U3219Q, Apple PCs, cannot get 60Hz?

* For my notes, click my name and private message me the U3219Q service tag number and 20 digit alphanumeric serial number

* All of the U3219Q ports (USB Type-C/DP1.4/HDMI2.0) can do 4K 3840x2160 60Hz. But, the Windows PC video card ports must be HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2 or higher
* What video in ports on the U3219Q have you tested? USB Type-C/DP1.4/HDMI2.0
* Did you test single video cables, one at a time, from the Windows PC to the U3219Q?
* From what Windows PC video cards, ports, and cabling tested?
* Did you open the U3219Q OSD Menu, go to Others and choose Factory Reset? (page 51)

1) Regarding my Windows video ports, I don't know where to find the version numbers but FYI Computer #1 doesn't offer HDMI. It uses a Mini-DVI output. So I use a Mini-DVI->HDMI converter lead.

2) Initially I started off using the U3219Q DisplayPort input, but I'm now using HDMI exclusively. DP also gave me a very poor refresh rate.

3) Yes, I've test each computer (separately) using a single cable going directly into the U3219Q.

4) Both computers are in fact Apple Macs (which can dual-boot into Windows). Computer #1 is an (old) Mac Mini and can only manage 2048x1080 (this one shows up as 24Hz refresh). It uses an Nvidia GeForce 9400 GPU. Computer #2 is a Mac Pro (about 2 months old). It gives me 4K resolution but only at 30Hz. The Mac Pro uses an AMD FirePro D300 GPU.

5) I haven't done a factory reset yet.

First, Dell never tested this Mini-DVI->HDMI converter lead. We have no idea how the U3219Q would see it. We tested the cabling (DP to DP, USB Type-C) that shipped in the U3219Q on Dell Windows Desktops and Laptops using their DP out port and USB Type-C out port.

Second, you need to find a true Windows based PC to test the U3219Q. Why? Because you are using the Apple proprietary hardware. All of your U3219Q issues (not showing BIOS, 60Hz) could stem from the fact that you are using the non-validated Apple PC's. An Apple PC dual booting into Windows is still an Apple PC with Apple BIOS and Apple hardware.

We can see on the U3219Q drivers page and also in the U3219Q User's Guide that there is no mention of the proprietary Apple operating system or hardware.

You should read the U3219Q threads on the Apple Forum and see what other Apple users have done as far as Apple PC troubleshooting and possible Apple proprietary cabling to purchase. If need be, sign in there and start a new thread. Be sure to post your specific Apple PC's, cabling, etc.

Hi again Johne.

(If I am being a pest, please let me know, and I will stop interrupting your discussions).

About your new 2019 edition Mac Pro.  It's a miserable situation in this industry that we cannot get specs, isn't it?  We have to fumble like this.  Here's what I get from Apple when I try to get specs about the new 2019 Mac Pro.

https://www.apple.com/mac-pro/specs/

(nothing).  Maybe they'll eventually supply specs.

My best guess is you would be able to use a ThunderBolt-to-DisplayPort cable to connect it to the monitor, and get the full 4K 60Hz.  Here's an amazon link for a selection of such cables.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=thunderbolt-displayport+cable

About the Mini Mac.  The GeForce 9400 max's out at 2560x1600.  The video connector is miniDP.  (there was a typo*, DVI instead of DP, in what Chris transcribed, yes?). According to Wikipedia, using a miniDP-to-HDMI cable can only give HDMI 1.2 bandwidth.  3.96 Gb/s data.  This is due to DP++ 1.0 limitations from that 2010 timeframe.  According to the HDMI table, you could get 2560x1440 2K at 30Hz that way.  That would be a very fine result for the Mini Mac, I think you'll agree.

https://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-9400-gt/specifications

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort#DisplayPort_Dual-Mode_(DP++)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Refresh_frequency_limits_for_standard_video

*oh, mini-DVI is also available on the Mac Mini.  But it's the single-link type, not dual-link.  The bandwidth constraints are also as above.  3.96 Gb/s.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface#Digital

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-DVI

To speculate where that strange 24Hz is coming from.  Wikipedia shows HDMI 1.4 added a 4K 24Hz mode.  I calc'd the data rate needed to get 4K 24-bit color at 24Hz.  It is 4.77Gb/s.  But the HDMI 1.2 spec tops out at 3.96 Gb/s data rate.  So that won't work.  I am going to guess that early 2010 firmware tried to achieve 4K, then realized it needed to back it down.  But retained the 24Hz timing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Version_1.4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Main_specifications

Did you check your nVidia Control Panel utility, in the Display ▸Change Resolution section?  If the 2560x1440 30Hz option is not offered there, you can try using the Customize button and manually enter it.  (if you feel daring)

I might even try pushing 60Hz through it, with a 4K rated miniDP-to-HDMI cable.  I don't see why that wouldn't work, assuming the 9400 gpu really does support 2560x1600 at 60hz.

