2017 13" MBP & 2 ext QHD Monitors (only 1 is qhd, 1 is 1080p)

[mrtin905]

Hoping to get some advice as I am incredibly frustrated.

I have a 2017 13" Macbook Pro.

I am trying to connect two 27" QHD external monitors. I have tried multiple methods without success.

• When I plug a single monitor using the USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or USB-C to HDMI adapter, I get full QHD resolution.
• When I plug a second monitor using USB-C to DisplayPort cable, or USB-C to HDMi, the second monitor maxes out at 1080P.

I have tried SwitchRes X to force QHD resolution on the 2nd monitor, but it's super blurry.

It's not the same monitor that's always 1080p (not a monitor defect). It can be either monitor at any given time that reverts to 1080p while the other one is QHD.

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Monitor(s)

L27q-30 27" QHD Monitor

Shop the Lenovo L27q-30 27" QHD Monitor! Amazing resolution and near edgeless! Free shipping!

www.lenovo.com

USB-C to DisplayPort

USB C to DisplayPort 6 Feet Cable, BENFEI USB Type-C to DP Adapter [Thunderbolt 3 Compatible] for MacBook Pro 2020/2019/2018, MacBook Air/iPad Pro 2020/2019, Samsung Galaxy S10/S9, Surface Book 2 and More

USB C to DisplayPort 6 Feet Cable, BENFEI USB Type-C to DP Adapter [Thunderbolt 3 Compatible] for MacBook Pro 2020/2019/2018, MacBook Air/iPad Pro 2020/2019, Samsung Galaxy S10/S9, Surface Book 2 and More

www.amazon.ca

USB-C to HDMI, USB-C adapter.

USB-C 3.1 to HDMI & USB 3.0 & RJ45 & Type-C Charging Adapter - 15CM - PrimeCables®

PrimeCables' versatile USB-C adapter allows HDMI video output, USB 3.0 connections, network access via RJ45, and USB-C charging. Get yours today!

www.primecables.ca

 

[biffuz]

I've used the same MBP with two 4k monitors and it worked as expected. Not mine, I don't remember which ports it used but they were straight cables, not complex adapters with other ports like your USB-C to HDMI adapter, those complex adapters are always a pain. That's my first suspect.
Which model is yours, exactly (TB or not)? And what macOS?

 

[mrtin905]

Not sure why I didn't use common sense and I try this before posting.

I plugged in BOTH USB-C to DisplayPort cables directly into the MBP's 2 TB ports without any adapters, and am getting full QHD resolution on both monitors.

Problem now: Can't charge the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) without unplugging 1 monitor.

I'll have to order a new USB-C Dock off Amazon so I can have both monitors plugged in while charging.

 

[biffuz]

Glad you find the problem! To fix it, you should be fine with a dock that's designed for Macs, or you can replace one of the monitors with one which has pass through charging.

 

[mrtin905]

Wanted to post an update on my issue.

I bought this hub off amazon, was delivered this morning.

USB C Hub, UOEOS 8-in-1 USB C to Dual HDMI Adapter,USB C Dock Docking Station Dual monitor Thunderbolt 3 Hub, Power Delivery,Card Reader Compatible with MacBook Pro , Mac Air, Chromebook,XPS 13,USB C Adapter

USB C Hub, uoeos 8-in-1 Type C to Dual HDMI 4k Adapter in Aluminum 3 USB 3.0 Ports, Power Delivery, SD/TF Card Readers Compatible with MacBook Pro 13/15(Thunderbolt 3), Mac Air, Chromebook USB C Adapter

www.amazon.ca

Plugged hub into MBP's TB port, and HDMI cable from monitor 1 into the dock and I'm able to get QHD on both monitors.
I have TB to DisplayPort cable going directly to monitor 2. plugged directly into the MBP's other TB port.

The issue was the PrimeCables USB-C/TB hub I was using.

 

[Rafael Yugeta]

Hi, I have a question, I have a macbook pro 2017 and I have a hub that has a USB port and hdmi together, if I buy a USB - C cable For displayport I would be able to connect both monitors (displayport and hdmi) on the same hub ?

 

[biffuz]

Hi, I have a question, I have a macbook pro 2017 and I have a hub that has a USB port and hdmi together, if I buy a USB - C cable For displayport I would be able to connect both monitors (displayport and hdmi) on the same hub ?

Check the specs of the hub, it will tell you if there's a chance. But you'll never know until you try...