Dell P2715Q and P2415Q 4K IPS Displays

[cmm]

A few questions, sorry I just can't get the straight answer, I've read most of this thread and have seen conflicting reports...

I have a 13 rMBP. I'm planning on buying a 15 rMBP with discrete GPU so I can have 4k support. If I read correctly, this rMBP will support 1 4k at 60hz and the other 4k at 52hz (over which cable, hdmi or DP?)? Can I use the retina screen at the same time or does it need to be closed?

How does 52hz compare to 60hz? I have consistently read you want at least 60hz.

Performance wise, is there any difference between the 2715Q and 2415Q?

Will this rMBP lag at all when using two external monitors? If so, my other option is to buy a Mac Pro or a 5k iMac and run 2 24" or 27" 4k Dells.

Lastly, I plan on running either monitor at HiDPi mode. 1920x1080 would be the "best retina display" setting, but if I run it slightly higher, say at 2560x1440, so it has the same screen real estate as my 27 thunderbolt Apple Cinema Display, will the text be more clear than the ACD? Just not as clear if I were running at 1080p? Given I am running in a HiDPi mode, do you recommend the 24 or 27 inch monitors?

Honestly, knowing that I hate lag more than anything (although I really want the portability of a laptop), would you suggest I try this with the rMBP or will I be disappointed?

THANK YOU!

 

[larrysing1963]

A few questions, sorry I just can't get the straight answer, I've read most of this thread and have seen conflicting reports...
I have a 13 rMBP. I'm planning on buying a 15 rMBP with discrete GPU so I can have 4k support. If I read correctly, this rMBP will support 1 4k at 60hz and the other 4k at 52hz (over which cable, hdmi or DP?)? Can I use the retina screen at the same time or does it need to be closed? How does 52hz compare to 60hz? I have consistently read you want at least 60hz. Performance wise, is there any difference between the 2715Q and 2415Q?
Will this rMBP lag at all when using two external monitors? If so, my other option is to buy a Mac Pro or a 5k iMac and run 2 24" or 27" 4k Dells. Lastly, I plan on running either monitor at HiDPi mode. 1920x1080 would be the "best retina display" setting, but if I run it slightly higher, say at 2560x1440, so it has the same screen real estate as my 27 thunderbolt Apple Cinema Display, will the text be more clear than the ACD? Just not as clear if I were running at 1080p? Given I am running in a HiDPi mode, do you recommend the 24 or 27 inch monitors? Honestly, knowing that I hate lag more than anything (although I really want the portability of a laptop), would you suggest I try this with the rMBP or will I be disappointed?
THANK YOU!

My recommendation would be the Mac Pro and run dual monitors off of it. You can get them refurbed at the online Apple Mac Store now, saving yourself money off new. That is the best way to GUARANTEE the best video performance.

 

[cmm]

My recommendation would be the Mac Pro and run dual monitors off of it. You can get them refurbed at the online Apple Mac Store now, saving yourself money off new. That is the best way to GUARANTEE the best video performance.

Yes, I know I'd get the best performance, but I really don't want the chore of trying to keep two computers in sync. What are the capabilities of the 15 rMBP with discrete GPU? If it fails, then I'll have to revisit the issue, but I might as well give it the good ole college try before changing my workflow dramatically.

Also, how do you daisy chain Thunderbolt devices if this monitor uses both of your TB ports? I have a TB RAID array...

 

[larrysing1963]

Yes, I know I'd get the best performance, but I really don't want the chore of trying to keep two computers in sync. What are the capabilities of the 15 rMBP with discrete GPU? If it fails, then I'll have to revisit the issue, but I might as well give it the good ole college try before changing my workflow dramatically.

Also, how do you daisy chain Thunderbolt devices if this monitor uses both of your TB ports? I have a TB RAID array...

My setup would work for you. My LG 34UM95 has in-out, daisy-chainable TB ports. And I have the P2715Q. So you can deal with your TB devices on the LG and still have a free DP port for the 4K monitor.

My guess is that the rMBP with the discrete GPUs would run my setup very smoothly and lag-free. My Iris Pro setup does very well, but could be better.

