mtnhome
    Level 10 (187,938 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 29, 2016 6:14 AM in response to mtnhome

    You asked:

    BTW, do you know if my 2008 Mac can handle a 144htz 2560x1440 monitor.?

     

    Ir can handle the monitor but may only display at 60 Hz