Can I charge my 16" MacBook Pro M1 via a USBC connection from a monitor giving 60w?

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Can I charge my 16" MacBook Pro M1 via a USBC connection from a monitor giving 60w?

Hi all,

I am thinking if getting a BenQ SW270C Monitor for photo editing with my MacBook Pro M1. (because it displays 99% Adobe RGB).

It has a USB3 / Thunderbolt 3 power port with a 60W output.

Will this when connected to my MBP M1 deliver power? I appreciate that it is less than half the power of the 140W adaptor. But if it works at all, I am sure 60W will be sufficient to maintain charge while I work.

Any thoughts on the best cable to use? Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 or USBC?

(my inclination is to use a Thunderbolt 4 cable then there would be plenty of headroom in bandwidth with data and power. )

Thanks from any comments from any one who has done this or similar already!

MacBook Pro 16″, 12.2

Posted on May 13, 2022 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

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leroydouglas

Community+ 2024

Level 10

189,162 points

May 14, 2022 10:25 AM in response to gilet

gilet wrote:

Thank you,

I assume you mean charging performance? or do you mean if i am charging thorough this cable from the monitor, display performance will be impaired?

Yes charging performance is compromised—

tech specs call for the 140 W charger.

MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021) - Technical Specifications

External display under a load will draw additional power needed from the Battery— this will increase your cycle count as the battery draws down.

The mac will choose the most appropriate power source, your mac will never over charge.

If you are near the mains leave in plugged into the charger that ships with your new Mac.

Let the software work for you—

About battery health management in Mac notebooks intel— w/ silicon

About battery health management in Mac notebooks - Apple Support

Determine battery cycle count for Mac notebooks

Determine battery cycle count for Mac notebooks - Apple Support

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Answer 2

May 14, 2022 10:55 AM in response to gilet

That 16-inch MBP M1 came with a 140W charger. Apple had a reason for this and expecting it to charge faster than you use it with a 60w power source is wishful thinking. Use the Apple charger for which it was designed. I do.

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Answer 3

gilet Author

Level 1

9 points

May 14, 2022 1:36 PM in response to leroydouglas

Thank you, I think I will just have to try it and see,

im trying to avoid carrying a power adapter around at the same time trying to save £150 for a second adapter and cable. The monitor won’t be at home.

Hopefully 60w is enough to stop the battery completely discharging . I can charge when I get home.

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Answer 4

gilet Author

Level 1

9 points

May 14, 2022 1:45 PM in response to VikingOSX

Thanks Viking but I’m not sure you read my initial question. 60w is quite obviously less than half the power of 140w.

140w is only used for the first part of the rapid charge. Which Apple say is 30 mins.

but I am not looking to charge my laptop via the monitor purely retain or reduce drainage of a fully charged battery.

have you tried this?

thanks

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Answer 5

ku4hx

Level 7

23,610 points

May 14, 2022 4:46 AM in response to gilet

If the connectors match perfectly, i.e. designed to connect ... sure. But don't expect peak performance as you're sharing a resource.

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Answer 6

gilet Author

Level 1

9 points

May 14, 2022 10:18 AM in response to ku4hx

Thank you,

I assume you mean charging performance? or do you mean if i am charging thorough this cable from the monitor, display performance will be impaired?

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Can I charge my 16" MacBook Pro M1 via a USBC connection from a monitor giving 60w?

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