MBP Mid 2010 - No 2560x1440 even with proper Mini DP to DP cable

[eno45]

Just purchased an Asus PB258Q monitor that supports 2560x1440 and initially I had it hooked up via Mini DP to HDMI adapter and only received 1080p. I realized I needed to purchase a Mini DP to Display Port adapter so I did and it still is exactly the same. Rebooted, unplugged and still OSX only shows it as a 1080P monitor. Help!

Monitor - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VRKVGJG/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Cable - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7RJQPY/?tag=macforums0e4-20

MBP Mid 2010 - Graphics and video support
NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory5
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
iSight camera
Mini DisplayPort

 

[chscag]

If you're using the new Asus in "mirror" or "extended" mode when attached to your MacBook Pro, then you will only be able to obtain 1080P (the same as your MBP). In order to obtain the full resolution of the Asus, (assuming you have the proper cabling) you will have to operate your MacBook Pro in "clamshell mode". Please see the following Apple KB article on how to use clamshell mode. Note that clamshell mode requires the use of an external keyboard and mouse/trackpad.

 

[eno45]

Thanks for the reply. Maybe I am still doing something wrong but I did try using the monitor only and powering off equipment and booting up with only external monitor and I have never once seen a 2560x1440 option. Always 1080p. Correct me if I am wrong but to run in clamshell mode you simply have the lid closed? I did perform a full shut down and once I hit the power button I shut the lid and waited for the full start up. Still 1080p.

I whole point of this 25" monitor was to setup my spouses MBP in a more ergonomically correct setup with keyboard and mouse. So I am all game for this clamshell mode but it doesn't appear to do anything. So I have a cable the supports up to 4k, a monitor that supports 2560x1440 and on board graphics chip that states 2560x1600 is max resolution. Now what? I guess I could hook it up to this Windows 7 system with my R9 290 GPU and see if the resolution works which I bet it will.

 

[eno45]

If you're using the new Asus in "mirror" or "extended" mode when attached to your MacBook Pro, then you will only be able to obtain 1080P.

Notice what it reads in the item description for this MBP - "Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors"

 

[chscag]

I just looked up your model MacBook Pro, Mid 2010, 13", integrated 320M with 256 MB of shared memory. It does support video mirroring. However, I'm thinking you may not be able to get 2560 x 1600 without using a Dual Link DVI connector with adapter. (which your model supports) And that may also be the reason it didn't work in clamshell mode. One of our moderators is real good at solving display problems, hopefully he'll respond to this thread and give his opinion on what you need to obtain the max native resolution of the Asus.

 

[eno45]

Thank you chscag for your help and time. I do currently have the monitor hooked up to my Windows 7 desktop with a different DP to DP cable and it worked perfectly from the start. Wow, that will be nice if I can get it to work on the MBP. Hopefully that moderator chimes in. Thanks again.

 

[eno45]

Can't find the edit option for my last post. To be more clear I should have said I temporarily had it hooked up to my Windows7 desktop so I know the resolution works fine. I moved it back to its needed purpose with the MacBookPro. It looks like I might need that Apple Mini MB571Z/A adapter for it to work but not sure if I want to spend $100 on it. Well looks like I should have just purchased a 1080p 27" for much cheaper.

Any confirmation if this Apple adapter is the only way for me to get 2560x1440??

 

[chscag]

I think you're referring to this adapter sold by Apple? I think you may be able to find that same adapter for less from a third party. I just checked with www.monoprice.com and found several adapters that would work but the price was still rather high = $71.00.

Any confirmation if this Apple adapter is the only way for me to get 2560x1440??

I wish I could be 100% positive but I'm not. I would hate to have you spend $99 for the Apple adapter or $71.00 for the Monoprice adapter, and then not have it work. Both Apple and Monoprice have a generous return policy on items purchased from them, so I guess you could always return the adapter if it didn't work.

 

[Slydude]

@eno45 I think the adapter that Charlie linked to will work. Monoprice.com has the adapter for $71.00 as mentioned. Don't bother with the others I'm pretty certain none of those will work.

Before you order give the Monoprice support team a quick call or e-mail. They can probably confirm whether or not this will work. I've called them before with a cabling issue and they were very helpful.

 

[chscag]

Thanks Sly. I didn't know the Monoprice support folks could be reached by phone or email. Good info.

 

[Slydude]

There is a contact us link at the bottom of their pages. They have updated things a bit since when I contacted them. I bet the gang at OWC MacSales could also be helpful.

 

[eno45]

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond with good information. I will look into it.

 

[Slydude]

Hope that info proves helpful. Keep us posted about the results. I'd like to know the answer to this one.