Connection Problem Between Mac Pro and Monitor

I am trying to connect an older Mac Pro (2009) desktop computer to a new monitor (LG 34UC97).

Since the older Mac Pro has a DVI input, I tried connecting the computer to the monitor with a DVI cable on
one end and a DVI to Thunderbolt input adapter on the other end of the cable. This cable does not produce a signal to the monitor.

Thanks for any tips on how to connect the older Mac Pro (2009) to the new monitor noted above.

So you're saying the monitor has a Thunderbolt connector? I'm kind of doubting that, though I'm not up on every connector on every monitor on the market.

Surely the monitor has some other standard connectors? Have you tried DVI to (any of the other connectors) that doesn't require an adapter?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OKSEWL6/?tag=macforums0e4-20

21:9 Ultra Wide Curved WQHD
IPS Panel for more accurate colors
Thunderbolt & Mac TM Compatible
SRGB over 99% color space
Multiple Ports include 2 HDMI, 2 USB, Display Port, & Thunderbolt

schwine1 , who makes this DVI to Thunderbolt adapter? I have a feeling that might be your issue. Make and model if there is one.

schwine1 said:

I am trying to connect an older Mac Pro (2009) desktop computer to a new monitor (LG 34UC97).

Since the older Mac Pro has a DVI input, I tried connecting the computer to the monitor with a DVI cable on
one end and a DVI to Thunderbolt input adapter on the other end of the cable. This cable does not produce a signal to the monitor.

Thanks for any tips on how to connect the older Mac Pro (2009) to the new monitor noted above.

Click to expand...

Your LG monitor has 2 HDMI, 1 display port, and 2 thunderbolt input connectors. It does not have a DVI input connector. Your 2009 Mac Pro (standard configuration) has 1 mini display port and 1 dual-link DVI outputs. You can probably use a mini display port to display port adapter from the Mac Pro to the LG. However, I doubt you're going to obtain the full resolution the LG is capable of. Our Moderator bobtomay has expertise with this type of situation so if he has a chance to read your post, I'm sure he'll offer some good advice.

Information update: it looks like the mini display port itself on the back of the Mac Pro (2009) is not not designed for a resolution as high as 3440x1440.
As far as I know, there is no workaround for this limitation in the computer hardware.

I spoke to an authorized repair depot for Mac computers, and they said that a new video card would not help because the limitation is with the physical mini display port itself that is integrated with the existing circuit board.

I spoke to an authorized repair depot for Mac computers, and they said that a new video card would not help because the limitation is with the physical mini display port itself that is integrated with the existing circuit board.

Click to expand...

I'm not sure I believe that. Do some research on video cards that are compatible with your year and model Mac Pro, looking for one that will provide an output that can match the resolution of the LG.

I agree with chscag.

Who was this authorized depot? If it was not Apple itself, I would not believe them.

Ah ha! I knew he was right.

http://blog.macsales.com/32040-give-your-mac-pro-new-life-with-a-sapphire-hd-7950-graphics-card

The HD 7950 Mac Edition comes equipped two mini DisplayPorts, and pushes out a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 on either monitor and also has an HDMI port and Dual-link DVI port.

So with that card you using Mini Display can get 3840x2160! That should do it for you.

Thanks to chscag and especially dtravis7 for finding this graphics card.

Here is an informative video review of this card on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeu02TZDS7k

I'll order this card soon and thanks again for the great support!

As a side note, the repair technician I talked to is part of a third party Mac re-seller called WestWorld. http://www.westworldsales.com/index.php
It's actually a pretty good store for Mac products, but this particular employee was not as knowledgeable as he could have been.