macOS Sierra External Display Scaling Problems

Question

Level 1

16 points

macOS Sierra External Display Scaling Problems

After updating from ElCapitan to Sierra, crucial display scaling options (in System Preferences/Displays) were lost. Sierra allows me to run the display at its native resolution (3840x2160 px), however, the highest HiDPI (high-resolution) scaling option available is 1920x1080 (1080p), which leaves contents far too large. High-resolution scaling to 2560x1440 is no longer available; only the (blurry) low-resolution option can be selected.

Scaling to 2560x1440 HiDPI (or 3008x1692 HiDPI) was available under ElCapitan. Identical workstations not updated to Sierra (running ElCapitan) still offer the desired scaling options, suggesting that this is an OS problem rather than a hardware issue.

I already filed a bug report under ID 31012468.

Is there any known solution to the problem? Will this be addressed in the next release of macOS Sierra (10.12.4)?

FYI: I could not solve this issue with SwitchResX.

Hardware:

- Retina-MacBook Pro (late 2013, applies to 13" and 15" models)

- Dell UP3216Q, 31.5", 3840x2160px

connected via Thunderbolt port to monitor's DP1.2, high-quality cable:

https://www.amazon.com/Accell-B143B-007J-UltraAV-DisplayPort-Locking/dp/B00A7R9I 22

Software:

macOS Sierra (10.12.3)

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), Dell UP3216Q

Posted on Mar 21, 2017 2:30 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

appleman888

Level 2

274 points

Mar 22, 2017 12:48 AM in response to Hydrochoerus

From macOS Sierra: Adjust your display’s resolution:

Set the resolution for a connected display

If you have more than one display, additional resolution options are available.

After the display is connected, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Displays, then click Display.

Press the Option key while you click Scaled to see additional resolutions for the second display. Then select a scaled resolution option for the second display.

See if point 2 works.

Max

🙂

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Answer 2

Hydrochoerus Author

Level 1

16 points

Mar 23, 2017 6:52 AM in response to appleman888

Hi Max,

Thank you for replying. I have tried this, but the scaling options I am looking for were not listed in Sierra. Yesterday I got a chance to test my Dell 4k display with a much older MacBook Pro (Late 2012), which is still running El Capitan. As you can see from the screenshots below, the scaling options I am looking for are available under El Capitan. The HiDPI rendering at 2560x1440 is flawless and quite spectacular. Why wouldn't Sierra get me there?

Thanks again,

Tom

PS: This is what I have tried to solve the problem, so far without success ...

- holding down the Option key while selecting "Scaled"

- restart of computer and monitor (tested open and clamshell modes)

- switched mDP-to-DP1.2 cable to a high-qualtity Accell option

- SwitchResX (custom resolution/scaling after inactivating SIP)

- .plist edits (with SIP disabled)

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Answer 3

Hydrochoerus Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 1, 2017 5:23 AM in response to Hydrochoerus

Unfortunately, the scaling problem was not addressed in the most recent macOS Sierra update (10.12.4). This week I could get in touch with Apple Engineering via Apple Support (which was really helpful). It turns out that Apple does not support this monitor anymore and there is no solution in sight. I really liked the UP3216Q under the old macOS (El Capitan), but with Sierra there is simply no way to make it work. I returned the monitor yesterday.

My conclusion: the Dell UP3216Q is a spectacular screen at native resolution, but do not purchase this monitor if you want to scale to resolutions greater than 1920x1080 (HiDPI) while using macOS Sierra.

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Answer 4

Apr 30, 2017 1:52 PM in response to Hydrochoerus

This is such a shame. Apple really needs to get it together regarding issues like this. A system update literally removed functionality. I've reported this as a bug, but really hoping a fix happens. I'm using a Dell P2715Q display.

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Answer 5

ratzfatz

Level 1

19 points

Jul 29, 2017 11:14 PM in response to mattcastillo

I just found this thread and have solved the problem this way:

http://www.mathewinkson.com/2013/03/force-rgb-mode-in-mac-os-x-to-fix-the-pictur e-quality-of-an-external-monitor

I have an AOC U3277FWQ performing without flaws under Sierra 10.12.6 with all custom resolutions, including 3008 x 1692 @ 60 Hz. I hope this helps.

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Answer 6

tlenoo

Level 1

4 points

Aug 11, 2017 7:51 AM in response to Hydrochoerus

I had exactly the same problem with Benq GW2765. I tried all the options mentioned above - except trying to fight with the script thing. It was just a little bit too much for me. I was about to downgrading to El Capitain.

Before doing that I decided to give Apple a chance - I upgraded to Sierra 10.12.6. And guess what?!
It worked - I have my resolution back!!! I guess they finally fixed this bug in Sierra - anyway, upgrading to latest osx does the trick.

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Answer 7

DrSal

Level 1

4 points

Oct 16, 2017 4:45 PM in response to Hydrochoerus

Hi Hydrochoerus,

After updating to Sierra, I lost my HiDPI resolutions with my MacBook Pro Retina 15" (Late 2013) and a Sony TV 42W800. I found this nifty program called "Resolutionator" which allowed my to access those HiDPI settings.

Btw, did your monitor output at 60Hz? I am thinking about purchasing this monitor.

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Answer 8

Nov 22, 2017 3:29 AM in response to appleman888

Apple should just let you custom stretch the screen like windows does.

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