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I'm about to buy a MBP edition 2015 (15'').

There are two models:

  • model having only Intel Iris Pro (without dedicated graphic card)
  • model having Radeon graphic card

I don't play video games, and I do not use 3D/video softwares.
Mostly programming softwares.

However, I want to use an Apple Thunderbolt screen of 27'' as external and additional monitor.

Should the model having only Iris Pro be enough to handle this monitor (multiple-displays)?

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  • what size is the screen? (13 or 15 inch)
    – bret7600
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:09
  • 15. I updated the post.
    – Mik378
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:09
  • 1
    I am not entirely familiar with Apple's Iris but I have been able to connect and run one of my PC's to an HD television without a dedicated graphics card.
    – Ghost Koi
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:14
  • 1
    I have asked what they are running at the Apple Stores, and it seems to be a macbook pro (base model) with a 27" thunderbolt display.
    – bret7600
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:21
  • 1
    I think they were only running Intel Graphics 4000 too.
    – bret7600
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:24

2 Answers 2

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Graphics and Video support

Intel Iris Pro Graphics​ 2.2GHz - 256GB

Intel Iris Pro Graphics 2.5GHz - 512GB

Intel Iris Pro Graphics

AMD Radeon R9 M370X with 2GB GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native 
resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on up to two
external displays, both at millions of colors

Thunderbolt digital video output 

Native Mini DisplayPort output
DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI output supported using Mini DisplayPort adapters (sold separately)
Support for up to 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz on a single external display (model with AMD Radeon R9 M370X only)

HDMI video output Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz

retrieved from https://support.apple.com/kb/SP719?locale=en_US

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  • Nice! So I can be confident since I don't plan to use a 5120x2880 monitor but one or two 3840x2160.
    – Mik378
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:18
  • "Support for up to 5120-by-2880 resolution at 60Hz on a single external display (model with AMD Radeon R9 M370X only)". This line may confirm that with lower resolutions, Intel Iris Pro is supposed to make the job.
    – Mik378
    Commented Aug 16, 2015 at 0:26
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I had the 2011 Mac Air and it happily drove the external 27" thunderbolt display (2560x1440) - and it only had a 384MB Intel chip. The MBP is designed for multiple monitors - mine has 2 external 2560x1440 monitors plus its internal screen running at 2880x1800.

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