Macbook Pro 16 Inch 2019 Unable to Output 4K Over USB-C

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Level 1

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Macbook Pro 16 Inch 2019 Unable to Output 4K Over USB-C

I currently have a Macbook Pro (16-inch, 2019) running macOS Monterey Version 12.6.1. When I plug a USB-C cable into the MacBook and Monitor the maximum resolution I can select is 2560 * 1440 and a Refresh rate of either 59.88 or 120hz.

I've tried all 4 USB-C ports on the laptop, but none will let me select the 3840 * 2160 resolution the screen offers.

Acer Predator XB323QKNV is the Monitor I'm using:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B099NC8XQ8/?coliid=ICK5AAR8U37OG&colid=LNZY2C4KX2LF&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I've tried holding down "Options" when selecting -> Resolution -> Scaled

Also tried Reset NVRAM on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Screenshot attached:

MacBook Pro

Posted on Dec 15, 2022 6:21 AM

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Answer 1

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difurious Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 20, 2022 2:40 AM in response to difurious

Answer

Not the same monitor I have, but made by the same company. Found the following forum post:

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/552353/acer-prodesigner-pe320qk-cant-get-60hz-with-4k

Basically to get a 4k output you have to ensure "USB 3.0" is turned off in the OSD.

Both cables were fine.

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Answer 2

emde-ash

Level 2

154 points

Dec 19, 2022 5:00 PM in response to difurious

Below is from apple & better (apple certified), for just $1 more than other/Anker one:

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Thunderbolt-USB-C-Cable-0-8m/dp/B078H9VQ5V/

or https://www.amazon.com//dp/B078H9VQ5V/ (same link as above).

or from apple site : https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MQ4H2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb%E2%80%91c-cable-08-m

Also be aware, monitor itself comes with its own TB3⚡ cable (made by monitor manufacturer), & usually+actually that is more better in some cases.

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Answer 3

sjogren

Level 1

34 points

Dec 15, 2022 7:29 AM in response to difurious

I think you need the right cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Monitor-Resolution-Delivery/dp/B07X31FG6Z

or

https://www.guidingtech.com/best-usb-type-c-cables-connect-macbook-pro-monitors/

Not every USB-C cable will give 4K

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Answer 4

Barney-15E

Level 10

112,854 points

Dec 19, 2022 5:52 PM in response to difurious

You might need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

It may be that macOS doesn't recognize that USB (DP Alt Mode) as being the necessary DP version to handle higher resolutions. There have been similar posts with Ventura.

I couldn't find in the tech specs where it talked about DisplayPort version or resolution on each of the ports.

Cable quality as emde-ash noted could have some factor in the issue.

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