LG 5K display causing reduced system performance

Question

LG 5K display causing reduced system performance

I currently have a 13" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13,2 — 2016, 2.9 i5/8GB RAM) with a connected LG UltraFine 5K display. When the display is connected, the system as a whole experiences performance issues: delays when switching between multiple full-screen apps, lowered frame rate, etc. This issue occurs on both displays when the 5K display is connected; this issue does not occur at all when the 5K display is disconnected.

I know the MBP itself can handle the tasks I'm throwing at it with ease, since it's fine when the 5K display isn't connected. I know that this model of MBP is technically capable of powering one 5K display, but it seems as though it just barely does (maybe the integrated graphics are being maxed out pushing 14.7 million pixels @ 30fps.)

Has anyone else experienced this? And/or does anyone have a solution for this, or is this simply a limitation of the MBP's hardware?

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.14

Posted on May 23, 2019 11:15 AM

Reply

Answer 1

leroydouglas

Level 10

201,166 points

May 23, 2019 12:02 PM in response to aarondigruccio

Verify you are connected to full bandwidth ports on the Left side.

Did you try a different cable?

Using 4K displays, 5K displays, and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206587

Get help with video issues on external displays connected to your Mac - Apple Support  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201177

Use the LG UltraFine 5K Display with your Mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207448

Reply

Answer 2

May 23, 2019 12:18 PM in response to leroydouglas

Hi there — thanks for your reply!

I am indeed using the left TB3 ports. As for the cable, I'm using the one that came with the display, and unfortunately don't have an additional TB3 cable to try.

Something interesting about the usage article you linked above is this part: "The 15-inch MacBook Pro supports two LG UltraFine 5K Displays at full resolution." It makes no mention of a 13-inch running even one 5K display at full resolution, even though the system does offer that option.

However, I just resolved the issue — I had the 5K display's resolution set to scaled, and 'more space,' which causes the 13" MBP to attempt to output 5K res @ full FPS. However, switching it back to 'default for this display' resolved the issue.

Limitations of an integrated graphics card, eh?

Reply

LG 5K display causing reduced system performance

Similar questions