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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

Nov 27, 2018 3:33 PM in response to MrADeveci

I am having the exact same issue as well - I am running a late 2016 13" MacBook Pro with the U4919DW. I initially tried USB-C, then after reading this thread just bought the Moshi USB-C to Displayport cable from the Apple Store - but am still getting the scaled 3840x1080 resolution as the maximum.


I have tried to play around with SwitchResX but cannot find a setting or a custom resolution that will make it work.


I did notice that if you go into the monitor menu and change the aspect ratio to 1:1, the clarity and resolution greatly improves, but it takes down the scale so the image only shows on about 75% of the monitor.


I called Dell Support but they directed me to Apple Support instead.


Very much looking forward to hearing what the senior advisor has to say!

Nov 28, 2018 12:34 PM in response to jkastan

Quick update FWIW:


This morning, I tried booting into my Windows 10 side of my late 2016 MBP via Bootcamp. I was pleasantly surprised that the monitor displayed the correct resolution without any scaling! (It looked incredible!)


This leads me to believe it is a Mac OS issue and not a Mac hardware or cable-specific issue...

Nov 28, 2018 12:34 PM in response to kanonendk

So, the plot thickens.


Senior Apple tech looked, took logs, tried several things and no use.


On another note, I plugged my 2018 Mac Mini into another Dell Monitor .... U2515 via HDMI and it showed 2560 x 1440


This is the first time I have seen 1440 being produced from my Mac Mini!! So now I'm suspecting that after all these different cables and ideas, the actual monitor may be at fault? I've submitted a ticket to Dell now about this as they were closed when I tried to call.


I'm hoping that this is a simple firmware update or otherwise this monitor will have to go back!

Nov 29, 2018 3:08 AM in response to MrADeveci

So I've also contacted Dell support and after going backwards and forwards with the usual troubleshooting procedures, this was their response :


I totally understand your concern, however, please be advised that the resolution will still depend on the system where your monitor is connected to. The monitor is still working as designed as it shows that the Mac mini's maximum resolution is 4096x2160 at 60Hz. In addition to that the monitor has its own resolution, your Mac mini and the monitor will meet half way for the screen resolution output.

Nov 29, 2018 12:01 PM in response to kanonendk

I am not sure if this has been mentioned in this discussion before.


Apple takes every display's reported EDID information quite literally, and uses it to allow/disallow resolution setting from the Mac.


Dell on the other hand, has a history of using "any old EDID information that may be remotely related" and putting it into a new display's ROM, and calling it a day. Since most Dell users are using Windows, the Windows drivers simply assert the resolution in the Driver (overriding the capabilities reported by the Display) and charge ahead -- even if those settings might damage their display.


Mac Users have responded for some other Dell displays by reading out and interpreting the Dell profiles reported, then creating corrected profiles, and using the torturous Mac process of installing them manually (they are, unfortunately, inside the System Integrity Protection areas on the Mac).

Nov 29, 2018 12:38 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Ok, I have come up with an interim (albeit imperfect) solution until Apple and/or Dell can work their magic with a better fix.


I currently am connected via USB-C and the Moshi USB-C to DP cable to the monitor.


If you enable PBP on the on-monitor menu, the monitor will essentially split itself into 2 displays (you can fix the arrangement in System Preferences —> Displays as you would a normal dual external monitor setup).


Then, in System Preferences —> Mission Control, turn off the "Displays have separate spaces" setting.


Log out, log back in.


It will still technically be 2 screens, but there will be full resolution, power via USB-C cable (if you are on a laptop), and you can extend windows between the 2 monitors so it is effectively seamless.


Not a perfect solution, but beats the crappy scaled-down resolution for now.

Nov 30, 2018 3:08 AM in response to jkastan

Hi Everyone,

The problem is Mac Mini and Dell U4919DW didn’t like each other. When connect it with my iMac Pro, I have a 5K display plus a fantastic 5120x1440 extended display. The PBP solution is nothing compare to a single display especially you see the splits at the center of the display.

Connect it to my Mac Mini 2018 and MacBook Pro, I had the same problem like yours. I’ve tried different combination of certified Thunderbolt 3 cables and hubs (adaptors), still doesn’t work. Forget about HDMI or USB C cables since none of it can output 5K. Having said that, I’m not sure if the Dell 4919 could be classified as a 5K display since the V-resolution is only 1440.

Sadly, my iMac Pro is not a solution for me since putting the 2 displays side by side exceeding 6’. Working on it is counterproductive.

Forget about Apple or Dell’s support. They are useless and pointing at each other.

This is definitely unresolved. HELP!!!

Dell U4919DW / MacBook pro 5k issue

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