 

[Ryan0751]

Lastly, I plan on running either monitor at HiDPi mode. 1920x1080 would be the "best retina display" setting, but if I run it slightly higher, say at 2560x1440, so it has the same screen real estate as my 27 thunderbolt Apple Cinema Display, will the text be more clear than the ACD? Just not as clear if I were running at 1080p? Given I am running in a HiDPi mode, do you recommend the 24 or 27 inch monitors?

THANK YOU!

I can comment on this. I am running dual P2715Q's, at the 2550x1440 hiDPI mode. I also have a pair of 27" Apple Thunderbolt displays (now residing at my office).

The text on the Dell's at 2550x1440 is FANTASTIC. To my eyes, it's comparable to what I see on my retina MBP. It's very much a noticeable upgrade over the Apple display.

Now, the 1920x1080 mode also looks AWESOME, but I need more space.

Apple's scaling is really really good.

There is also a 3008x1692 mode, which is quite nice as well, but I find 2550x1440 to be the perfect resolution for real-estate and ease on the eyestrain.

 

[cmm]

My setup would work for you. My LG 34UM95 has in-out, daisy-chainable TB ports. And I have the P2715Q. So you can deal with your TB devices on the LG and still have a free DP port for the 4K monitor.

My guess is that the rMBP with the discreet GPUs would run my setup very smoothly and lag-free. My Iris Pro setup does very well, but could be better.

What do you have, the 5k iMac?

----------

I can comment on this. I am running dual P2715Q's, at the 2550x1440 hiDPI mode. I also have a pair of 27" Apple Thunderbolt displays (now residing at my office).

The text on the Dell's at 2550x1440 is FANTASTIC. To my eyes, it's comparable to what I see on my retina MBP. It's very much a noticeable upgrade over the Apple display.

Now, the 1920x1080 mode also looks AWESOME, but I need more space.

Apple's scaling is really really good.

There is also a 3008x1692 mode, which is quite nice as well, but I find 2550x1440 to be the perfect resolution for real-estate and ease on the eyestrain.

Thanks!

Do you know if the 15 retina MBP can support two Dell P2715Qs?
Or P2415Qs?

Do you think the 3" make a big difference if I run at 2560x1440? That is, would the text still look fantastic on the P2415Q?

 

[larrysing1963]

What do you have, the 5k iMac?
----------

No, I'm sorry, I was assuming you had seen my prior posts with that info in it. I'm running a late 2013 rMBP, 16GB/256GB, Iris Pro graphics, no discrete GPU.

Thanks!
Do you know if the 15 retina MBP can support two Dell P2715Qs?
Or P2415Qs?
Do you think the 3" make a big difference if I run at 2560x1440? That is, would the text still look fantastic on the P2415Q?

The smaller monitor would give you crisper text, although physically smaller. So if your eyesight is great, the smaller monitor would be the best choice for crispness of text.

The 24" at 2560x1440 equates to 122 PPI and a dot pitch of .13725
The 27" at 2560x1440 equates to 109 PPI and a dot pitch of .1554

 

[cmm]

No, I'm sorry, I was assuming you had seen my prior posts with that info in it. I'm running a late 2013 rMBP, 16GB/256GB, Iris Pro graphics, no discreet GPU.




The smaller monitor would give you crisper text, although physically smaller. So if your eyesight is great, the smaller monitor would be the best choice for crispness of text.

The 24" at 2560x1440 equates to 122 PPI and a dot pitch of .13725
The 27" at 2560x1440 equates to 109 PPI and a dot pitch of .1554

Thanks!

So you don't experience any lag?

Do you run the setup with your laptop screen open and on, or closed? Does it make a difference?

Basically I code all day and have 10-20 windows open at once, mainly PDFs or other LaTeX documents. I don't spend more than an hour a month uploading and editing photos from my Nikon D70 (in iPhoto although since that's EOL, I'll probably switch to Lightroom or Photoshop). I'll watch youtube videos on my laptop and the occasional mkv from my NAS when I am too lazy to go to my living room for the TV.

Can I daisy chain on the Dell 24 or 27 inch model?

On the 15 rMBP, both 4k monitors run at 60 hz?

I assume since my rMBP will have the discrete GPU, I'll be in even better shape, in terms of less lag/performance issues?

