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User profile for user: crai6m4ck
crai6m4ck Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Can my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) support 4k 120hz on an external monitor?

My goal:

To use my Macbook Pro with an external monitor at 4k and 120hz


Although I have a Samsung CHG90 gaming monitor I just use it for work. I scroll through web pages for hours and the blur from 60hz tends to bother me by the end of the day. This monitor can support up to 4k @ 144hz, but 120hz is fine with me. I'm interested to know if a Thunderbolt 3 to either DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or HDMI will allow the 4k @ 120hz? I'd prefer to not spend the money to buy a cable to test it if I can get an answer here first.


The monitor has:

  • DisplayPort 1.4
  • Mini DisplayPort 1.4
  • HDMI 2.0


So,

  • Will this Macbook Pro even support 120hz on an external display?
  • Will I need to place the computer in clamshell mode to get this to work, or can I leave it open and have it run both the internal and external screen at the same time? Does it have enough power to do that?
  • Is one type of cable better than the others? DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or HDMI?




MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Mar 1, 2022 9:26 AM

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
135,151 points

Mar 1, 2022 10:08 AM in response to crai6m4ck

  • << Is one type of cable better than the others? DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or HDMI? >>


HDMI is is an older interface with fewer conductors and higher voltages than DisplayPort family. in ordinary uses, HDMI is bandwidth limited.


ThunderBolt and USB-C have DisplayPort encapsulated inside them. Mini DisplayPort is just a different SHAPE connector.


This is what Apple promises for your computer:

2nd Display Support: Dual/Mirroring* 2nd Max. Resolution:5120x2880*

Details:* In addition to simultaneous support of the internal display, this model supports

a single external display up to 5120x2880 at 60Hz at over a billion color,

up to two displays up to 4096x2304 at 60Hz at millions of colors,

or up to two displays up to 3840x2160 at 60Hz at over a billion colors via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).

from:

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i5-2.3-13-mid-2018-true-tone-display-touch-bar-specs.html


So Apple does not promise that you can get higher than 60Hz refresh rates.

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Can my MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) support 4k 120hz on an external monitor?

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