Non-thunderbolt external displays on rMBP

If I buy a couple 27-inch displays elsewhere, instead of from Apple, could I use them on the rMBP? Or does it only work with the Apple Thunderbolt displays? Do external displays (of any brand) need to go through Thunderbolt or can they use USB 3.0?
Just curious, I only have background in using external displays with Windows. Not sure how the plug&play works on OSX.

You can use other external monitors with the MBPr but you will need an adapter for the thunderbolt port to say VGA or DVI. Or you can use the built-in HDMI port.

Similar Messages

How to Force mac Thunderbolt External Display with Integrated GPU for Macbook Pro 2012?

I have been getting GPU Panic whenever I use external Thunderbolt Display.
Not sure whether this is software after(Mavericks) or hardware, if anybody could shed some light I would appreciate it.
The Current Discrete GPU will only work for few seconds 10 sec max before it became blank and require you to force shutdown. This also happened even without external display Blank and GPU Panic upon restart. So I suspected either the discrete GPU failure or software in Mavericks.
But at the moment I'm looking for workaround so I can use the intel intergrated GPU to use my Mac Thunderbolt External Display.
Thank you in advance for any input.
Anonymous UUID:       08E3F48E-64B8-B380-1B7A-A676656BE0A6
Fri Nov 1 21:55:27 2013
panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff7f8876bfac): "GPU Panic: [<None>] 4 0 a0 d9 9 8 0 3 : NVRM[0/1:0:0]: Read Error 0x00000100: CFG 0xffffffff 0xffffffff 0xffffffff, BAR0 0x102c00000 0xffffff80fe1b8000 0x0e7150a2, D0, P2/4\n"@/SourceCache/AppleGraphicsControl/AppleGraphicsControl-3.4.12/src/Apple MuxControl/kext/GPUPanic.cpp:127
Backtrace (CPU 0), Frame : Return Address
0xffffff80fd8b3540 : 0xffffff8006422f69
0xffffff80fd8b35c0 : 0xffffff7f8876bfac
0xffffff80fd8b3690 : 0xffffff7f87020cf8
0xffffff80fd8b3750 : 0xffffff7f870ede26
0xffffff80fd8b3790 : 0xffffff7f870ede84
0xffffff80fd8b3800 : 0xffffff7f87318f31
0xffffff80fd8b3870 : 0xffffff7f87111011
0xffffff80fd8b3890 : 0xffffff7f87027841
0xffffff80fd8b3940 : 0xffffff7f87025362
0xffffff80fd8b3b40 : 0xffffff7f870263cd
0xffffff80fd8b3c20 : 0xffffff7f86fd365a
0xffffff80fd8b3db0 : 0xffffff7f86fd23e4
0xffffff80fd8b3dd0 : 0xffffff7f8873e812
0xffffff80fd8b3eb0 : 0xffffff7f8873e6ee
0xffffff80fd8b3f00 : 0xffffff7f8873d55e
0xffffff80fd8b3f20 : 0xffffff800644a15a
0xffffff80fd8b3fb0 : 0xffffff80064d6aa7
      Kernel Extensions in backtrace:
         com.apple.driver.AppleMuxControl(3.4.12)[A4934A66-0E30-36E9-984A-650481102449]@ 0xffffff7f8875e000->0xffffff7f88770fff
            dependency: com.apple.driver.AppleGraphicsControl(3.4.12)[661E3C87-5B97-3272-88FF-B9BA9B6E2 4ED]@0xffffff7f88756000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOACPIFamily(1.4)[045D5D6F-AD1E-36DB-A249-A346E2B48E54]@0xfffff f7f8772a000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[447B4896-16FF-3616-95A2-1C516B2A1498]@0xffffff 7f86aba000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(2.3.6)[38E388A5-92D6-3388-B799-F2498E582287]@0 xffffff7f86f7d000
            dependency: com.apple.driver.AppleBacklightExpert(1.0.4)[E04639C5-D734-3AB3-A682-FE66694C66 53]@0xffffff7f88759000
         com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAResman(8.1.8)[3A2A3C2D-E129-3190-A682-E831B38F0FBF] @0xffffff7f86fd0000->0xffffff7f8723afff
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[447B4896-16FF-3616-95A2-1C516B2A1498]@0xffffff 7f86aba000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(2.3.6)[86BA68C6-18DD-30A1-ABF6-54597AD6C277]@0xff ffff7f86fc0000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(2.3.6)[38E388A5-92D6-3388-B799-F2498E582287]@0 xffffff7f86f7d000
         com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAGK100Hal(8.1.8)[3CF8C2FA-83E6-39E3-A5B7-C7CC839B8C7 5]@0xffffff7f87245000->0xffffff7f873f4fff
            dependency: com.apple.nvidia.driver.NVDAResman(8.1.8)[3A2A3C2D-E129-3190-A682-E831B38F0FBF] @0xffffff7f86fd0000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[447B4896-16FF-3616-95A2-1C516B2A1498]@0xffffff 7f86aba000
         com.apple.driver.AGPM(100.14.11)[087FCB18-55FA-300E-9D22-DDE636C74BE1]@0xffffff 7f8873c000->0xffffff7f8874dfff
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOPCIFamily(2.8)[447B4896-16FF-3616-95A2-1C516B2A1498]@0xffffff 7f86aba000
            dependency: com.apple.driver.IOPlatformPluginFamily(5.5.1d27)[C86803C1-60BC-386D-9C54-2E6D7 4CCEA74]@0xffffff7f87733000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IONDRVSupport(2.3.6)[86BA68C6-18DD-30A1-ABF6-54597AD6C277]@0xff ffff7f86fc0000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOGraphicsFamily(2.3.6)[38E388A5-92D6-3388-B799-F2498E582287]@0 xffffff7f86f7d000
            dependency: com.apple.AppleGraphicsDeviceControl(3.4.12)[C171C5AF-1BB6-385A-A4DB-3ED5626711 1E]@0xffffff7f8841c000
BSD process name corresponding to current thread: kernel_task
Mac OS version:
13A603
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 13.0.0: Thu Sep 19 22:22:27 PDT 2013; root:xnu-2422.1.72~6/RELEASE_X86_64
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Model: MacBookPro10,1, BootROM MBP101.00EE.B02, 4 processors, Intel Core i7, 2.6 GHz, 8 GB, SMC 2.3f36
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I have the same problem with an early 2013 macbook pro. gfxCardStatus ( http://gfx.io/ ) will allow you to force integrated and not do dynamic switching, however the external display still doesn't work.

