4k@30hz with mini-display port on MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

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4k@30hz with mini-display port on MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

Hi everyone, recently I've bought a new 4k monitor (Samsung U28E590D) for using my MacBook Pro (MacBook Pro Retina 13", mid-2014) in clamshell mode. Reading the internet, I found out that my cpu only support 4k@30hz (due to a Mac OS limitation). That's fine. By the way, using a mini display port to display port cable I cannot use 4k either at 30hz. My Mac keeping recognize the monitor as a 1440p monitor instead of a 4k one. I can use 4k@30hz only via HDMI... but I want to use mini display port. Can you help me? (I've already try to change frequency but Mac OS doesn't let me access to the menu. It is stuck on 60hz).

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 1, 2021 6:23 AM

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Answer 1

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neuroanatomist

Level 8

48,999 points

Jan 1, 2021 7:49 AM in response to apple_insider

Sorry to unmake you’re day, but no. The limitation isn’t the cable (mini-DP can run 4K), it’s what the Mac feeds to the port. If you use a TB-to-HDMI adapter, you’ll still just get the 2560x1600 output.

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Answer 2

Jan 1, 2021 7:28 AM in response to apple_insider

Your Mac technically doesn’t have mini displayport, it has Thunderbolt 2 (which has the same physical plug and is video compatible). However, your Mac supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 2560x1600 on two external displays via Thunderbolt. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt and a single 1080p display at up to 60 Hz, 3840x2160 at 30 Hz, or 4096x2160 at 24 Hz via HDMI.

So your mini-DP output can’t exceed 2560x1600. If you want 4K, you must use the HDMI port.

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Answer 3

Jan 1, 2021 7:34 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Thank you very much! You just made my day. The reason why I wanted to use thunderbolt instead of HDMI is "physical location". Thunderbolt ports are on the left side of the Mac body, together with magsafe and headphone jack (perfect for a clamshell setting). HDMI is a little bit uncomfy for what I want to do, but still usable. Thanks again. Last question: if I'd buy a thunderbolt to HDMI adaptor? I'd get 4k form the right side?

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Answer 4

Jan 1, 2021 7:51 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Crystal clear. Thank you very much.

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4k@30hz with mini-display port on MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

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