Powering a 4k monitor using a MacBook Air?

Discussion in 'MacBook Air' started by purly, Jan 8, 2014.

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  1. purly, Jan 8, 2014

    purly macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2009
    #1
    I'd love to buy one of the new 4k monitors, but I'm not sure my machine supports it.

    I have the latest model (2013) 13" Macbook Air.

    Apple's website lists the following supported resolutions:
    1440 by 900 (native), 1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, and 1024 by 640 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768 and 800 by 600 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio.

    But I've heard rumors that the 2012 Macbook Air did work with the 4k resolution 3840 x 2160, even though it wasn't listed as a supported resolution.

    Supposing my model of macbook air doesn't work with a 4k monitor, can I use some sort of external graphics card to drive it?
     
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  2. Robyr, Jan 8, 2014

    Robyr macrumors regular

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2010
    #2
    The resolutions you have cited are native resolutions for the internal display. 4K apparently works, though, and the HD5000 in the 2013 Airs is more than capable.
     
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  3. robvas, Jan 8, 2014

    robvas macrumors 68030

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2009
    Location:
    USA
    #3
    Someone else posted about this on HN. The short answer is 'not really':

     
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