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Hello,

I have a Macbook Pro w/ Retina display (A1502), running Win 7 on bootcamp.
I also have 2 LG 25UM64 monitors. The optimal resolution for these monitors is 2560x1080. However, so far as I can tell I can only hit this resolution if I'm connected through HDMI, for which the MBPro only has one port. The thunderbolt ports won't go past 1920x1080, and I tried an HDMI to USB adapter without any luck.

I'm wondering if there's a way to get this second monitor to go to full resolution. Hoping someone knows how. Thanks!

-EF

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Short answer and context: the A1502 Retina MacBook Pro can drive two external displays at 2560-wide class resolutions if you feed them the right signal; your LG 25UM64s accept 2560×1080 over DisplayPort. The HDMI jack will happily run one ultrawide, but the Thunderbolt (mini‑DisplayPort) outputs will only reach full width if you use true DisplayPort signalling or an active adapter that exposes the higher bandwidth. (support.apple.com)

Recommended, lowest‑friction fix: use one mini‑DisplayPort (Thunderbolt) → DisplayPort cable for each monitor and hook them to the two Thunderbolt ports (set each monitor input to DP). That uses the DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth carried over Thunderbolt and avoids passive mDP→HDMI converters that commonly cap at 1080p. After cabling, install the Boot Camp/graphics drivers in Windows so the Intel GPU exposes the full modes and Windows can select 2560×1080. (vesa.org)

If you cannot run two DP cables, alternatives that work today:

  • A small mDP (or DP) MST hub/splitter can turn one DP 1.2 source into two DP/HDMI outputs (requires the MBP’s DP output and Windows drivers to support MST).
  • A modern USB3/USB‑C DisplayLink dock using a DL‑6950‑class chipset will drive 2560×1080 on an extra monitor, but it is software‑rendered (higher CPU use, occasional latency) so best for static apps/office work.
    Both are viable; MST hubs use native GPU bandwidth while DisplayLink uses the CPU and a driver stack. (rome-solutions.com)

Quick troubleshooting checklist:

  • Use a direct mini‑DP → DisplayPort cable (not a passive mDP→HDMI dongle).
  • Test one monitor at a time to confirm each cable/port can reach 2560×1080.
  • Update Boot Camp support software and the Intel graphics driver in Windows.
  • If a USB adapter only shows 1080p, it’s almost always the adapter/chipset limit (upgrade to a DL‑6950‑class unit if you need 2560‑wide over USB).

As noted, USB adapters exist — but for best results with two 25UM64s, direct mDP→DP per Thunderbolt port (or an MST hub) is the cleanest solution.

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Member Avatar for EvolutionFallen

Thanks! I've actually got this one presently, so I see what you're talking about with the max res. Thanks for the heads-up!

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