Need immediate help - MBA push a Thunderbolt 27", and then a ACD 23"?

[Sean Dempsey]

I have a 2011 MBA Ultimate, Intel HD Graphics 3000.

I want to get a Thunderbolt 27" today, for the MBA. And then I want to plug the 23" ACD (1920x1200) into the TB port on the 27".

Will the MBA run both monitors in clamshell mode?

 

[MacDawg]

I don't believe the MBA will power 2 displays, only the MBP

 

[simsaladimbamba]

FALSE, see post #7 for better information

That will not work, as the Intel HD 3000 is not powerful enough. Only the 15" and 17" MBPs can use two external displays that way.

Maybe have a look at one of those "USB to DVI" adapters?

 

[WardC]

Yes, the MacBook Air can only power one display via its Thunderbolt Port. The Higher-end MacBook Pro models can power two displays.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

Yes, the MacBook Air can only power one display via its Thunderbolt Port. The Higher-end MacBook Pro models can power two displays.

One TB display, or just one display period. I know it can't do dual 27", but I want to do a 27" and then a regular 23" which is a much lower resolution.

I wonder if anyone has actually tried.

 

[MagicBoy]

One external display driven from the Intel HD Graphics. Period.

 

[KnightWRX]

That will not work, as the Intel HD 3000 is not powerful enough. Only the 15" and 17" MBPs can use two external displays that way.

False. The 13" MBP can do it, the Intel HD 3000 GPU is quite powerful enough. The problem is the TB controller on the MBA, it only provides a single DP channel.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

False. The 13" MBP can do it, the Intel HD 3000 GPU is quite powerful enough. The problem is the TB controller on the MBA, it only provides a single DP channel.

Really? All the posts I have read in the last months made me come to that conclusion, that only the MBPs with dedicated GPUs can drive two external displays. Didn't know about the TB controller. Thanks.

 

[KnightWRX]

Really? All the posts I have read in the last months made me come to that conclusion, that only the MBPs with dedicated GPUs can drive two external displays. Didn't know about the TB controller. Thanks.

Eagle Ridge vs Light Ridge TB controller. Eagle Ridge only has one DP channel.

Pushing a 2D framebuffer isn't hard for any GPUs these days.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Eagle Ridge vs Light Ridge TB controller. Eagle Ridge only has one DP channel.

Pushing a 2D framebuffer isn't hard for any GPUs these days.

Good to know. Thanks again.