Can SP3 (i7-4650U & HD5000 graphics) output 4K UHD @ 60Hz to a single monitor?

Anonymous
2014-06-25T08:50:54+00:00

I know the i7 version hasn't been released yet but it'd be nice to know so I can decide between a 34" Ultrawide 3440x1440 or a 32" 4K UHD (3840x2160) @ 60Hz monitor.

EDIT 7-21-14: Went to Microcenter & confirmed their demo SP3 (i5-4300U with HD 4400 graphics) works on an LG 34UM95 monitor (3440 x 1440 @ 60Hz).

EDIT 1-15-15: Did some more research & FINALLY found a solution for the SP3 to support 4K UHD @ 60Hz!! Credit goes to Reddit users to confirm 4K MST works on the SP3 (not sure how I missed this link on Google previously, LOL!):

http://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/2916ge/surface\_pro\_3\_4k\_support/

Short version: I can confirm the only 4K UHD @ 60Hz monitor (that I've tried) supported by the SP3 (I7) is the Dell UP3214Q. Enable DisplayPort v1.2 in the monitor's OSD menu. If you want the latest version of the graphics driver then read on. If you don't want to read the rest of this long post then just update to the latest system firmware (1-15-15) because it includes a newer graphics driver although it's not the latest version.

In addition to myself, a few people on Reddit have confirmed this works (see link above). For reasons unknown (not enough testing for these drivers?!?), Microsoft hasn't updated the graphics drivers on the SP3 ever since it's been released (originally came with v3496; dated 3-7-14). I updated it yesterday morning to v3960 (dated 10-3-14) but didn't have time to go to the local computer store (Microcenter) to confirm it works until today. Coincidentally, Intel actually released a newer version the other day (v4080; dated 1-12-15) but wasn't on their website until yesterday afternoon.

After I updated to v4080, I went to Microcenter & brought along my SP3 along with 2 different DisplayPort 1.2 cables (Startech & Cables To Go). Connected it to a Dell UP3214Q monitor & confirmed in 3 different area's (in the OS resolution settings menu, Intel graphics software & Dell monitor's OSD menu) it's running 4K UHD @ 60Hz! Mouse cursor & 4K YouTube video's ran smooth unlike when I tested it a few months ago (running on the original graphics drivers @ the max 30Hz on an Asus 4K UHD @ 60Hz monitor).

A couple of notes:

  1. I can only confirm 4K UHD @ 60Hz works on the i7 version of the SP3 since that's what I have. It's been working since v3907 (8-14 timeframe). If you have the i3 or i5 version please confirm if the new graphics drivers supports 4K UHD @ 60Hz so I can update the first post to help others.
  2. Microsoft released a new system firmware update today & ironically, they finally included an updated graphics driver (v4029; dated 11-18-14). Since I did the system firmware update after I updated to v4080, the SP3 reverted back to the older v4029 driver so I just re-installed the newer v4080 driver.
  3. If you're more comfortable using the older graphics driver Microsoft released today then skip this note & also # 4. Here are links for the latest graphics drivers directly from Intel's website. Even though there are different links for each Intel CPU, they all share the same graphics drivers (as of this posting):
  • For the i3-4020Y HD 4200 version:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProdId=3718

  • For the i5-4300U HD 4400 version:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProdId=3719

  • For the i7-4650U HD 5000 version:

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProdId=3721

  • Link to confirm these are the proper CPU's:

http://www.zdnet.com/article/which-cpus-will-you-find-in-the-surface-pro-3/

  1. If this is your first time updating to a newer version of the graphics drivers then you have to do it manually (instead of using the .exe method). Make sure you download & extract the zip (compressed) file in one of the links below then (in your desktop) right click anywhere on the background->Click "Screen resolution"->"Advanced settings" (blue fonts)->Under the "Adapter" tab click on "Properties"->"Driver" tab->"Update Driver"->"Browse my computer for driver software"->"Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"->"Have Disk"->"Browse" then wherever you originally extracted the folder->Click on the "Graphics" folder & it should find the only .inf file in that folder. If you've already updated it manually in the past then you can just download the .exe file after that point.