My eyesight isn't great but I have computer glasses, so with them, they are. Any other reason to pick the 24 vs the 27, or vice versa?

Thanks so much!

 

[larrysing1963]

Thanks!

So you don't experience any lag?

Do you run the setup with your laptop screen open and on, or closed? Does it make a difference?

Basically I code all day and have 10-20 windows open at once, mainly PDFs or other LaTeX documents. I don't spend more than an hour a month uploading and editing photos from my Nikon D70 (in iPhoto although since that's EOL, I'll probably switch to Lightroom or Photoshop). I'll watch youtube videos on my laptop and the occasional mkv from my NAS when I am too lazy to go to my living room for the TV.

Can I daisy chain on the Dell 24 or 27 inch model?

On the 15 rMBP, both 4k monitors run at 60 hz?

I assume since my rMBP will have the discrete GPU, I'll be in even better shape, in terms of less lag/performance issues?

My eyesight isn't great but I have computer glasses, so with them, they are. Any other reason to pick the 24 vs the 27, or vice versa?

Thanks so much!

My setup is mostly good 99% of the time, and some of the lag I have MIGHT be contributable to a slow internet connection. I'm upgrading on Feb 6th to a faster connection, so I will know more then.

Both the Dell monitors can be daisy-chained, according to the info on the Dell website:

All-digital connectivity.
Connect easily with other peripherals simultaneously, and view content from your handheld devices on the monitor screen – all without compromising picture quality.
With DisplayPort 1.2, you can daisy-chain two monitors side by side by connecting via the DP-in and DP-out ports, eliminating the need to link every one of your monitors to the PC and reducing cable clutter.

What I don't think anyone knows yet is how the monitors perform in this configuration, what the refresh rate is, etc, because these monitors are just too new.

The good part is that Dell gives you 30 days to return them if ordered from the Dell site, so there is no harm in trying them out.

My guess is that you would be better off with the 27" monitor, because when all else is equalized, the larger monitor usually wins. If not, we wouldn't have larger and larger monitors being produced and sold.

 

[Ryan0751]

I code as well, and prefer the screen real estate and size of the 27".

Trust me, it looks very good. And I have great vision.

 

[cmm]

OK. I could just connect my TB DAS to the monitor, and then connect two Dell monitors to my rMBP via DP, correct? In that setup, both monitors run at 60 hz? Or does one run at 52?

Thanks so much! I'm about to pull the trigger, after weeks of anguish!

My setup is mostly good 99% of the time, and some of the lag I have MIGHT be contributable to a slow internet connection. I'm upgrading on Feb 6th to a faster connection, so I will know more then.

Both the Dell monitors can be daisy-chained, according to the info on the Dell website:

All-digital connectivity.
Connect easily with other peripherals simultaneously, and view content from your handheld devices on the monitor screen – all without compromising picture quality.
With DisplayPort 1.2, you can daisy-chain two monitors side by side by connecting via the DP-in and DP-out ports, eliminating the need to link every one of your monitors to the PC and reducing cable clutter.

What I don't think anyone knows yet is how the monitors perform in this configuration, what the refresh rate is, etc, because these monitors are just too new.

The good part is that Dell gives you 30 days to return them if ordered from the Dell site, so there is no harm in trying them out.

My guess is that you would be better off with the 27" monitor, because when all else is equalized, the larger monitor usually wins. If not, we wouldn't have larger and larger monitors being produced and sold.

 

[cmm]

So, I am pretty sure I will purchase this laptop, which is a late 2013 15 rMBP with discrete 750M GPU https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1837811/

However, post #9 states that it can only support 30hz via thunderbolt?

What gives? Please help me! I don't wanna buy this and find out later I can't use it unless I'm at the unusable 30hz.

 

[larrysing1963]

OK. I could just connect my TB DAS to the monitor, and then connect two Dell monitors to my rMBP via DP, correct? In that setup, both monitors run at 60 hz? Or does one run at 52? Thanks so much! I'm about to pull the trigger, after weeks of anguish!

I couldn't definitively say about the refresh rates....I don't know that anyone has tried it with THESE monitors in the configuration you want to attempt - they are too new.

I do know that you can get 60Hz out of my two monitors, each running their own cable off the rMBP. But they are not both 4K. Maybe someone else on the thread has tried it with these monitors, but I cannot say one way or the other, sorry.

