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2016 Macbook Pro won't recognize Dell 34" monitor

sn0warmy

sn0warmy

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 26, 2009
630
75
Denver, CO
SOLVED: Apple's AV adapter with an HDMI cable solved the issue and allows me to use my Dell 34" (U3415W) monitor at native resolution (3440x1440) @ 60Hz.


.......
I'm running into one big issue since switching from my 15" Macbook Pro (mid-2015) to the 13" Macbook pro (late-2016). The new laptop will not recognize my Dell 34" monitor. I previously had my old Macbook Pro connected to the monitor with a mini displayport cable. I never had any issues with that setup.

I purchased the Thunderbolt to mini displayport cable from Apple but when I hook that into the computer and the mini-displayport cable, the monitor just hibernates and the computer will not detect it as a display. I've tried rebooting the monitor and computer, switching the thunderbolt ports on the computer, as well as trying to force the laptop to detect the monitor but nothing helps.

I'm planning on picking up thunderbolt to HDMI and a thunderbolt to DVI adapters to test tomorrow. But I don't see why the mini displayport adapter wouldn't be working since the mini displayport cable was working perfectly fine for my old setup with the same monitor.

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter IS NOT a mini DisplayPort adapter..

Basically, what you're trying to do won't work.

You need Thunderbolt 3 -> HDMI or USB-C -> HDMI. (Or, DVI.. whatever..)

But, the TB3/TB2 adapter is just for THUNDERBOLT -- not DisplayPort.
 
Welcome to dongle nightmare. Keep in mind that most of the adapters apple is forcing you to buy, don't support 60hz output in high resolutions so in other words you need a new display (you guessed it, apple is selling those new lg displays and tim really wants you to buy a new one and ditch your crappy dell monitor /s)
 
I would recommend using one of these. Should be helpful until USB-C settles in.

At any rate, the explanation I got was that previous gen thunderbolt was simply borrowing mini display port, and thus Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor will not deliver any video over it, as that was handled via display port, not by Thunderbolt.

If you are like me, and use external monitor and other devices on workstation alongside a laptop, I'd highly recommend getting a thunderbolt dock as well.
 
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WolfSnap said:
The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter IS NOT a mini DisplayPort adapter..

Basically, what you're trying to do won't work.

You need Thunderbolt 3 -> HDMI or USB-C -> HDMI. (Or, DVI.. whatever..)

But, the TB3/TB2 adapter is just for THUNDERBOLT -- not DisplayPort.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I kind of figured I was confusing the nomenclature of the Thunderbolt/Mini Displayport cables. I can't believe how confusing Apple has made this.

lympero said:
Welcome to dongle nightmare. Keep in mind that most of the adapters apple is forcing you to buy, don't support 60hz output in high resolutions so in other words you need a new display (you guessed it, apple is selling those new lg displays and tim really wants you to buy a new one and ditch your crappy dell monitor /s)
Click to expand...

I'd return this computer and stick with my mid-2015 15" MBP before I went and bought a new monitor. I only switched to the newer one so I could get a smaller screen for easier use while traveling. So far it's proven to be more of a pain in the a**, instead.

I'm going to pickup Apple's A/V adapter which has the HDMI, USB-C and standard USB connections all in one. It sounds like this should solve the problem while also expanding my USB ports, which I use often.

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-USB-C-...6746&sr=1-8&keywords=apple+digital+av+adapter

Thanks for the help, guys.
 
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Open System Information then look under Graphics/Displays.

Screen Shot 2016-11-14 at 09.55.29.png
 
The AV adapter works perfectly! Using the HDMI cable I'm getting full native resolution at 60Hz with my Dell 34" (U3415W) monitor.

22808057078_eedc50a6a5_z.jpg


MJ1K2


It also allows me to utilize a standard USB connection and an additional USB-C connection. Now that I've got it sorted I'm pretty happy with this setup.
 
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Hi,
I'm planning to do the same setup in a week and little bit confused.

Could you tell what's your experience so far?
Is that non-TB Macbook Pro?

What are you using it for? (that screen).
I'm planning to use it for Sketch application and general apps usage.
Doesn't it lag or something?

And last, stupid question.
Is that right setup? » Macbook Pro » A/V adapter » HDMI cable (from Dell monitor) » Dell monitor.

Thanks a lot in advance. Really worry that it won't work properly :)
 
pifpaf said:
Hi,
I'm planning to do the same setup in a week and little bit confused.

Could you tell what's your experience so far?
Is that non-TB Macbook Pro?

What are you using it for? (that screen).
I'm planning to use it for Sketch application and general apps usage.
Doesn't it lag or something?

And last, stupid question.
Is that right setup? » Macbook Pro » A/V adapter » HDMI cable (from Dell monitor) » Dell monitor.

Thanks a lot in advance. Really worry that it won't work properly :)
Click to expand...

I use my 34" monitor mainly for digital marketing, some web development and data analytics. So for me, it's main use is with web browsers and large spreadsheets in Excel.

I can tell you that there is absolutely no lag with the large monitor. My previous setup was with a mid-2015 15" Macbook Pro and a Mini Displayport connection hooked up to the same monitor. Switching to the late-2016 13" Macbook pro (non-touch bar) and the HDMI connection has made no difference in overall performance.

The connection you outlined is correct. [Macbook pro » A/V Adapter » HDMI Cable (which came with the monitor) » Monitor]

Here is a picture of my setup. The only difference is that the silver 15" MBP has been replaced with a Space Gray 13" MBP.

25391577343_b0488b6b04_k.jpg
 
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