Can I connect two non-TB external displays to a new MBP?

Looking to pick up a new MBP and I would like to connect two non-Thunderbolt monitors, they are nice but WAY too expensive, and I'm wondering if this is possible. I know I can use Matrox Head2Go line of products, but I would like to avoid shelling out another 2-300 on other hardware if I can avoid it.
So any other ways to drive two monitors? I'm surprised there is no Thunderbolt -> DVI adapter or something. Heck maybe there is, but I haven't seen it yet.
Thanks

here is the adapter your were looking for http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A
you'll also need to consider getting something that supports usb to dvi which will make your third monitor connnected via a usb port. This uses DisplayLink Drivers which let you connect a monitor via usb. Warning, it does not have full support for Lion yet.
I'm using the arkview usb display adapter. there are other on the market, they all use DisplayLink. And since I'm on Lion I'm waiting for DisplayLink to fix their drivers to work on it (it's been a struggle).
If you're on Snow Leopard it will do you well to stay on it. .
you could get on Thunderbolt display and then connect a monitor to that with the dongle I showed you. Then you will have no issues with Lion and your three displays.
Thunderbolt tech is new and new adapters will be coming out for it, especially something that handles mutliple screens. but you'll have to wait for this technology to be made.

Scaling fonts on non-retina external display?

Hi,
I am using an external display Asus PB278Q on my MBP Retina 15" Late 2013, at resolution 2560x1440 on Yosemite. So far so good.
Unfortunately font and icon sizes are really small in this resolution, so I would like to scale them up to increase readability. However the resolution should stay as is. For retina displays, you can scale fonts nicely under system settings -> displays -> Scale (see here for screenshot: http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/70/00/007009/rmbp13-displays-system-preferen ce.png). For my non-retina display this option is not available it seems.
Is there any way to still scale fonts consistently on this external display to increase readability?
Thanks!

I've been having this same issue for a few months now, and even after the latest EFI update. BUT... This morning is the first time my Macbook Pro awaked from a long nap displaying the correct resolution and properties.
What did I do?
When waking from sleep yesterday, the macbook again was in the wrong resolution. I went to display properties and clicked the arrangement tab. I moved the menu bar to my Macbook display and turned off mirroring. (I do use an external display at times so my menu bar was moved to the alternate display when connected).
This morning after over 20 hours sleeping the macbook woke up fresh with all its beauty sleep in tact. This is only one long sleep so its no real fix just yet, but may be a clue where this bug lies.

Is there a way to use a non-apple external display (monitor) without having my macbook air plugged in?

