2017 Macbook 12 inch, External Display 4K/60Hz and charging

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Level 1

7 points

2017 Macbook 12 inch, External Display 4K/60Hz and charging

Hi all,

Just got the BenQ BL2711U 4K Monitor installed in the office and I’m trying to figure out how to connect to my MacBook.

I really want to run 4K at 60Hz AND be able to charge at the same time. But have now tried with two different usb-c adapters, capable of running 4K/60Hz and charging -and still a can only get 4K/30Hz...

Apple spec’s tell me this:

Intel HD Graphics 615

Dual display and video mirroring: simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 4096-by-2304 resolution at 60Hz on an external display, both at millions of colors

Regading the above, it should be possible- or am I getting this wrong?

Tnx

Anders

MacBook, 10.14

Posted on Jan 26, 2019 9:40 AM

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Answer 1

Will - T

Level 2

169 points

Jan 26, 2019 1:18 PM in response to Hjorten

Some things to consider:

1) The MacBook 12 can only support one external monitor, despite the graphics card ability to support dual external monitors.

2) There are two HDMI ports on the BenQ monitor, only one of them is capable of 4K 60Hz.

3) Double check your HDMI cable is HDMI 2.0 capable.

Hope this helps

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Answer 2

Lanny

Level 6

13,235 points

Jan 28, 2019 2:19 PM in response to Will - T

Try using a DisplayPort adaptor. See: https://www.amazon.com/USB-DisplayPort-Adapter-Delivery-Charging/dp/B074TTB7XQ

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Answer 3

Lanny

Level 6

13,235 points

Jan 27, 2019 5:25 PM in response to Hjorten

It might help to identify the make and model of the USB-C adapters that you have tried.

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Answer 4

Hjorten Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 30, 2019 10:36 AM in response to Lanny

Hi Lanny,

I can now confirm that both of the above mentioned adapters are working perfect and running 4K/60Hz.

What a hassle!!!

I am actually quite disappointed with Apple in this matter. Why is this not mentioned in the specs? "4K/60Hz only achievable with DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort" -that would have saved me from wasting a lot of time.

But anyway, thanks for the input regarding DisplayPort. That sent me in the right direction :-)

Br

Anders Hjorth

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Answer 5

Hjorten Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 26, 2019 1:37 PM in response to Will - T

Hi Will - T,

tnx for your reply!

1) I’m only trying to connect one external monitor (BenQ BL2711U) - so that is just fine!!

2) I’m aware of it. It’s only the HDMI-2 port that support’s 4K/60Hz -the one I’m currently using :-)

3) I’ve tried with two different 2.0 HDMI cables, without success.

the “dongle” I’m using is this one -> https://m.av-cables.dk/21991-usb-c-til-hdmi-adapter/785161-usb-c-3-1-hdmi-multi-adapter-kabel-uhd-4k-soelv/

Any ideas?

Best regards

Anders

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Answer 6

Hjorten Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 29, 2019 1:55 AM in response to Lanny

Hi Lanny,

Thanks for your reply.

Regarding the manufactor and model of the adapter i'm currently using -see the url in my first comment. All it says, is that it supports 4K/60Hz. I've now talked to the webshop, and they have agreed on taking it back.

Regarding using a DisplayPort adapter, I haven't tried that yet - but I have just ordered two different ones:

USB-C Adapter 4K (DisplayPort+USB-C) Hvid - Goobay

Hyper USB-C 5-in-1 hub version 2 - Mini displayport

Im exited to see if they work as expected....

Bg

Anders Hjorth

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Answer 7

Will - T

Level 2

169 points

Jan 26, 2019 2:41 PM in response to Hjorten

Looks like you’re doing everything right. Not sure why you’re still limited to 30Hz. Hopefully, someone else might comment with some other tips.

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Answer 8

Lanny

Level 6

13,235 points

Jan 29, 2019 5:35 AM in response to Hjorten

You only identified 1 of the 2 that you said that you had tried.

Good of luck with the next 2.

I own a Hyper adapter, USB-C to HDMI though. However, my 2015 MacBook doesn’t support 4k at 60 Hz.

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Answer 9

Lanny

Level 6

13,235 points

Jan 30, 2019 11:34 AM in response to Hjorten

I'm sure that there was an intention for HDMI 4k 60 Hz to work, but you have to remember that HDMI was originally developed for use with HDTVs not computer monitors. Between the compatibility of adapters and cables with various HDMI standards it is not surprising that the results are unpredictable.

DisplayPort was developed for use with computer monitors and should be the preferred connection. HDMI only computer monitors are generally bottom of the price range models.

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2017 Macbook 12 inch, External Display 4K/60Hz and charging

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