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New Macbook Pro gives lower resolution output than non-pro version!?

CausticSoda

CausticSoda

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 14, 2014
871
2,269
Abu Dhabi
I have a mystery. In short, I have a MacBook 12” connected to a Dell U3011 with an HDMI to DVI-D cable. The Dell displays 2560x1600 at 60 Hz, no problem at all.

Now, I also have a MacBook Pro 13” from work. When I plug this in at home (same cables, adapter etc.) the maximum offered to me is only 1600x1200. I have tried re-booting and plugging and unplugging cables etc., but the result is always the same.

Both machines are running OS 10.12.6 and, as I say, the cables etc. are the same. Anyone know why my Pro can’t seem to do what my ordinary MacBook can?
 
It's probably just the setting. Go to System Preferences > Displays and increase the resolution. If that's not the solution, please tell us specifically what model the MacBook Pro is.
 
Try holding down the option key while clicking 'scaled' in the resolution settings.
 
You can't do it over HDMI, you need to use DisplayPort. Had the same problem with my laptops/27"
 
chabig said:
So he needs a mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter and a DVI cable?
Click to expand...
MiniDP to DisplayPort would be easier. Skip DVI completely.

MDP2DPMMX.main.jpg


The problem then becomes, will using that cable affect your MacBook Pro's wireless connection. :mad:
 
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chabig said:
It's probably just the setting. Go to System Preferences > Displays and increase the resolution. If that's not the solution, please tell us specifically what model the MacBook Pro is.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, but the problem is in the displays settings. I only get 1600X1200 as the highest possibility. But with my MacBook 12", I get several options higher than that.
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CausticSoda said:
Thanks for the reply, but the problem is in the displays settings. I only get 1600X1200 as the highest possibility. But with my MacBook 12", I get several options higher than that.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I forgot to add that it is a "new" MacBook Pro 13". It is the 2016 model, 2.9 GHz i5. Graphics card is Intel Iris 550 1536 MB. I use it with a USB C to HDMI/Power/Old USB dongle, the same one I use with the MacBook 12", which works fine.
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Brookzy said:
Try holding down the option key while clicking 'scaled' in the resolution settings.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much - that is a minor stroke of genius. It is better, allowing 1920x1080, but it still does not give the full 2560x1600, which it is quite happy to display with my (inferior?) MacBook 12".
[doublepost=1503590419][/doublepost]
robvas said:
You can't do it over HDMI, you need to use DisplayPort. Had the same problem with my laptops/27"
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, but the thing is that I can do just that with my first generation MacBook 12". HDMI to HDMI cannot do it, but HDMI to DVI-D does it just fine (I researched that at the time, and discovered HDMI to DVI-D will do it). I then take my newer, more powerful 2016 MacBook Pro, and it just won't do it for some reason!
[doublepost=1503590498][/doublepost]
chabig said:
So he needs a mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter and a DVI cable?
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I should have said this is a USB-C new model Pro, so it does not have a DisplayPort. Please see reply above - that solution works fine with my older MacBook 12" - HDMI to DVI-D is no problem for that computer!
[doublepost=1503590624][/doublepost]
robvas said:
MiniDP to DisplayPort would be easier. Skip DVI completely.

MDP2DPMMX.main.jpg


The problem then becomes, will using that cable affect your MacBook Pro's wireless connection. :mad:
Click to expand...

I don't know about that, but nothing would surprise me! Anyway, the question really is why HDMI to DVI-D via the USB-C dongle is great on a MacBook 12" (first gen) and then a no go on a 2016 MacBook Pro.
 
Connect your USB-C > HDMI adapter on the left side, not the right side, and report back.
 
You're extending your display, not mirroring it, right? I'm guessing you are but sometimes the OS likes to mess with you the first time you connect to a new external monitor. Can't think of anything else beyond trying a different cable.
 
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PBG4 Dude said:
You're extending your display, not mirroring it, right? I'm guessing you are but sometimes the OS likes to mess with you the first time you connect to a new external monitor. Can't think of anything else beyond trying a different cable.
Click to expand...

Thanks - I was trying extension. I have played around now with both mirroring and extension, trying all four USB C ports and holding down "option" key etc., and whatever I do, the best it will give me is 1920x1080. As soon as I plug in the faithful MacBook 12", it hits 2560X1600 straight away. So annoying!
 
PBG4 Dude said:
That is nuts for sure.

Guess it is time to call 1-800-SOS-APPL
Click to expand...

Well, it's a big generalisation I know, but by and large they are useless. It all starts with the try turning it off and on again stuff and it just takes forever to get anywhere.

Anyway, thanks for all the replies and ideas everyone - much appreciated!
 
Your problem may be related to your work computer being a work computer. Basically your work may have limited what you can and cannot do on your mac book pro. I know my late dad's computer and cell phone from his work had major restrictions added by his work due to it being for work use only. His work stripped down features on his work iPhone for security reasons. They did that for all employees at his work.
 
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shipshape said:
Your problem may be related to your work computer being a work computer. Basically your work may have limited what you can and cannot do on your mac book pro. I know my late dad's computer and cell phone from his work had major restrictions added by his work due to it being for work use only. His work stripped down features on his work iPhone for security reasons. They did that for all employees at his work.
Click to expand...

Thanks, it could be connected with this - for example, it may not have permissions to download an upgrade to the drive in the background or something. I will put in a Helpdesk request at work. I guess they have a service contract with Apple, and would be able to chase it with them for me to find out what the problem might be.
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DeltaMac said:
Or
It may be as simple as trying a different cable.
The thunderbolt/USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection seems a little finicky with some configurations, where the USB 3.1 Gen 1 on your MB is not so sensitive.
Try a USB 3.1 to DisplayPort cable (no inline adapters or hubs) --- https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-AVOTCH-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Aluminium/dp/B071D7XFGQ
Click to expand...

Ah, well, if they are different connections, then you could very well be right. I am guessing this is it. It is a shame if so, because my neat docking solution is gone. The 12" will plug in with just the dongle, then the 13" will need two cables plugged in directly to the computer, and I will need an extra cable trailing from the back of the display. Whilst not the end of the world, that is pretty irritating. In fact, it may well be that the four USB C connections in the Pro are actually inferior. Apple know that with the 12" we need to do everything through that one connection via a dongle, so it is super capable. With the 13", they might be thinking "To hell with whatever was needed there", and they have given themselves an easier/cheaper ride with those connections, and will just advice customers like me who have a problem to use an extra connection. If true, that is sad given how much they charge for their kit.
 
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