**Update (6/12/15) for step 4: For some reason, it won't let me update to v4222 using the .exe method despite the fact I already have the previous v4170 (maybe because latest MS firmware update included v4170?!?) so had to manually install with the zip file. Will update this post once the next driver version's released directly from Intel.

  1. To confirm you have the proper driver, just go in your desktop & right click anywhere on the background->Click "Screen resolution"->"Advanced settings"->Under the "Adapter" tab click on "Properties"->"Driver" tab & it should say which version (last 4-digits) you have for the "Driver Version".
  2. No need for an MST hub on the Dell UP3214Q. Just use the included miniDP-to-DP v1.2 cable.
  3. I'm planning on buying a 32" Dell UP3214Q (3840x2160 @ 60Hz) if I can't find another comparable 32" 4K monitor anytime soon. FWIW, this specific Dell monitor had the infamous revision A00 (manufactured in 11-13) with all the previous issues (not waking from sleep, etc.) the AMD/Nvidia owners were having. It didn't exhibit any of these issues when I used it at Microcenter.

EDIT: 1-17-15: Went back to MIcrocenter (& Fry's Electronics) to make sure the SP3 (i7) is compatible with other 4K @ 60Hz monitors before I plunk down $1K+ on a new monitor. Here's what I found out:

  • Acer B286HK: Supports 4K UHD but only @ 30Hz.
  • Asus PB287Q: Supports 4K UHD but only @ 30Hz.
  • LG 31MU97: Suports 4K UHD but only @ 30Hz. With this resolution, you'll end up with a 1-inch wide vertical bar on each side of the screen unless you choose the stretch option in the monitor's OSD menu. Won't do the full 4096x2160 despite the fact LG's website stating it'll work with Intel HD 4600+ graphics (Intel i7-4650U has HD 5000 graphics).
  • Samsung U28D590D: Supports 2560x1440 @ 60Hz. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it to 4K UHD resolution.
  • Samsung U32D970Q: Supports 2560x1440 @ 60Hz. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it to 4K UHD resolution.

I made sure to turn on DisplayPort v1.2 in the monitor's OSD menu if the option was there. Just to make sure the system firmware update (1-15-15) that was released the other day didn't mess with anything, I also tried the Dell UP3214Q again & it still does suport 4K UHD @ 60Hz. Not sure what to make of all this other than the only option for 4K UHD @ 60Hz (using the DisplayPort) is the Dell UP3214Q. Well, out of all the 4K monitors I've tried. I'd like to try these 32" 4K UHD monitors whenever/hopefully the local stores receive them:

  • Acer B326HK
  • Asus PA328Q
  • BenQ BL3201PT
  • Eizo EV3237FX

As of this post, all have been released except for the Asus. I'll update this thread if I can confirm their status with the SP3.

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-08-20T21:08:19+00:00

Many thanks for the update. Ordered two of them with a dock and some Lindy DP 1.2 cables for use with an SP3 i5. Based on below expecting dual 3440x1440 at 50hz, looks like a chipset bandwidth problem but will confirm when receive it all.

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/music-photos-and-video/connect-surface-to-a-tv-display-or-projector?os=windows-10

The number of external screens that your Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, Surface 3, Surface Pro 4, or Surface Book will support depends on your settings for refresh rate and resolution and on whether the display on your Surface is on or off. For Surface Pro 3, it also depends on which processor you have (i7, i5, or i3)....

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

127 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-23T02:46:07+00:00

    I already confirmed (post on the 2nd page of this thread) the i5 version of the SP3 will output 3440x1440 @ 60Hz on an LG 34UM95 using a miniDP-to-DisplayPort 1.2 cable.

    I went to the same Microcenter location over the weekend with my i7 SP3 & had the same issue on that Samsung 4K monitor. Now that I think about it, I probably should've installed that specific monitor's drivers before trying it out. Also, I can confirm the i7 SP3 won't do 4K @ 60Hz since they had a Dell 32" 4K @ 60Hz monitor (Ultrasharp UP3214Q) there for me to test it on. So this should wrap up this thread now.

