This is the monitor in question. Will it be compatible?
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0BRM4K518/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=A1YLF9PNL58K12&psc=1
And if it's supported, what kind of cable connection I need from mac to 4k monitor?
Thanks a lot.
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.4
Apple's specifications talk about 60 Hz refresh rates, not about 144 Hz ones. The 3840x2160 pixel resolution of that MSI monitor would not be a problem, but if the monitor is not able to negotiate down to a 60 Hz refresh rate, the refresh rate might be.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) - Technical Specifications
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) - Technical Specifications
Looking at MSI's description of the monitor, I see that it has 2 HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort input, and a USB-C (DisplayPort) input. The USB-C connection provides a very minimal amount of power (15 watts) back to the laptop, an amount that would be marginal even for an Air, let alone for a MBP.
If the refresh rate issue doesn't sink you, you could presumably use
I'd think one of the first two would make the most sense (again, if the monitor will work with your Mac).
https://www.msi.com/Monitor/G321**
Apple's specifications talk about 60 Hz refresh rates, not about 144 Hz ones. The 3840x2160 pixel resolution of that MSI monitor would not be a problem, but if the monitor is not able to negotiate down to a 60 Hz refresh rate, the refresh rate might be.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) - Technical Specifications
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) - Technical Specifications
Looking at MSI's description of the monitor, I see that it has 2 HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort input, and a USB-C (DisplayPort) input. The USB-C connection provides a very minimal amount of power (15 watts) back to the laptop, an amount that would be marginal even for an Air, let alone for a MBP.
If the refresh rate issue doesn't sink you, you could presumably use
I'd think one of the first two would make the most sense (again, if the monitor will work with your Mac).
https://www.msi.com/Monitor/G321**
despite that awful amazon ad, the manufacturer's specs for that display appear to show:
2x HDMI™ (Supports 3840x2160P@144Hz as specified in HDMI™ 2.1)
1x DP (Supports 3840x2160P@144Hz as specified in DisplayPort 1.4a)
1x Type-C (DP alt.) w/ PD 15W charging
DisplayPort 1.4a is enough for 4K at 120 Hz.
Converting the computer's output to an HDMI anywhere near that fast will be an expensive nightmare.
No discernible impact of having another display of any size, except that you occasionally have to write some data to its display buffer to get a picture on another screen. Drawing ordinary data into the screen buffer is not a heavy job.
There is a great deal of data-fetching from memory to get the display refreshed at 60 times a second or faster. Almost all of that data-moving is accomplished by display-generator Hardware automaton. The processor only intervenes once a screenful. The impact of servicing the display is negligible.
On your specific Intel model, there is a 128K shared Display RAM, so screen fetches for static data will not impact memory speed at all.
On "unified memory" Apple-silicon Macs, fetching screen data competes (with processor data access) for memory cycles, so the processor may be slowed ever-so slightly. But noting you would even know was happening.
sometimes a high-end display has TWO HDMI ports so that you can split the screen into two logical displays, and use Picture-by-Picture feature in the Display to put them back together.
This can reduce the fearsome heat and performance toll that high-speed HDMI takes on the hardware.
On the Mac end, the two logical displays are established as properly side-by-side in the arrangement pane, which allow the two logical displays to function as one larger display, without beating up the interface trying to go as fast as Physics allows.
The mouse moves freely across the break between the two logical displays, completing the illusion of one larger display, but two cables.
mha92 Said:
“WIll I be able to use 4k monitor (144hz) with my 2020 13" MBP (intel)? Will it affect performance?“
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Getting 4K to Work:
If it were to work, you’d need a 4K HDMI cable. As for connecting to your Mac, you’d need the adapter: Belkin USB-C to HDMI Adapter - Apple. Note: As of this reply, Apple devices can only go to 4K, meaning 8K is not an option as of yet.
mha92 Said:
“WIll I be able to use 4k monitor (144hz) with my 2020 13" MBP (intel)? Will it affect performance?“
———-
For Future Reference…
If you have a 30” Apple Cinema Display, see my User Tip: Configuring a USB-C Only Mac with a 30-Inch Apple Cinema Display - User Tip
mha92 Said:
“WIll I be able to use 4k monitor (144hz) with my 2020 13" MBP (intel)? Will it affect performance?: Could I not use display port (from monitor) to usb-c (to mac) cable?”
———-
Connections:
As provided in my User Tip***, this might get the job done: Uptab USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz - Silver. It’s all about equalizing the frequency of your monitor’s connection.
***My User Tip: Configuring a USB-C Only Mac with a 30-Inch Apple Cinema Display - User Tip
Hi,
I think it's not compatible with your MacBook Pro. Following article could help your question.
Change the refresh rate on your MacBook Pro or Apple Pro Display XDR - Apple Support
I mean, I'm not hoping to get 144hz frame rate. As long as I can use it with 4k at 60hz. Did you mean even that may not be compatible?
Could I not use display port (from monitor) to usb-c (to mac) cable?
Hi, would running it at 4k on this 32" external monitor, cause a performance hit? I'm not very familiar with using mac with external monitor.
WIll I be able to use 4k monitor (144hz) with my 2020 13" MBP (intel)? Will it affect performance?
