Is it possible to convert the Macbook Air M1's Thunderbolt port to HDMI and achieve above 60hz?

Question

Is it possible to convert the Macbook Air M1's Thunderbolt port to HDMI and achieve above 60hz?

I'm using an "Ultrawide" 2560x1080 200hz monitor, and it has 1x Displayport, and 2x HDMI 2.0, and 1x USB-C input.

Unfortunately Macbooks don't support USB-C DP Alt-mode, so I can't use the USB-C input. And I'm using the Displayport for another computer, so I can't use that. HDMI 2.0 is my only choice.

I've tried using the official Apple Multiport adapter (the one with HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C), and it will not allow me to go above 60hz. MacOS doesn't allow me to manually change the Refresh Rate in the displays menu.

I've also tried 2 different USB-C hubs that I bought on Amazon, and the same issue. MacOS does not allow me to manually adjust refresh rate with any of these hubs.

Is it possible for MacOS to allow refresh rates beyond 60hz on HDMI?

Posted on Sep 11, 2021 9:16 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 11, 2021 1:10 PM in response to LifeIsOnTheWire

Have you tried connecting it directly to see if that works? If it does, then it is an issue with the hubs being able to work with the display.

Unfortunately Macbooks don't support USB-C DP Alt-mode,

Many are using USB-C to USB-C with displays.

FWIW, I have used both USB-C to HDMI and USB-C to DisplayPort cables without issue with my 4K LG 27UP600 with my MacBook Air (both are certified cables).

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Answer 2

Sep 11, 2021 1:39 PM in response to woodmeister50

Yes I've tried connecting it directly with USB-C to USB-C, and it cannot work because Apple doesn't support Displayport Alt-mode, and that is what my monitor's USB-C input uses.

My guess is that a Thunderbolt to DP cable would probably support higher refresh rate, but that input is already in use on my monitor.

I also have had no issue connecting with USB-C to HDMI to a 4K monitor. The only issue is going beyond 60hz on an ultrawide resolution.

Apple's official multiport adapter can't do it. The adapter itself doesn't support anything beyond 60hz.

I'm hoping someone can share a solution that allows beyond 60hz support while converting to HDMI 2.0

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Is it possible to convert the Macbook Air M1's Thunderbolt port to HDMI and achieve above 60hz?

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