    In the end, I found out the max resolution for 60Hz is 3440x1440 so that should help others. Looks like I'll be waiting on that curved Dell 34" 3440x1440 monitor coming out at the end of the year...

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-09-23T01:33:37+00:00

    I experienced exactly the same thing with the Samsung U28D590D and my SP3 i5 8GB, 256 GB. Let me explain, connected via the dock using mDP to HDMI adapter and the HDMI cable that came with the monitor I can only get 4k (3840 x 2160) @ 30hz. Its my understanding this is normal and only the **** input supports 4k @ 60 hz. So I connected a 1.2 mDP to **** cable (link below) and monitor did not connect at all via docking station. Connected directly to SP3 it only managed 2560 x 1440 just as the SurfacePro3User reported. Originally I thought it was a bad cable but now that I read SurfacePro3User's comment I'm not very hopeful that a replacement cable will make a difference. As soon as I get the replacement cable from Amazon which for some reason is taking forever I will report my results in this thread.

    mDP to **** 1.2 cable

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-09-23T00:04:53+00:00

    I have purchased a Surface Pro 3 with an i5, 8GB, 256GB version.  I also purchased the docking station and a Dell P2815Q monitor.

    I am getting 4k at 30 hz, which is, as previously mentioned, not entirely usable.  I did not plan any gaming for this setup, but, its the mouse movement that is really intolerable for me.  Mind you, the particular Dell monitor I got is the cheapest 4k monitor at that size and does not even support 4k any higher than 30hz.  I just wasn't sure it was going to bother me until I got the thing and tried it.  Well..... it bothers me.

    I then took my SP3, dock and mini **** to **** cable (came with the Dell monitor) and attempted to connect it to the Samsung U28D590D that was on display there.  That monitor is supposedly capable of 4k at 60 hz.  Sadly, the monitor did not connect through the docking station at all and directly to the SP3 via the mini ****, the monitor managed only 2560 x 1440 (that was at 60 hz).  The mouse movement was so very much better at that moment, but, this was not what I wanted to see and this was before I went back and looked at the SP3 spec sheet a little closer.  I just wanted to see what would happen.

    I am fairly well convinced that both the SP3 core i5 and i7 have the same external display capability, and that it is maxed at 3200 x 2000 at 60 hz (a resolution that is uncommonly supported in most monitors) and therefore is resorted to the 2560 x 1440 resolution at 60 hz.  The 4k external display capability is held up at 30 hz only.

    There has been at least one person who expressed interest in a workaround for this.  I would assume that with the capability of daisy chaining all sorts of monitors in some other monitor testing I have been aware of that there would be some potential for a 4k, 60 hz connection from the SP3.

    I wonder if there are any tricks I can try to at least get this Dell to show me 3440 x 1440 at 60 hz?

    I would plead that anyone with information regarding this would please update this thread with any further findings.  I may go ahead and return the Dell monitor depending on if I had any further hope of using a different 4k monitor with the SP3 and see it at 4k, 60 hz.

    Thanks for the contributions so far!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-09-20T22:18:28+00:00

    Hi

    Thanks, but your suggestions are not really helping me: 

    All updates are installed. I have only one 4k monitor so I can not check on other 4k monitors and it is only with 4k monitors I have noticed the problem. The mini display port I am using is a cable with mini display port interface in one end and standard display port interface on the other, it is not MS cable, I do not see that MS has such a cable. Do they? If so what is special about that?

    What I would like to get confirmed from Microsoft is the following:

    1. There should not be a problem to connect a Surface Pro 3 i7 to a 4 k monitor with display port cable and reconnect it. This has been tested in many scenarios.
    2. There should be no problem to run the 4k monitor at 60hz. This has been tested in many scenarios.

    Could you please confirm the above for me?

    If you can confirm that, then it is either something wrong with the Surface Pro 3, the 4k monitor or the cable. Do Microsoft have software I can use to verify if my Surface pro 3 is all right? If not what do you suggest I do to get it verified?

    Regards

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments