I have a Sony Vaio with an ATI HD5650 graphics card. I was wondering whether it could support a Dell U2711 in full resolution or do I have to upgrade my laptop first? Below is the link for the graphics card.
You state external monitor so I think you stating you have a laptop. They normally do not have full video cards the have integrated video chipsets. You need to check your Sony Vaio manual. If you post its series and model number that may help. It may be better then the AMD site. The AMD site state that the DVI can do a max of 2560x1600 did Sony include a DVI connector on the Vaio?