Thanks guys - and no MikeMikeM, you're not being a pest!  I've just woken up so I'll read these posts in more detail once I've had my breakfast - but some initial thoughts...

I did start off using DisplayPort but apparently, DP requires an OS driver - so although it works (once the OS has kicked in) it won't display anything that would normally appear on screen prior to the OS. (i.e. it won't display diagnostics information or BIOS messages etc). And it still only worked at 24Hz.

I think my inclination is just to return the monitor and ask for a refund. Prior to buying the U3219Q I originally bought an Asus PA32UC-K. The Asus gave me 60Hz pictures - but it arrived with a faulty joystick control so had to be returned (it uses a small joystick control for adjusting the on-screen menu). At the time, Asus had no more stock available - but I'm confident that the Asus (and the Mac Pro) are both capable of 60Hz.

BTW - for some reason, this site refuses to email me when someone replies to one of my posts. I've checked my Profile/Settings and my email address is correct. And the option to "Don't send me any community emails" is unchecked. Can anyone suggest what else might be wrong?

Okay, sorry if this comes through twice...

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@Anonymous wrote:

 

Did you check your nVidia Control Panel utility, in the Display ▸Change Resolution section?  If the 2560x1440 30Hz option is not offered there, you can try using the Customize button and manually enter it.  (if you feel daring)

I might even try pushing 60Hz through it, with a 4K rated miniDP-to-HDMI cable.  I don't see why that wouldn't work

 

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Good grief - that actually worked!!!

Using the NVidia Control panel I was able to increase my resolution from 2048x1080 @ 24Hz right up to 2560x1440 @ 60Hz (though I haven't dared try anything higher yet...)

BUT here's the thing... 2560x1440 didn't fill the entire screen (there were narrow vertical "blanks" at each side). And that made me realise that the U3219Q isn't in fact a 16:9 monitor. It's actually more like 17:9. So I tweaked my resolution to 2560x1350 and it looks fine!!!

So I'm guessing that's why the Asus monitor "just worked" (i.e. it's genuinely 16:9). Unfortunately my Mac Pro doesn't use NVidia graphics (it uses an AMD FirePro D300). I wonder if there's any similar utility available for the AMD?

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@Anonymous wrote:

 

Did you check your nVidia Control Panel utility, in the Display ▸Change Resolution section?  If the 2560x1440 30Hz option is not offered there, you can try using the Customize button and manually enter it.  (if you feel daring)

I might even try pushing 60Hz through it, with a 4K rated miniDP-to-HDMI cable.  I don't see why that wouldn't work

 

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Good grief - that actually worked!!!

My Mac Mini (the one with NVidia graphics) was previously offering only 2048x1080 @ 24Hz. By using a custom setting I can increase that to 2560x1440 @ 60Hz (though I haven't dared try anything higher yet...)

BUT here's the thing...  2560x1440 doesn't fill the whole screen (there are short vertical 'blanks' at each edge). And that made me realise that the U3219Q isn't in fact a 16:9 monitor!!!  It's actually more like 17:9.  So I've tweaked it to run at 2560x1350 and it looks fine!!!  So that's probably why the Asus monitor "just worked" (i.e. it was genuinely 16:9).

Sadly, my Mac Pro doesn't use NVidia graphics (it runs an AMD FirePro D300). I wonder if there's a similar utility available for the AMD?

Huh?? I just posted a 2nd reply to Mike but it's not showing up. Are users only allowed one post at a time??

Maybe if you set nVidia back to 2560x1440, and then tinker with the monitor's OSD options, one will work.

Aspect Ratio
Adjusts the image ratio to Wide 16:9, Auto Resize, 4:3, or 1:1.

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[...]  Unfortunately my Mac Pro doesn't use NVidia graphics (it uses an AMD FirePro D300). I wonder if there's any similar utility available for the AMD?

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A new Question in this forum gave a tip how to "Use custom resolution" with AMD gpus.
Maybe it will work with the Mac Pro.

https://www.dell.com/community/Monitors/U2518D-Monitor-HDMI-output-unable-to-set-to-2560x1440-Resolution/m-p/7294093

https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/dh-032

https://www.google.com/search?&q=DALNonStandardModesBCD1

I managed to find an email address for AMD Tech Support and they sent me a more recent driver to try. Strangely enough it was a driver for their AMD Radeon range (so I wonder if "FirePro" is maybe Apple's rebranded name for Radeon??) Whatever... it worked! And I'm now able to get full 4K resolution at 64Hz. I'm just glad to know that the monitor itself wasn't faulty!

Hey @johne53,

I am having a similar issue and I was wondering if you could send me the Radeon drivers AMD sent you or alternatively send me the technical support email address you used?

I've searched high and low on the web but I am coming up short.

Thanks in advance. Cheers, Chris