Thinkpad HDMI Output Resolution

browser on 12/07/2019 - 20:30

Hooked up an external monitor to a Thinkpad through HDMI, maximum resolution available is 1920 x 1200 when the monitor's native resolution is 2560 x 1600.

Manual says:

4096 x 2304 pixels / 60 Hz, with an external display connected to the USB-C connector
4096 x 2160 pixels / 24 Hz or 3840 x 2160 pixels / 30 Hz, with an external display connected to the HDMI connector

It seems Thunderbolt is the preferred option, but I have a HDMI cable and would like to use it, is the resolution limited by the cable?

Computing Computer HDMI Cable Laptop Lenovo

Comments

  • Peter Enis on 12/07/2019 - 21:21

    Are you trying to Duplicate the display? As that can cause it to find a resolution compatible with both displays. Try outputting to the external display only. Or Extended desktop.

  • browser on 12/07/2019 - 22:26

    It was set to extended. Laptop is 1920 x 1080, so it wasn't trying to match.

  • John Kimble on 12/07/2019 - 22:31

    I have my ThinkPad connected to an LG ultra wide with HDMI and no issues

  • browser on 12/07/2019 - 22:46
    +2

    Turns out it's limited by the monitor, was going to get a HDMI 2.0 or USB-C to HDMI cable this weekend, lucky read the monitor's manual.

    It's an older Dell UltraSharp, I have been using DisplayPort with the desktop, it just works so never thought HDMI ports support lower resolution.

    From the manual:

    2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (DVI/DisplayPort input sources)
    1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (HDMI input source)

    Need a dual link DVI to HDMI (or USB-C) cable.

  • browser on 14/07/2019 - 20:39

    What rubbish :( went to get a Dual Link DVI HDMI cable, now getting max resolution 1600 x 1200.

    To sum it up:

    • Laptop HDMI port is able to output up to 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz or 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz
    • Monitor DVI port is able to receive up to 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
    • High speed display cable supports 4K

    Result: 1600 x 1200, what gives? (Tried both DVI ports on the monitor, same outcome.)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join