Mid 2009 MBP & Dell U2713HM (2560x1400)

[lieb39]

Hello everyone,

Can't seem to get a clear answer for this question.. I have a Mid 2009 Macbook Pro (2.66GHz, 8GB, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 256MB) and I'm looking at a Dell U2713HM (27" Monitor) that supports up to 2560x1400. Now the question - can my computer support this, and what cable do I need? I obviously want to take advantage of the full resolution here.

Apologies if this has been answered already, I couldn't find it..

Thanks!

 

[mcb001982]

Your MBP will push that resolution fine, get a mini display port to dvi connector and use a dvi video cable.

 

[pgiguere1]

Yes, it will work either with a dual DVI adapter (expensive), or more simply (and cheaply) with a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.

A single DVI is not enough. Don't follow mcb001982's advice otherwise you'll be limited to 1920x1200.

Get something like this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10246&cs_id=1024606&p_id=6006&seq=1&format=2

 

[lieb39]

I currently have this; Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter

So that won't do it - and I need a cable like pgiguere1 suggested - like this ebay listing?

Thanks

 

[pgiguere1]

I currently have this; Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter

So that won't do it - and I need a cable like pgiguere1 suggested - like this ebay listing?

Thanks

No, that's a mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable, you'll be limited to 1080p.
What you're looking for is a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.

I found this one on eBay Australia: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DISPLAYP...sConnectors&hash=item43b4f89dec#ht_2920wt_802

 

[lieb39]

Surprisingly tricky to find in Australia..
I think I have it now..
High Speed Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt to DisplayPort Cable - 3ft

Is that correct?

What keeps throwing me off is this 'Thunderbolt' connector, which I obviously don't have. But I guess it's backwards compatible?

Thanks

 

[pgiguere1]

Surprisingly tricky to find in Australia..
I think I have it now..
High Speed Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt to DisplayPort Cable - 3ft

Is that correct?

What keeps throwing me off is this 'Thunderbolt' connector, which I obviously don't have. But I guess it's backwards compatible?

Thanks

Either that one or the one I added at the end of my previous reply. None of these cables require Thunderbolt. They will work fine on your 2009 MBP.

 

[lieb39]

Either that one or the one I added at the end of my previous reply. None of these cables require Thunderbolt. They will work fine on your 2009 MBP.

Thank you very much

 

[pgiguere1]

No problem. Enjoy your new display!

 

[johnnyturbouk]

i am also thinking of this option
have you purchased the dell U2713HM

does the usb3 work via hub on the monitor?

 

[lieb39]

i am also thinking of this option
have you purchased the dell U2713HM

does the usb3 work via hub on the monitor?

I purchased it - works perfectly.

Unsure if the USB3 works, as I have a Macbook Pro with USB2 only. I can confirm it works as USB2 hub for me

Thanks

 

[johnnyturbouk]

I purchased it - works perfectly.

Unsure if the USB3 works, as I have a Macbook Pro with USB2 only. I can confirm it works as USB2 hub for me

Thanks

thanks

the TB connection will work similar to a PCIexpress thus should not matter if you only have usb2. Similar to if i got a usb3 expresscard for my 2011 17"MBP

do you have any usb3 peripherals/equipment you could test?

thanks again

Johnny

 

[nurivo]

the TB connection will work similar to a PCIexpress thus should not matter if you only have usb2. Similar to if i got a usb3 expresscard for my 2011 17"MBP

The Dell isn't Thunderbolt, it is DisplayPort with a separate USB connection. And therefor limited to whatever the USB port on the host computer is capable of.

 

[Freyqq]

use displayport-mini-displayport cable (~$10) OR
use dual-link DVI-displayport adapter and a dual-link dvi cable (~$99 for adapter and $20 for cable)

VERDICT: displayport is cheaper and better

also, to clear up apparent confusion here, a thunderbolt port is basically a PCIe x4 connection and a displayport v1.1 connection wrapped into one port. So, thunderbolt = displayport, but displayport /= thunderbolt.