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User profile for user: mjg770
mjg770 Author
User level: Level 1
11 points

2020 MacBook Pro 4K 60hz External Monitor

I have spent the last 3 hours researching the web and still do not know if my new MacBook Pro 2020, 13", 2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports can deliver 4K 60hz to an external monitor.


I purchased a new 4K 60Hz monitor and Apple Multi-Port Adapter. However, it appears I am only getting 30Hz delivered to the new monitor.


Apple's specifications for the MacBook says it can but the Multi-Port adapter says it can't unless it has 4 Thuderbolt 3 ports:



I don't know anything about resolutions or refresh rates so can someone please tell me how to get the best possible picture for my new monitor and MacBook Pro? Do I need third-party equipment?


Thanks!

MacBook

Posted on Oct 29, 2020 6:33 PM

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User profile for user: mjg770
mjg770 Author
User level: Level 1
11 points

Oct 30, 2020 12:55 PM in response to Blade0817

Does your MBP have (2) or (4) Thunderbolt 3 ports? From what I've been reading, this seems to matter... Funny yours shows the refresh rate on the display preference. Mine shows this:



I had to go into my System Report to see that it was 30Hz:


Thanks,

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
134,899 points

Oct 29, 2020 7:26 PM in response to mjg770

what Make&Model display? Does it have a DispayPort input? that always gives better results.


If you have to use HDMI (designed for consumer-quality TV sets) you will need special cables:


The cables you want for HDMI-only Monitors (higher resolutions than HD TV sets) are marked as Certified with an anti-counterfeiting tag and are labeled:


"Premium High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "with Ethernet"  --OR--


"Ultra High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "48G"


Cables with No Certification tags are good for your standard TV set, and not much more.

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User profile for user: mjg770
mjg770 Author
User level: Level 1
11 points

Oct 30, 2020 6:12 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Monitor is an ASUS VP28U. It does have Display Port although the Apple Multi-Port Adapter that I'm using only has HDMI.


I used the HDMI cable that was provided with the ASUS monitor so I'm assuming it would be the proper one. The markings are as follows: AWM Style 20276 30V Hotron High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet.



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User profile for user: Blade0817
Blade0817
User level: Level 1
41 points

Oct 30, 2020 1:08 PM in response to mjg770

I have two display ports .. strange that yours doesn't show the refresh rate, probably different OS setting? Here is what my sys info shows:


LEN L28u-30:


  UI Looks like: 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz


  Display Serial Number: U1B3F82F    


  Mirror: Off


  Online: Yes


  Rotation: Supported


  Automatically Adjust Brightness: No

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
134,899 points

Oct 30, 2020 2:01 PM in response to mjg770

Ok, so my MacBook is capable of delivering 4K @60Hz? I don't want to go out and buy new cords/adapters if it is not even possible...


Yes, you posted its specs, circled in Red. But those numbers are very hard to deliver over HDMI, which was invented for consumer devices such as HD TV sets.


High-end displays (such as the Apple 6K display) are using DisplayPort, either directly, or imbedded in Thunderbolt or USB-C display protocol.

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2020 MacBook Pro 4K 60hz External Monitor

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