Just got a 27'' AOC monitor that I'm using with my Macbook Air (purchased in 2013). It's working great but as soon as I unplug the power adapter from my laptop the monitor goes black and says 'no signal'. I've been reading online that you need to have the power adapter plugged in to use an external monitor - my questions are: 1) does that harm the laptop's batter? if so, 2) is there a workaround? if there is no workaround, 3) does an Apple monitor also require that a laptop be plugged in for the external display to continue functioning while the laptop is in clamshell mode (closed lid)?
Thanks in advance for any advice

Thanks, Matt. In my case, the monitor definitely shuts off when I unplug the power from my laptop in clamshell mode. If the lid is open, however, the monitor continues to function even without the power adapter plugged into my laptop. Ideally, I'd like to have the lid closed on my laptop and be able to use the external monitor without having the power plugged into my laptop. That's what doesn't seem to work - if your does, please let me know if you have any pointers.
Thanks again!

Screens list and thunderbolt external displays

I'm on Mac os 10.7.2 with a macbook pro and an external monitor connected via thunderbolt.
When I try to get a list of the screen with the Screen.screens I only get 1 display, which is the monitor from my macbook. The external monitor doesn't appear at all.
Is this a bug?
I'm compiling in Air 2.7 from Flash CS5.5

I would love to know the same.
Ideally I would like to have the speakers on the left monitor for left sound and the speakers on the right display to act as the right with the main iMac speakers doing noting?

HT5019 Can I turn off my macbook Pro when using a Thunderbolt external display?

I have attached a Thunderbolt disply to my MacbookPro when not traveling. Is there a way to turno off the Macbook screen and only have the Thunderbolt running?
Thanks!

This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

Non apple external displays

i just got an external VGA monitor and I hooked it up to my Mac book pro using the DVI/VGA adapter. The desktop background shows up on the monitor, but I can't move my pointer over to the other monitor. Does anyone know how I can use both the external monitor and my MBPs monitor at the same time as one big desktop?

because my laptop screen is so much smaller then my 23" screen, to move accross to my laptop for example i have to move my mouse from the center left of the screen to get it to cross over, if i do it in the top left or top right corner it just stays on the screen.

Maximum Thunderbolt/VGA resolution for external displays?

Hi there
Until recently, I've been using a Macbook Air Core 2 Duo with a MiniDisplayPort output. This is connected via the Apple MiniDisplayPort > VGA adaptor to an LG Flatron W2246 22" display, and running 1920x1080 quite happily.
I recently bought the Macbook Pro 15" quad core i7 with the Intel HD 3000 and AMD Radeon 6490M - a much more powerful machine with a much more powerful graphics card.
However, it only seems to allow me a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 on the Thunderbolt external display port - it won't give me an option for 1080p.
Any ideas? It seems strange that the Macbook Air will give me higher resultions!
Thanks

I had similar issues to Jason with the technical documentation. It was clear on the maximum resolutions for the laptop's screen and the max resolution on an external monitor, and the max for single and dual link DVI on the adapter pages, but vague on VGA.
I suspected it should work since I have a PC laptop with a graphics card that is a generation behind that can do the full res of my monitor over VGA, but thank you BSteely for confirming this.

How disable external display

How can i disable my external display on my Imac? I use the second output for my ntsc TV, but sometimes i dont use it. If its connected, sometime apps put windows on the second display and its annoying. How can I s/w disable the external display?

Joe,
The Mac "remembers" where windows are, and usually will not move them back if you disconnect your external display.
Generally what I do if I launch and app and can't see its window (because its on the non-existent external display) is click the "Window" menu, then click "Zoom". This usually brings it back to the main display.

Blurry fonts thunderbolt display on rmbp

I have a thunderbolt display 27" connected to a rmbp, the fonts on the thunderbolt display look awfully bad? What to do?
I tried switching smoothing on/off
I tried defaults via terminal with different smoothing settings
I tried the RGB fixed they have for other external displays
Nothing helps...

I've asked the Hosts to move your message to the Thunderbolt Display forum -> https://discussions.apple.com/community/peripherals/thunderbolt_display?view=dis cussions&start=0.
I didn't think that what you describe would work but there was a post there recently, answered by the most knowledgeable TB Display guru, that seemed to indicate that what you propose would work. Personally, I don't know as I've only one TB Display and no other displays save that on my MacBook Pro.
But doesn't your model have two TB ports? Couldn't you use one each for each display? Or am I missing something?
Good luck,
Clinton

What external raid devices can I use on my Non-Thunderbolt Macbook pro (Mid 2009)?

I'm looking for the best external Raid drive options for my non-thunderbolt port 2009 Macbook Pro. I only require 2Tb total storage (prefer RAID 1 so it'll be 2x2tb drives, removeable). Can I still use a thunderbolt drive or would I be wasting my $$ if I can't take advantage of the speed?
I have a 17" Macbook pro 5,2 (mid 2009) running 10.6.8 OS X (Snow Leopard), Intel core, without a Thunderbolt port.
Thanks!

