Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Could QuickRes hurt my Retina MacBook Pro?

PatriotInvasion

PatriotInvasion

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jul 18, 2010
1,645
1,061
Boston, MA
I was curious to see what my 13" rMBP would look like at full pixel resolution (2560x1600) so I downloaded the QuickRes app recommended by Macworld.

QuickRes isn't made by an approved developer but I downloaded it anyway.

My question is whether running my rMBP at resolutions that exceed what Apple builds in to System Preferences can somehow hurt my computer? Like could it fry out the integrated graphics card or something?

While I can see why Apple doesn't think it's necessary to allow you to run at 2560x1600 (everything is super tiny), I could use it in some scenarios where I want all that space. So, could I do any damage in doing so?:confused:
 
Doubtful that it would hurt your MacBook. The display is running in 2560X1600 anytime you look at it, it just scales the graphics to accommodate it. Running it in a non-scaled mode won't hurt any more than a scaled resolution.
 
Benjic said:
Doubtful that it would hurt your MacBook. The display is running in 2560X1600 anytime you look at it, it just scales the graphics to accommodate it. Running it in a non-scaled mode won't hurt any more than a scaled resolution.
Click to expand...
So what about choosing 1920x1200? That is a scaled res that OS X's System Preferences doesn't go up to. Is it just that Apple thinks even that res is too small for meaningful use or that the computer can't handle scaling that high?
 
PatriotInvasion said:
So what about choosing 1920x1200? That is a scaled res that OS X's System Preferences doesn't go up to. Is it just that Apple thinks even that res is too small for meaningful use or that the computer can't handle scaling that high?
Click to expand...

1920 x 1200 is a lower resolution than the 2560 x 1600 that the computer normally runs at, anyway.
 
Why does QuickRes have these warnings built in to the app?

About section
"The creators are not liable for any damage caused by this program."


And, when clicking the "Enable HiDPI Mode" button, it says:

Hey, be careful! Hope you know what you're doing because the makers are not held responsible. You proceed at your own risk. May the force be with you.

What does this mean???
:confused::eek:
 
PatriotInvasion said:
Why does QuickRes have these warnings built in to the app?

About section
"The creators are not liable for any damage caused by this program."


And, when clicking the "Enable HiDPI Mode" button, it says:

Hey, be careful! Hope you know what you're doing because the makers are not held responsible. You proceed at your own risk. May the force be with you.

What does this mean???
:confused::eek:
Click to expand...

That the creators like a little Star Wars joke every now and then..?

But seriously, it will be ok. The developers write that stuff just in case anything happens, so that they can't be held responsible for it. If against all odds your Mac overheats, it will shut itself off.
 
Maggot FF said:
That the creators like a little Star Wars joke every now and then..?

But seriously, it will be ok. The developers write that stuff just in case anything happens, so that they can't be held responsible for it. If against all odds your Mac overheats, it will shut itself off.
Click to expand...

I just uninstalled the app. For one, it caused my Mac to forget the location of the wallpaper. I also saw on the developer's Twitter feed that they are trying to get the app in the Mac App Store. I'll wait until that version comes out and Apple has them work out any back end kinks.

Besides. The built-in scaled 1680x1050 res is probably the best compromise between space and usability anyway.
 
PatriotInvasion said:
Why does QuickRes have these warnings built in to the app?

About section
"The creators are not liable for any damage caused by this program."


And, when clicking the "Enable HiDPI Mode" button, it says:

Hey, be careful! Hope you know what you're doing because the makers are not held responsible. You proceed at your own risk. May the force be with you.

What does this mean???
:confused::eek:
Click to expand...

THat's called legally covering their asses, nothing will happen to your computer.
 
PatriotInvasion said:
I just uninstalled the app. For one, it caused my Mac to forget the location of the wallpaper. I also saw on the developer's Twitter feed that they are trying to get the app in the Mac App Store. I'll wait until that version comes out and Apple has them work out any back end kinks.

Besides. The built-in scaled 1680x1050 res is probably the best compromise between space and usability anyway.
Click to expand...

It's all so scary sometimes. :confused:
 
all it sounds like it is doing is letting you change the resolution similar to how it is done on nonretina mbps.
 
Freyqq said:
all it sounds like it is doing is letting you change the resolution similar to how it is done on nonretina mbps.
Click to expand...

Ding Ding Ding. The winner!
It is perfectly safe to run at any supported resolution. Apple obfuscates what "supported" is by giving you their "suggestions" in the sys prefs. The devs are only writing SW that allows to circumvent Apple's opinion.
 
ScholarsInk said:
1920 x 1200 is a lower resolution than the 2560 x 1600 that the computer normally runs at, anyway.
Click to expand...

Actually, running HiDPI, 1920*1200 is actually rendered at 3840*2400 so it is substantially more.

On the other hand, I'm running RDM (RetinaDisplayMenu) and have no issues.

There is nothing you can damage with these apps.
 
Ploki said:
Actually, running HiDPI, 1920*1200 is actually rendered at 3840*2400 so it is substantially more.

On the other hand, I'm running RDM (RetinaDisplayMenu) and have no issues.

There is nothing you can damage with these apps.
Click to expand...

Since HiDPI wasn't mentioned, I wasn't sure.
 
Ploki said:
ah, then yes. I just use RDM, good enough for me. NonHiDPI modes do look crappy.
Click to expand...

I haven't used them in OS X, but I've found that in Windows at least both 1920x1200 and 1680x1050 look no worse than their native counterparts.
 
ScholarsInk said:
I haven't used them in OS X, but I've found that in Windows at least both 1920x1200 and 1680x1050 look no worse than their native counterparts.
Click to expand...

They should actually look softer, i think retinas have interpolation turned on by default.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back