What output for 2560x1440?

Big Chris · 24 Jun 2017 at 13:30

I've just bought a Dell U2717D with a resolution of 2560x1440, which I intended to use via DisplayPort on my ageing Lenovo T410 laptop. However despite trying every trick in the book, I can't get the DP output to work in Windows 10.

So I'm in the market for a new laptop. What output does it need to have to run the Dell monitor at 2560x1440? Most of the laptops I'm looking at have HDMI outputs, but that will only go to 1920x1080 won't it? Some of the laptops I'm seeing also have USB-C ports which I've read can go above HD resolution, but the Dell doesn't have a USB-C input - unless there's a cable/adapter I can get?

Would appreciate any advice as I find this all very confusing and don't want to spend lots on a laptop that doesn't run the monitor!

Rroff · 24 Jun 2017 at 13:38

When you configure the DP output have you tried setting it to only use that output and disable the laptop built in display? some laptop graphics hardware can't drive higher than say 1920x1080 with more than one output.

Big Chris · 24 Jun 2017 at 13:42

That's the problem, I don't have any options on the laptop within Windows for DP. I've checked display settings and the Intel display software but nothing. Windows and the Intel software fail to recognise there's a second monitor there. The only reference I can find to DP is in BIOS, and having enabled it as the primary boot device I see the boot sequence on the monitor, but as soon as it gets to Windows it goes back to the laptop.

The laptop is about 6 years old and is on the latest BIOS, GPU drivers etc. I've spent the last few days looking for updated drivers for everything I can think of but I'm out of ideas. The T410 doesn't support Windows10 from what I understand (even though it runs) and they've long since stopped releasing drivers for the various components.

Big Chris · 24 Jun 2017 at 21:13

Going back to the original question, I've been told by someone that more recent HDMI outputs can handle 2560x1440, is this correct? Or would I need to use a USB-C > DisplayPort cable/adapter?

Rroff · 25 Jun 2017 at 03:33

For higher resolution/refresh with HDMI you need a GPU that supports HDMI 2.0 a cable that is upto spec (most are) and a monitor that supports HDMI 2.0 (most except the very newest don't). You might have some joy if everything supports HDMI 1.3+ or messing about with custom monitor definitions and overclocking the pixel clock of the GPU but its pretty hit and miss.

decto · 26 Jun 2017 at 19:58

Hi,

I have a work Thinkpad 440S with I5 I4300U.

Display port is plug and play @ 1440p

I assume you need a more modern display port, your 410 must have a very early version on Intel HD graphics, though should work a lower resolutions.

I also have personal X230 on windows 10 which works fine for mini DP to HDMI, though waiting on a cable to try with 1440p

Regards

AD
edit. added OS

decto · 27 Jun 2017 at 18:28

Hi,

Cable has now arrived and DP is plug and play at 1440p with the X230 and Windows 10

Spec is Intel I5-3320M with HD4000 GPU.

Have you considered a more recent Lenovo from the last few years, or are you looking new?

Seems you need HDMI 2 or DP

AD