Thunderbolt 2 MacPro port to 49 inch LG monitor USB-C port

I have a MacPro which has six thunderbolt 2 ports on it. In its description, it says MacPro support up to three 5K monitors or 6 thunderbolt 2 monitors / displays. For the last couple of years, I was using the two LG 5K monitors and it worked fine. Recently, I bought this 49 inch LG monitor which has the USB-C inputs on it as well as display port. When I am connecting the macpro to this on usb-c monitor, no display. Can you please help, any adapter or cable that can support 5K? Thanks.

Mac Pro

Posted on Nov 11, 2019 7:55 PM

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Posted on Nov 11, 2019 8:17 PM

Use the LG's DisplayPort with a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable.

https://www.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/DisplayPort/6-ft-Mini-DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort-Adapter-Cable-Male-to-Male~MDP2DPMM6

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5 replies

Nov 12, 2019 12:03 AM in response to aarkay_06

If the LG's USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 3 (lightning bolt icon next to the port) the a Thunderbolt adapter

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

and cable

Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White - Apple

should work.


If it's not Thunderbolt 3, just USB-C, things are more complicated. USB-C can handle USB commands (such as audio controls) and video and audio. When not using Thunderbolt, the Mac Pro ports are Mini DisplayPort, which handles video and audio, but not USB. What might work is a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable for the video and audio, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for the USB audio control.

mophie USB-A Cable with USB-C Connector (2 m) - Apple

Nov 15, 2019 2:29 PM in response to aarkay_06

Update: No, the Thunderbolt 2 to DP adapter which I bought and connecting the 5K DP cable that came with the monitor, also did not work. I have tried many options now, including the ones suggested by Malcolm. But no success. The resolution cannot go above 3840x1080. I then searched online and found that there are other similar forums like https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250715148 where it is reported that after the Apple upgraded to Catalina, users cannot move beyond 3840x1080. Is it true? So waiting for the Apple to fix this bug and release an update to Catalina is the only option, for now ?? Please provide any inputs and suggestions. Thank you.

Nov 13, 2019 7:32 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

The monitor is 49BL95C-W and the USB-C on it says (Upstream SS). The description says it supports USB-C with 5210x1440 display. First, I tried the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and the apple thunderbolt 2 cable, but it is simply not working. I have tried rebooting and other options. The monitor says "No signal". Then I bought the Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable which is high-end (says support up to 8K). But the resolution I am getting is same to what I used to get with HDMI cable, means 3840x1080. The resolution quality is not good. Regarding audio, Yes, I tried the USB-A to USB-C cable today, but no, in the sound preferences under Input, I cannot see any device to control the sound from the keyboard or from the Mac sound preferences. Not sure what to do. Thinking of returning the monitor. One other option is: I ordered today a StarTech Thunderbolt 2 to DisplayPort adapter, and then will use the display port cable that came with the monitor. Maybe it improves the resolution from 3840x1080. Not sure. Any other advice would be really helpful. Thanks much.

Nov 11, 2019 11:25 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thanks Malcolm for your prompt reply. One issue by using mini display port to DP cable is that, it will not allow to control the sound or sound preferences from your keyboard. I have seen many discussions. For example, see here https://lifehacker.com/how-to-enable-mac-volume-control-for-hdmi-or-displaypor-1793607216. But some people mentioned that, Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C cable will allow the sound control as well. Not sure if it is true or not. Do they make Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C cables in 5K? Thanks much!

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Thunderbolt 2 MacPro port to 49 inch LG monitor USB-C port

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