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Dell U4919DW / MacBook pro 5k issue

Hi,


I have just purchased the Dell U4919DW monitor to use with my early 2018 MacBook Pro 13", but unfortunately I cannot choose full resolution 5120x1440 in the settings, max is 3840x1080. I have tried the app SwitchResX to manually set the 5k resolution without luck, only scaled.


From this link I read about my MacBook before purchasing the screen that:

"this model supports a maximum resolution up to 4096x2304 at 60 Hz at millions of colors on two external displays or a single external display at a maximum resolution up to 5120x2880 at 60 Hz at over a billion colors via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)."

MacBook Pro "Core i5" 3.1 13" Touch/Mid-2017 Specs (Mid-2017 13" (Touch Bar), MPXV2LL/A*, MacBookPro14,2, A1706, 3163): …


My MacBook Pro has 4 USB-C ports, I'm using the left ones which operate at full speed (right ones are reduced).


Why can't I get full 5k resolution? Is it an issue with the MacBook, the connection, the screen or perhaps an iOS issue?


Additional links with information on the screen:

https://www.dell.com/support/article/dk/da/dkdhs1/sln314416/dell-u4919dw-system- requirements-and-supported-configuration…

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln314339/dell-u4919dw-monitor-usa ge-and-troubleshooting-guide?lang=en#Usi…

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-49-curved-monitor-u4919dw/apd/21 0-arnw/monitors-monitor-accessories

MacBook Pro TouchBar and Touch ID, iOS 12.1

Posted on Nov 21, 2018 11:09 PM

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682 replies

Jul 10, 2020 6:43 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:
When you use Picture BY Picture in conjunction with Arrangement on the Mac, the two screens are connected at the virtual "seam" between them and work completely as one. The mouse moves freely across the "seam" and you can park a window half on each display -- filling as much or as little of each display as you like. when you scroll that window, it will scroll "the right way".

Oh so I could also "split" the screen in 3 windows - left, middle, right? If so, what's the difference between this workaround and the "real deal" using it as one screen with the full resolution?


But yes on older MacBook Pro this requires two cables. At this writing, it continues to be thought of as a deficit in the graphics chips used -- the 2020 models [four ThunderBolt ports] with more advanced graphics chips have no problems. No one knows whether Apple will release software that can work around the issue. It may not be possible.

Huh, I thought Mister_Highping got it working with his MacBook 2018 on Big Sur (see screenshot he posted on june 26th)? Plus I thought I read that on a Windows installed on an older MacBook it's working too. That's why I was sure it was a software issue. Is that wrong?


There is no way to know for certain whether Big Sur will make anything "better" in this regard. My advice: "Don't bank on it, until Big Sur is released."

****. I really like the Dell and the 49" curved screens in general. Do you know if it's the same issue with all of them? e.g. the Samsung C49RG94SSU or the LG 49WL95C-W?

Jul 11, 2020 4:33 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:
You would be Using "Extended Desktop" and the Arrange pane to create a large extended desktop from two virtual screens side-by side on the existing Display, run by two cables. Then you can open as many windows and place them wherever you want on that "Extended Desktop"

Ah okay, I get it. So with this workaround I can't emulate using three screens and put e.g. a browser in the middle of the screen because I can only put a window either on the "left screen" or on the "right screen" but a window can't span both screens in the middle. What a pity.


I really like the Dell and the 49" curved screens in general. Do you know if it's the same issue with all of them? e.g. the Samsung C49RG94SSU or the LG 49WL95C-W?


And does anyone use a 49" curved screen in the 3840x1080 resolution? Is it okay to use?

Jul 11, 2020 6:35 AM in response to olikars

<<So with this workaround I can't emulate using three screens and put e.g. a browser in the middle of the screen because I can only put a window either on the "left screen" or on the "right screen" but a window can't span both screens in the middle. >>


Practically speaking, that is NOT correct.


You can open three WINDOWS and place them in any positions across the ENTIRE Extended Desktop, INCLUDING as many as you like split across the virtual "seam" between the displays. You can create three short windows the full width of the Extended Desktop, and stack all of them across the "seam". Or you can create one to the left, one across the center, and one toward the right. But NOT "split screen" -- that term means something else.


Or you can create one Enormous Window and have it take up almost all the available space. But with Extended desktop, "Full Screen" setting is not useful, and the MenuBar stays on one display.

Jul 11, 2020 9:23 AM in response to JeanLuc7

JeanLuc7 wrote:

You are welcome! But I am JeanLuc, not Grant :-)

These Snap Apps work well, but of course they determine the big screen as two monitors. So snapping either works on the left or the right side. If you really need an app covering the whole screen, you have to resize the window manually.

Haha, I actually wanted to thank Grant for his detailed and helpful answers but of course thank you too for your insight and help!


Okay, so that's the main thing (at least for me) that doesn't work as well compared to connect the Dell with only one cable and use it as one screen. I can't snap windows in the middle of the screen because that would span over the two virtual screens. In a "3 windows side by side" setup then I could snap the left and the right window in a predefined area but the middle one I'd have to resize manually. I think I got it now.

Dell U4919DW / MacBook pro 5k issue

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