4/2K Monitor for FHD Output on laptop - is it possible?

phancy on 27/04/2017 - 22:54

Hi Guys,

So I pulled the trigger on the past Lenovo E470 deals and have been really enjoying the little beast. I was aware before purchasing that it's specced to have an output of FHD (1920x1080) only.

However I had 2 questions:

  1. What exactly happens when you hook it up to a 2K/4K monitor?
  2. I have read that there are devices like the Plugable USB3.0 to 4K adapters that may allow me to successfully use a 4K monitor to satisfactory performances. (I won't game on my machine - just document work and movies.) Are these technologies legit? Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Computing

Comments

  • Diji1 on 27/04/2017 - 23:08

    Assuming you have the pre-requisite output connections on the laptop it will work fine.

    I don't much about using USB 3 for monitor outputs other than to say if it's DisplayLink it can be pretty bad.

  • scrimshaw on 27/04/2017 - 23:14

    It'll work. Assuming the E470 is using a HDMi 1.4 output port, you can get full 4k resolution but the refresh rate will be maxed at 30hz.

    This is fine for work but will suffer for any high-framerate videos (e.g you won't be able to see 60fps video)

    • phancy on 27/04/2017 - 23:26

      Thanks Scrimshaw,

      Was your comment in reference to Point 1? As in I won't even need a device as mentioned in Point 2?

      Could I also ask: what solution would you suggest for a Dual Monitor Set up with 1x 4k Monitor + 1x FHD Monitor?

  • KitchenSink on 27/04/2017 - 23:21

    Officially, you can drive your laptop Screen and another Monitor at 1080p @ 60Hz at the same time. 1080p is the max for the external screen.
    "supports dual independent displays; max. resolution: 1920x1080 (HDMI) @60Hz"

    However, you should be able to drive 1 screen in 2K(1440p@73Hz) or 4k (2160p@30hz) with the lid closed According to notebook check, it supports HDMI 1.4
    https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-E470-Core-i5-G… (scroll down to 'Connectivity')

    • phancy on 27/04/2017 - 23:25

      Thanks KitchenSink,

      Do you believe that it would be be possible to pair a 4K + 1xFHD Monitor out of the e470? (or with an add-on adapter/hub)?

      • KitchenSink on 27/04/2017 - 23:37

        Honestly,i have no idea but after seeing this (assuming you're talking about these adapters)
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFIte_SkgkM

        If that Surface Pro 3 can handle 2x4K monitors and its own screen (totalling 3), I dont see why not. But don't take my word for it.

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