Iris Xe, Innocn 40-inch 5K, Win 11 and Low Resolution

[GeezingGuy]

This is my first foray into widescreen displays and my new Innocn 40C1U  is supposed to be able to handle 5120 x 2160 with max 100Hz refresh. 

My Iris Xe graphics (11th gen 1185G7) is supposed to be able to handle 

HDMI 4096x2304@60Hz

DP  7680x4320@60Hz

Using HDMI, my Dell XPS only offers max of 3840x2160@73Hz

Using DP, it only offers 1920x1080@60Hz

I have  run Windows Update and restarted the PC several times.  Any troubleshooting steps you can recommend to get better resolution out of my Dell/Innocn combination?  

Thanks in advance

[GeezingGuy]

UPDATE:  I swapped DP cables (ditching the one included with the monitor) and now the graphics recognizes the monitor has 5K capability.  When I attempt to drive it at 5K, I get a black screen and the monitor advises "no signal" then goes to sleep.  If I drive it at 75Hz, I do get a picture, but only at 1280 resolution.

Appreciate your ideas....

[DeancR_Intel]

Hello Harry,

Thank you for reaching out about the display resolution issues you're experiencing with your Innocn 40C1U monitor and Intel Iris Xe graphics. I can see you've made some progress by swapping the DisplayPort cable and getting 5K recognition, though you're still encountering the black screen issue at full resolution.

Since you're using an OEM system (Dell XPS), I want to let you know that I'll do my best to assist you with this display compatibility issue. However, if we can't resolve it through Intel graphics troubleshooting, you may need to contact Dell for additional OEM-specific support.

To help troubleshoot this further, I need some information:

1. Have you tried updating to the latest Intel graphics driver version 32.0.101.8136?
2. If not, please download it here: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/785597/intel-arc-iris-xe-graphics-windows.html
3. Have you performed a clean driver installation using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)?

System Information: Could you provide an Intel SSU report for detailed system analysis?

• Download: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005567/processors.html

If you're not comfortable sharing the SSU report, please provide:

• Exact Dell XPS model number
• Current Intel graphics driver version
• CPU specifications (you mentioned 11th gen 1185G7)

Additional Questions:

1. Was this display setup working properly before, or is this a new installation?
2. What are the specifications of both DisplayPort cables you tested (version 1.4, 2.0, etc.)?
3. Have you tried different refresh rates at 5K resolution (like 60Hz instead of the monitor's max 100Hz)?

This information will help me provide more targeted assistance for your 5K display compatibility issue.

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[GeezingGuy]

Thanks for your prompt reply, Dean.  In experimenting, I discovered a direct connection was "just the thing" to awaken the graphics I was hoping for.  I have been using a Thunderbird 3 Hub and it is throttling my signal, as MUC suggests below.  

[MUC · Accepted solution]

Is this your laptop?

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (9310 2n1)

This is a Tiger Lake platform

• 2 x USB Type-C /w DisplayPort 1.4a and Thunderbolt 4
• No HDMI port

The manufacturer's specifications for the INNOCN 40C1U monitor aren't entirely conclusive, but it definitely has a DisplayPort 1.4 input and a USB Type-C connector. Both can operate the DisplayPort protocol.

5120 x 2160 @ 100 Hz RGB 10-bit (CVT-RB) = 138% DisplayPort 1.4a HBR3.

This monitor likely requires Display Stream Compression (DSC) to achieve its full performance. The Dell XPS 13 should also support it. However, with these early implementations, you may need to make adjustments to the operating system. Please check this:
How to Enable Display Stream Compression on Dell Latitude, Precision and XPS

If possible, avoid using a docking station if you want to achieve the maximum resolution. USB Type-C and Thunderbolt docking stations may limit the video bandwidth by half (HBR3 protocol is only used on 2 lanes instead of 4).

Please first try using the USB-C cable included with your monitor to establish a direct connection between your laptop and monitor. Ideally, you'll receive a 4-lane HBR3 video signal and the laptop will charge simultaneously.

If you want to use a different cable, please try this one:
USB4 Gen3x2 Type-C Bi-Directional Cable (2 m | 6.6 ft) 

If that doesn't work, you can use one of these cables:

• Zeskit MAYA 8K Bi-Directional USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable
• Club 3D USB Type C Cable to DP 1.4 (CAC-1557)
• Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort Cable - 8K Ready (201036)
• Cable Matters Premium Braided USB C to DisplayPort 1.4 Cable (201336)

[GeezingGuy]

Thanks for the details, MUC.  I do not have the two-in-one version XPS, but I am using a TB hub, so you're still right on target.  My new setup is a direct connect USB-C to DP cable from the XPS to the Innocn, with everything else, including second monitor (HDMI) still running off the hub via the second USB-C port.  I may revisit the hub idea with the next generation of processors when I move up to TB 5.  

Thanks again for taking the time.

[MUC]

If you're considering upgrading your peripherals, check out the Pro Thunderbolt 5 Smart Dock (SD25TB5), which Dell released a few months ago.

You can find an overview of supported monitor configurations in the manual for:

• Source devices with Thunderbolt 5 starting on page 21
• Source devices with Thunderbolt 4 starting on page 23

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi GeezingGuy,

I'm glad to see that you were able to resolve your 5K display issue! I noticed that you marked MUC's solution as helpful, and it's great that the direct USB-C to DisplayPort connection worked perfectly for achieving the full 5120x2160 resolution on your Innocn 40C1U monitor.

MUC provided excellent guidance about the bandwidth limitations of Thunderbolt hubs and the importance of direct connections for maximum display performance with your Intel Iris Xe graphics.

Since you've successfully resolved the display resolution issue and have your setup working as desired, do you have any other concerns, or can I go ahead and close this thread?

Thank you for sharing your solution, it will definitely help other users facing similar 5K display challenges!

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[GeezingGuy]

You can close it, Dean.  Thanks again.

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi GeezingGuy,

Thank you for confirming! I'm really pleased that we were able to help you achieve the full 5K resolution on your Innocn 40C1U monitor. It's always satisfying when we can work together to find the right solution.

Your experience with the direct USB-C to DisplayPort connection will definitely be valuable for other users who might face similar display challenges with their Intel Iris Xe graphics and high-resolution monitors.

I'll go ahead and close this thread now. If you ever need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your patience throughout the troubleshooting process, and I'm glad we could get your 5K display setup working perfectly!

Best regards,

Dean R.

Intel Customer Support Technician