144hz refresh rate not working on MacBook Pro M1

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Level 1

8 points

144hz refresh rate not working on MacBook Pro M1

Hi! I have a Macbook pro M1 and a BenQ EX2780Q that is capable of handling up to a 144hz refresh rate at a 2K resolution. I also have a USB-c to mini DP cable that is capable of handling 165hz at a 2K resolution, but for some reason, my M1 MacBook is not giving me the option to select 144hz. I tried it on another MacBook pro 2019 that is running on Big Sur, and 144hz at 2K can be selected, but as soon as I plug in my M1 MacBook, it only shows 60hz as the highest refresh rate on the 2560 x 1440 (low resolution) mode. No other resolution will allow me to choose 144hz, only the 1080p will allow me to go up to 120hz, no idea why it's not working as my setup is capable of handling 144hz (the other MacBook worked fine), is there something about the M1 that is bugged at the moment?

Thanks,

Alborz

(Chose my old MacBook as the device, disregard that)

Posted on Mar 5, 2021 12:51 PM

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Answer 1

Eric--F

Community Specialist

Mar 9, 2021 3:06 PM in response to borzy247

Hi borzy247,

Have you tried disconnecting the adapter, restarting your MacBook Pro M1, and then connect to the display?

What about the latest macOS 11.2.3 update, have you installed that as well? Sharing How to update the software on your Mac as a reference if you need it.

Reach back out if you still need help.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Mar 8, 2021 8:12 AM in response to borzy247

Hello borzy247,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

Let’s see if we can help find the answers you need for the refresh rate on your MacBook Pro M1.

Here are two links we think will be helpful.

About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

If the supported resolution isn’t available on an ultrawide or super-ultrawide external display connected to your Mac with Apple M1 chip

If you still have questions after looking over those two articles, let us know. We’ll be here to help out all we can.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

borzy247 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2021 7:06 PM in response to barberlives123

Hi,

I checked out the links you sent, I'm not exactly using the USB-C Multiport adapter, only a usb-c to miniDP cable connected from my monitor to my mac. And the supported resolution problem does not exactly apply to me as all of the resolutions are present, it's just the option for 144hz that is not (my monitor is not ultrawide). I'd appreciate some more help if you can!

Thanks,

Alborz

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Answer 4

borzy247 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 16, 2021 5:00 PM in response to Eric--F

Hi Eric,

Sorry for the late reply but yes I tried what you said. As a matter of fact I had to factory reset my Mac because some software issue (jupyter notebook was not opening after I did something), and even still on 11.2.3 144hz is not an option, even though trying on a 2019 intel based Mac 144hz is an option..

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Answer 5

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Mar 19, 2021 8:48 AM in response to borzy247

Hi borzy247,

If you have reinstalled, updated the macOS and it’s still not working as expected, then you may want to reach out to Apple Support at Get Support.

Let us know if there is anything else, we can do to try and help.

Have a great day!

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144hz refresh rate not working on MacBook Pro M1

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