But like I said earlier - with Dell's generous return policy, no harm in ordering them and experimenting for 3 weeks !!

 

[cmm]

I couldn't definitively say about the refresh rates....I don't know that anyone has tried it with THESE monitors in the configuration you want to attempt - they are too new.

I do know that you can get 60Hz out of my two monitors, each running their own cable off the rMBP. But they are not both 4K. Maybe someone else on the thread has tried it with these monitors, but I cannot say one way or the other, sorry.

But like I said earlier - with Dell's generous return policy, no harm in ordering them and experimenting for 3 weeks !!

OK. Do you know why that picture from post #9 in the for sale thread I just linked said via thunderbolt and 4k it can only do 30hz??? I don't care if it's 52hz, but 30hz, by all accounts, is unusable.

I heard Dell makes everything more difficult. That's not the case? I mean, I heard their customer support is terrible. I'm a bit bummed I missed the recent sale on these monitors. Maybe Dell will still give me some kind of discount.

Do you know if you can hook up another Thunderbolt device to your monitor and use it (e.g., an external hard drive)?

 

[cmm]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I also have to buy a new computer, so we are talking about a ~$4000 investment.

Does anyone know if I can get 60hz or 52hz from either the Dell P2715Q or Dell P2415Q on a 15" retina MacBookPro with the discrete 2GB GPU? Or is it going to be 30hz?

This page says nothing: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/


According to larrysing1963, he states he can get 4k resolution with one Dell monitor on a 15 rMBP with NO discrete GPU. So at least one must be able to be 60hz, correct? Running two of them is unknown what the refresh rate would be though? Then why does the image in post #9 on this thread say it only can do 30hz??????

This is maddening!

TIA

 

[psymac]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I also have to buy a new computer, so we are talking about a ~$4000 investment.

Does anyone know if I can get 60hz or 52hz from either the Dell P2715Q or Dell P2415Q on a 15" retina MacBookPro with the discrete 2GB GPU? Or is it going to be 30hz?

This page says nothing: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/


According to larrysing1963, he states he can get 4k resolution with one Dell monitor on a 15 rMBP with NO discrete GPU. So at least one must be able to be 60hz, correct? Running two of them is unknown what the refresh rate would be though? Then why does the image in post #9 on this thread say it only can do 30hz??????

This is maddening!

TIA

larrysing196 is correct, I'm getting 60hz on my late 2013 Macbook Pro, 2ghz i7 and Iris Pro. I'm using SwitchResx and am leaning towards 2304 x 1296 resolution. Stunning!
Running a second 4k, haven't tried that....

----------

Got my second P2715Q for home use, and still can't get the USB 3.0 hub to work with the cable supplied by Dell. The hub *does* work with a 2.0 cable, (which seems weird) and all my USB gadgets work fine (they are all USB 2.0), although the monitor USB menu is still grayed out. Got a trouble shooting ticket with Dell, but don't have my hopes up, as this seems a widespread problem.

 

[cmm]

larrysing196 is correct, I'm getting 60hz on my late 2013 Macbook Pro, 2ghz i7 and Iris Pro. I'm using SwitchResx and am leaning towards 2304 x 1296 resolution. Stunning!
Running a second 4k, haven't tried that....

Okay, thank you.

Any tips on getting Dell to give me a discount? What's the lowest price the 27 or 24 has sold at?

When I get both monitors and my 15 rMBP, I will update this thread and let everyone know how it works.

 

[macsplusmacs]

When the screen first turns on from sleep, there is a Dell input graphic that shows.

It gets in the way of the log in screen and i don't need to see it.

I searched the menus, but did not see a way to turn off.

Anyone ever turn this off from the Dell hardware menus?

 

[psymac]

Okay, thank you.

Any tips on getting Dell to give me a discount? What's the lowest price the 27 or 24 has sold at?

When I get both monitors and my 15 rMBP, I will update this thread and let everyone know how it works.

Quoting from a previous post here on this thread:

"Ordered a second for home, and thought I'd get the same deal of $175 off, but it ended before the web sale ad deadline of 8am EST. Complained by chat to customer service and got a quote for a sale price of $449! Something to try, YMMV."


