16" MacBook Pro (2021) || Two 1440p (QHD) External Monitors @+144Hz or 120Hz?

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Level 1

4 points

16" MacBook Pro (2021) || Two 1440p (QHD) External Monitors @+144Hz or 120Hz?

Hi,

I have a 'MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)', with the 'M1 Pro' chip.

Whilst connecting two 2560x1440 (QHD) external monitors to the MBP, what is the maximum Hz that the MBP can support on both of these external monitors (+144Hz, 120Hz,... hopefully not 60Hz)?

This is in effort to better match the ProMotion on the native MBP internal display. Rather than having choppy 60Hz external monitors.

A number of people have attempted to ask this question. However they've only received unhelpful screenshots/links to the MBP's specs page (which only shows max Hz for 4k and 6K resolutions with a combination of different numbers of external monitors) without mentioning or referencing 2K/1440p external monitors.

Example below:

M1 Pro macbook pro (2021) connect to 2 14… - Apple Community

In addition, what would the monitors require spec-wise to achieve VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) when connected to this MBP / SoC?

Given the above - What would be the ideal way to connect these monitors to the MBP?

Ideally using a dock, resulting in a single cable connected to the MBP (for charging, data, etc.).

I assume using Thunderbolt 4 to DisplayPort cables are best?

Note: I also have a 'CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock'.

Many thanks.

Vernon's 16" MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on May 10, 2023 3:49 AM

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Answer 1

May 13, 2023 9:04 AM in response to vernona008

<< linked to an ‘M2 Pro’ SoC, not ‘M1 Pro’. >

the specs are identical.

Apple only promises 60 Hz refresh rates on any display. Some Users have been able to get higher rates, but if you do not, Apple will not "fix" it.

The data rates on these displays are approaching the physical limits for switching speeds of digital logic. To support more than ONE display on a cable, that cable must be a genuine ThunderBolt cable connected to a genuine ThunderBolt device (Dock or Display) as the first device. As far as the Mac is concerned, USB-C is NOT adequate to support more than one display.

--------

HDMI was invented for HD TV sets. It works great at its original resolution of 720i or 720p. At higher resolutions, it quickly develops issues that are complex to solve, and the cables and adapters required to solve are NOT intuitive.

When possible, use DisplayPort family or its support built into ThunderBolt or USB-C.

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Answer 2

AdvisorMP

Community Specialist

May 13, 2023 8:01 AM in response to vernona008

Thanks for reaching out vernona008,

It sounds like you are trying to connect multiple monitors to your MacBook Pro. We can help.

There are a few possible answers, if you check out this article about how to Use an external display with your MacBook Pro, you can potentially use the following configurations:

You can use an external display such as the Apple Studio Display, a projector, or an HDTV with your MacBook Pro.

The HDMI and Thunderbolt ports on your 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro support video output. You can connect up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz (Apple M1 Pro) or up to three external displays with up to 6K resolution and one external display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz (Apple M1 Max).

The Thunderbolt ports on your 13-inch MacBook Pro support video output. You can connect an external display with up to 6K resolution at 60HZ.

Hope that helps.

Take care.

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Answer 3

vernona008 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 13, 2023 8:10 AM in response to AdvisorMP

Hi,

Thanks for the response. However your answer (and linked article), does not reference 1440p (QHD) monitors. And you’ve unfortunately linked to an ‘M2 Pro’ SoC, not ‘M1 Pro’.

If you can; please may you answer the questions laid out in the original post - Regarding dual 1440p external monitors, VRR and connections.

Many thanks.

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Answer 4

May 13, 2023 9:04 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

HDMI cables you want for HDMI-only Displays (higher resolutions than 720p TV sets) are marked as Certified with an anti-counterfeiting tag and are labeled:

"Premium High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "with Ethernet" --OR--

"Ultra High Speed HDMI cable" or that + "48G"

Cables with No Certification tags are good for your standard 720p TV set, and not much more.

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Answer 5

vernona008 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 30, 2023 12:12 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for the response.

I appreciate the info on Thunderbolt Cables and HDMI limitations, but it is a shame that Apple cannot guarantee refresh rates (>60Hz) for dual QHD external monitors.

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16" MacBook Pro (2021) || Two 1440p (QHD) External Monitors @+144Hz or 120Hz?

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