External display resolutions - Best connection?

Discussion in 'Mac Accessories' started by Stevienet, Aug 24, 2013.

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  1. Stevienet, Aug 24, 2013

    Stevienet macrumors newbie

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    Aug 24, 2013
    #1
    Hi
    Wondering if anyone can help shed some light one this subject.

    I've hooked up my MacBook Pro Retina to an external monitor. The native resolution of my 30in HP monitor is 2560x1600 (with only DVI inputs), whilst using the MacBook in clamshell mode I'm getting a maximum resolution of 1280x800 and by using the option key, 3 other lower resolution's appear under the scaled radio button. I'm aware there seems to be a problem with Mountain Lion and hooking up external monitors but I'm wondering if my choice of connection may also have something to do with it. I'm using a HDMI to DVI-D cable from MacBook to monitor. Would anyone be able to tell me the maximum resolution this type of cable is able to provide? I'm wondering if its worth buying a mini display port to DVI or another type connection (thunderbolt?) to try and get the monitor to display the maximum resolution. Or would I just be wasting my time and hope that an update will support the monitors resolution?

    Thanks for reading!
    Steve
     
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  2. FreakinEurekan, Aug 24, 2013

    FreakinEurekan macrumors 68040

    FreakinEurekan

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    Eureka Springs, Arkansas
    #2
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  3. flynz4, Aug 24, 2013

    flynz4 macrumors 68040

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    Portland, OR
    #3
    Correct,

    Most connectors that only say "DVI" are single link DVI cables. You explicitly need a mini-displayport to dual-link connector. Apple sells one of the better ones that I've seen. I personally have two of them. They sell for $99 each as they are active adapters. They also will consume a USB port on your laptop which is used to power the adapter, and also to provide a pass-through type of USB hub function.

    I probably have the same HP 30" display as you... I forget the model number, but it has three inputs... all of them being dual-link DVI.

    /Jim
     
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  4. Stevienet, Aug 25, 2013

    Stevienet thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Aug 24, 2013
    #4
    Thanks for the info. I'll look into getting one.
     
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