Hi, cubingcouple.
Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.
I understand that your MacBook is not working with your external display. display shows a blank screen. Here is the best troubleshooting resource to go through when experiencing these symptoms.
Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT201177
Cheers,
Jason H.

RMBP external display strangeness

I got tired of waiting for a real update to the Mac Pro line and decided to spring for a retina display MBP as my primary computer. I was using two 27" NEC Multisync PA271W monitors for my work on the Mac Pro, and I am trying to rig up a solution where I now have three screens to use: the MBP display and the two NECs. No problem, right?
So I assembled the following:
2 mini Displayport to DVI-D converter plugs
1 LaCie eSATA to Thunderbolt hub
2 Monitors
! Thunderbolt cable
I plugged one of the miniDisplayport to DVD connectors directly to one of the thunderbolt ports and then connected it to Monitor 1 with a DVI-D cable
I plugged the thunderbolt cable in the other thunderbolt port, and then ran it to the LaCie TB/eSATA hub. From there, I connected the other miniDisplayport converter and then connected it to monitor 2 via a DVI-D cable
When I go into System settings, all of the monitors appear. However, Monitor 1, which is hooked directly to the TB port on the rMBP will only allow a maximum scaled resolution of 1920x1180, even though the monitor's native resolution is 2560x1440. Monitor 2, which is connected via the LaCie TB/eSATA hub allows me to select the full resolution of 2560x1440.
I switched the monitors - same result.
I pressed the option key when I clicked on Scaling in System Preferences - same thing - the directly connected monitor will only run at a reduced resolution.
Has anyone else run into this problem? I suppose I may end up getting another hub, since I plan on using another eSATA driv

Hello, TheForce61! I am having the same issue and would love some advice. I have a MBP purchased in January 2012, so I don't think it has Retina, but I don't know how to figure that out. For a year, I hooked it up to my old Westinghouse external display, with no problems with blurry text. But that monitor died a few days ago, and I bought a new Samsung SyncMaster S20B350. And the text is HORRID. All I use it for is text, so I don't care if the video or graphics are lovely. Someone recommended a PRAM reset, but that didn't work. I am using the cable adapter that came with the MacBook Pro - the Apple Mini DVI to VGA Adapter. The small end of the adapter connects to the laptop, and then I connect the other end to the cable that came with the monitor. The monitor cable then goes into the "RGB In" slot. There is also an "HDMI In" slot on the monitor (It's a Samsung 20" LED Monitor - S20B350). Should I try a different cable? Someone else recommended this adaptor: Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI signal format converter But it seems lame that I have to spend $65 to make a $140 monitor work properly! Thoughts? Thank you!

Connection to external display does not work under windows bootcamp, with a thunderbolt to vga adapter.

Hello guys, after searching a lot in the forum for an answer to this, I could not find a solution so this is the reason for this post.
I have a Macbook Pro (early 2011 I think) running MacOSX Lion and I have installed Windows 7 64-bit through bootcamp (version 4.0).
Everything works fine except that I cannot connect my external display through my thunderbolt-vga adapter.
The external monitor shows only the boot screen of windows (the one with the windows logo) and then, when I get into the login page it goes blank.
After reading the forum, I have done several things in order to fix this problem such as:
Restarting the macbook with the thunderbolt device connected to it.
Updated to the latest ATI drivers through bootcamp.
Removed the graphics driver and re-install it again.
I have tried to identify the external monitor through windows 'screen resolution' tool (attached photo).
but still no luck.
Does anyone have any idea on what else I could do in order to fix this? By the way, I find it very frustrating that Apple does not have a stable solution to the problem with devices that are connected to the thunderbolt port.
Thank you in advance

and here is the attached screenshot

How to connect 2 24" Cinema Displays to a non Thunderbolt MBP

Hi I have a 2010 15" MBP and two 24" Apple Cinema Displays. I recently purchased a Matrox DualHead2Go Digital ME graphics expander thinking I could connect the two displays to it. However, the displays have mini displayport connectors and the Matrox is expecting DVI-D connectors. It seems that Matrox do not have a female mini displayport to male DVI adaptor so I am stuck.
Has anyone found a way of connecting two 24" Apple Cinema Displays to a non Thunderbolt MBP?
Thanks in advance
Neville

Just got the DualHead2Go DP edition. Problem is, I need a MiniDP (female) to DP (male) adapter to connect my two Apple 24" LED displays to it... and I can't find one anywhere? basically the DualHead2go only has DP inputs. All of my devices (24" LED displays and 17" MBP) are MiniDP.
Anyone have any ideas?
Shane

Non-thunderbolt external displays on rMBP

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