Chat log

01/22/2015 07:12:24AM Agent (Tip_Justin D): "Wait, We currently have a fixed price on this item however I value your effort on checking with us and I personally want to give you the best levels of customer service. I can talk to my supervisor and see if we can get you a deal, this is subject for app"
roval but I'm happy to make it on your behalf, I will need to get you a reference quote as the basis of the request. Full name, Shipping/Billing & Phone # is necessary so I can create you a quote. I will get this request across and I will have my callback specialist get back with you regardless in 10 - 15 minutes for our feedback.

 

[larrysing1963]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I also have to buy a new computer, so we are talking about a ~$4000 investment.

Does anyone know if I can get 60hz or 52hz from either the Dell P2715Q or Dell P2415Q on a 15" retina MacBookPro with the discrete 2GB GPU? Or is it going to be 30hz?

This page says nothing: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/


According to larrysing1963, he states he can get 4k resolution with one Dell monitor on a 15 rMBP with NO discrete GPU. So at least one must be able to be 60hz, correct? Running two of them is unknown what the refresh rate would be though? Then why does the image in post #9 on this thread say it only can do 30hz??????

This is maddening!

TIA

I'm definitely getting 60Hz on the P2715Q right now at 3840x2160 from my late 2013 rMBP with Iris Graphics only, via DP-to-mDP cable, as well as getting 60Hz from my 3440x1440 LG monitor at the same time.

What I don't know, and haven't seen proven, is that you can get TWO 4K monitors running from my version of this laptop, both at the same time running 3840x2160 @ 60Hz. I can for a fact and am right now getting dual 60Hz at 3440x1440 and 3840x2160, as this picture from my system report indicates:

 

[cmm]

Thanks all. I spoke to a Dell salesrep and 15 minutes later they called me up and I was able to order two monitors, both at a $200 discount.

 

[hughgriffiths]

Audio when using P2415Q

I have read (on another forum - which isn't as informative as this one) that when the monitor is plugged in to a TB port on my rMBP (15", late 2013, i7, nVidia GPU) that the speakers on the MBP are disabled.

Is that correct? And can I still get audio through the headphone socket if so? It certainly seems a bizarre limitation.

 

[wakele]

I have read (on another forum - which isn't as informative as this one) that when the monitor is plugged in to a TB port on my rMBP (15", late 2013, i7, nVidia GPU) that the speakers on the MBP are disabled.

Is that correct? And can I still get audio through the headphone socket if so? It certainly seems a bizarre limitation.

I don't think so. On my mini late 2014, I just had to do the setup to use the internal speaker of the mini, or any other speaker, and it works fine. I don't remember if it defaulted the hdmi or tb audio exit, but right now, just choosing the right one from the audio setup, it works good. I think it should be the same for the macbook.

 

[CheesePuff]

I have read (on another forum - which isn't as informative as this one) that when the monitor is plugged in to a TB port on my rMBP (15", late 2013, i7, nVidia GPU) that the speakers on the MBP are disabled.

Is that correct? And can I still get audio through the headphone socket if so? It certainly seems a bizarre limitation.

I get audio through the built-in speakers and with my external speakers using the headphone jack on my rMBP 2014 model with the P2415Q.

 

[xav8tor]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but I also have to buy a new computer, so we are talking about a ~$4000 investment.

Does anyone know if I can get 60hz or 52hz from either the Dell P2715Q or Dell P2415Q on a 15" retina MacBookPro with the discrete 2GB GPU? Or is it going to be 30hz?

This page says nothing: http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/


TIA

Just got the rMBP with 750m last night. 60 Hz. SST to the P2415Q via TB/mDP to DP cable is perfect plug and play. Haven't tried via the Iris Pro only (which sys report says is running the internal display when the Dell is active), or a second monitor via the 2nd TB port. I won't try it either. The two TB ports share a single bus and you're just asking for trouble doing that. OTH a 1920x1080 via HDMI might work at 30 Hz for static disc and vids, but I don't know what bus that comes off of, point being, Apple says, if you can, run a single 4K display from a single TB bus and put nothing else on it for optimum performance. As for daisy chaining 4K, forget about it. Again, asking for trouble.