DisplayPort vs. HDMI - Which is best for connecting a 32" 4K monitor to an Early 2013 15" Retina Macbook Pro?

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Level 2

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DisplayPort vs. HDMI - Which is best for connecting a 32" 4K monitor to an Early 2013 15" Retina Macbook Pro?

So I have an older MacBook Pro, referenced in the subject line, running Mojave for software compatibility purposes. I currently have it connected to a new LG 32" 4K monitor via HDMI. My question is whether there would be any advantages or disadvantages to connecting it instead using a Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort adapter. Technical aspects aside, this would be preferable as it would allow me to plug all the required cables (power, USB device, and video connection) on the left side of my MacBook instead of having cables sticking out from both sides.

The intended usage includes general productivity, AWS remote work, some photo editing, and watching the occasional video content. No plans for gaming or multi-monitor setups.

Posted on Jul 18, 2021 8:33 AM

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Answer 1

leroydouglas

Level 10

202,298 points

Jul 19, 2021 9:04 AM in response to freediverx01

freediverx01 wrote:

DisplayPort vs. HDMI - Which is best for connecting a 32" 4K monitor to an Early 2013 15" Retina Macbook Pro?

So I have an older MacBook Pro, referenced in the subject line, running Mojave for software compatibility purposes. I currently have it connected to a new LG 32" 4K monitor via HDMI. My question is whether there would be any advantages or disadvantages to connecting it instead using a Thunderbolt-to-DisplayPort adapter.

HDMI was invented for HD TV sets, use the Display Port input on your display.

Use external monitors with your Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202351

You can read more—

Display Port (a subset of ThunderBolt) is the best way to connect a display

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250493263?answerId=250944858022#250944858022

.

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Answer 2

kamote0628

Community Specialist

Jul 19, 2021 8:32 AM in response to freediverx01

Hi freediverx01,

We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can count on us to do our best to assist you or get you pointed in the right direction.

We understand that you would like to know which type of cable works best for your set up. The articles below may help.

About the video ports on Mac

Connect a display, TV, or projector to Mac

Use multiple displays with your Mac

Take care!

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Answer 3

freediverx01 Author

Level 2

150 points

Jul 19, 2021 8:48 AM in response to kamote0628

I appreciate the suggested links, but these don't really answer my question. This is in part because the referenced pages simply don't go into the pros and cons of each connection type, and also because they are written in the context of recent model Apple computers and operating systems, whereas I'm asking in reference to an older model running an older OS.

So what I'm really hoping for is some assistance from an experienced forum member familiar with the setup I described, given that Apple's official resources are not helpful at this point.

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DisplayPort vs. HDMI - Which is best for connecting a 32" 4K monitor to an Early 2013 15" Retina Macbook Pro?

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