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Correct adaptor for higher resolution displays

1

12dylan34

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 3, 2009
884
15
Hi there, I hope that this is the appropriate forum.

I've been using an early 2008 aluminum MacBook Pro, but will be upgrading to a retina MacBook Pro in the next month or so. I also use an HP 2560x1440 display with my laptop, and I want to be able to do the same with my new rMBP.

With my old MBP, I'm able to just plug the DVI right into the side, but I know that the rMBP doesn't have such a port, only Thunderbolt/MiniDisplayPort.

Right now, I have a MiniDisplayPort to DVI adaptor on hand, but I'm unsure as to whether or not this will support the higher resolution display that I use. This http://www.amazon.com/CNE11274-Disp...acBook/dp/B003BHHIA4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

is what I've got if that's any help.

Basically, I just want to know if this will work for 2560x1440. I've seen DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adaptors that require a USB port, which leads me to believe that what I have might not work. If not, I'll just buy a ThunderBolt to DisplayPort cable, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. Thanks!
 
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Does your monitor have DisplayPort? If so, a MiniDisplayPort to DisplayPort cable will work.

If not, you have to get a MDP to Dual-Link DVI adapter.

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt
Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.
To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​
MR_video_out_Mac_Mini_DP.png
MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:


Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​
Click to expand...

This thread from earlier today might also be of interest.
 
simsaladimbamba said:
Does your monitor have DisplayPort? If so, a MiniDisplayPort to DisplayPort cable will work.

If not, you have to get a MDP to Dual-Link DVI adapter.



This thread from earlier today might also be of interest.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, my monitor has a DisplayPort connection, as well as Dual-Link DVI. So from my understanding, the adaptor that I linked to in my OP won't support the full resolution, even though the bare Dual-Link DVI plugged directly into my (early 2008) MBP does?

So basically, it comes down to Mini DisplayPort not supporting Dual-Link DVI without an extra USB port, I guess?
 
12dylan34 said:
Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, my monitor has a DisplayPort connection, as well as Dual-Link DVI. So from my understanding, the adaptor that I linked to in my OP won't support the full resolution, even though the bare Dual-Link DVI plugged directly into my (early 2008) MBP does?

So basically, it comes down to Mini DisplayPort not supporting Dual-Link DVI without an extra USB port, I guess?
Click to expand...

The dual-link DVI adaptor also plugs into USB for power reasons.

However if the monitor supports DisplayPort, use that - all you need is a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.
 
12dylan34 said:
Thanks for the reply.

Yeah, my monitor has a DisplayPort connection, as well as Dual-Link DVI. So from my understanding, the adaptor that I linked to in my OP won't support the full resolution, even though the bare Dual-Link DVI plugged directly into my (early 2008) MBP does?

So basically, it comes down to Mini DisplayPort not supporting Dual-Link DVI without an extra USB port, I guess?
Click to expand...

The adapter that you showed is a just a regular (single port) DVI cable. To support the higher resolution, you need dual link DVI.

As mentioned... the better solution would be to use a mini-display port to display port cable... which is just a simple passive cable. I bought one from PCH Cables who sell online to connect to my Dell U2711 display port adapter. It worked fine.

The other option is to use a mini-display port to Dual Link DVI adapter. This is an active adapter. The primary purpose of the USB connector is to provide power to the internal circuitry. I have used these as well, but I prefer a passive MDP to DP cable as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

/Jim
 
flynz4 said:
The adapter that you showed is a just a regular (single port) DVI cable. To support the higher resolution, you need dual link DVI.

As mentioned... the better solution would be to use a mini-display port to display port cable... which is just a simple passive cable. I bought one from PCH Cables who sell online to connect to my Dell U2711 display port adapter. It worked fine.

The other option is to use a mini-display port to Dual Link DVI adapter. This is an active adapter. The primary purpose of the USB connector is to provide power to the internal circuitry. I have used these as well, but I prefer a passive MDP to DP cable as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

/Jim
Click to expand...
The DisplayPort cable is what I'm going to go with. Far cheaper than that huge MDP to Dual-Link DVI adaptor anyway. Thanks for the help!
 
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