Max external display resolution on 2011 MBP dGPU?

[wegster]

- Well, that's the case when using the actual display output (that is, the Thunderbolt port). That runs only via the Radeon dGPU.

USB 2.0 isn't a display output, and the Radeon dGPU can't output signals through it. The various USB adaptors that exist are, in essence, external GPUs, so they bypass the GPUs of the Mac itself.

Interesting as dynamic switching on mine still seems to shift to discrete GPU even when only using USB..but it does show as internal iff I force it to internal only.

If that's the case, then I should in fact be able to drive both...if I can drive the higher res 3440x1440 via TB1 -> display port would be the only remaining Q/confirmation needed then.

Thanks!

 

[JTToft]

Interesting as dynamic switching on mine still seems to shift to discrete GPU even when only using USB..but it does show as internal iff I force it to internal only.

- Yes. But presumably you're also using the built-in screen in that scenario, which would be what is driven by the discrete GPU.

 

[wegster]

Pulled the trigger. I don't game on the MBP so not too worried about FreeSync, and saw other confirmations buried in various reviews about the 2011 MBPs being able to drive the 3440x1440 panels.

Definitely tough choosing a display, and I seriously dislike LG's (and others) model #s bearing no reference to which year's model/how old a given model is. Anyways, waffled then found a good deal on an LG 'commercial' 34" display (3 yr warrantee, not typical 1yr from LG, hopefully not needed) 34UC87M-B.

http://www.lg.com/us/commercial/21-9-ultrawide-monitors/lg-34UC87M-B

Will see how it works out, but NewEgg + discount code made it a lot more palatable than a handful of other options.
I do wish I were doing it a year later when I'd either be on the upcoming MBP or the model after to single cable USB-C, but I figure I should at a later date be able to do USB-C -> TB adapter + power cable, and potentially chain a second 34" UW QHD into the mix.

I'm interested to see how well their OS X screen split software works, and hopefully not too much backlight bleed..