Unstable 4k display using Thunderbolt 4 docking station on MacBook Pro M1

I have a MacBook Pro M1 Max 16" running Sonoma. I also have a Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 docking station. I'm using the following one-cable setup:


- front USB-C to any of the USB-C ports to the laptop (using included TB4 cable)

- Logitech C925e webcam on back USB-A

- HP M283fdw printer on back USB-A

- Logitech Unifying receiver on back USB-A (for keyboard & mouse)

- iiyama XUB2792UHSU on back USB-C (using USB-C to HDMI cable)


This setup works great and stable on my IBM ThinkPad running Windows 10.


However, on the MacBook the setup is not stable, as my screen starts flashing off/on after a while. Sometimes it works fine for a few hours, sometimes it only works a few minutes. Once the problem starts, it repeats every few minutes, and basically it becomes unusable. Then I start trying various things, like plugging cables in and out, restarting the docking station and rebooting the laptop. After that, it will work for a while, until it becomes unstable again.


Now I thought there may be an issue with the docking station, so I just purchased the famous OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock (which is physically almost identical to the Kensington one by the way), but it has the same issue.


I will also try to replace the USB-C to HDMI cable with a USB-C to DisplayPort cable for connecting the display, but I'm afraid it won't help.


I've read similar issues on this forum:


M1 Pro MacBook Pro, CalDigit TS3+, and De… - Apple Community

Thunderbolt display blinking on new Mac S… - Apple Community

Second External Monitor Flashing with M1 … - Apple Community


Anyone been able to find a fix?

MacBook Pro 16″

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 12:33 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 13, 2024 9:50 AM

Hi there,


I just wanted to report that switching the "USB-C to HDMI" cable with a "USB-C to DisplayPort" cable seems to have fixed it... These are the cables I used:



I want to emphasise that my original cable was not a bad cable! The exact setup using the HDMI cable works flawlessly on Windows, but somehow the connection is unstable on my MacBook M1.

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 13, 2024 9:50 AM in response to luukb

Hi there,


I just wanted to report that switching the "USB-C to HDMI" cable with a "USB-C to DisplayPort" cable seems to have fixed it... These are the cables I used:



I want to emphasise that my original cable was not a bad cable! The exact setup using the HDMI cable works flawlessly on Windows, but somehow the connection is unstable on my MacBook M1.

May 27, 2024 5:10 AM in response to luukb

luukb wrote:

Hi there,

I just wanted to report that switching the "USB-C to HDMI" cable with a "USB-C to DisplayPort" cable seems to have fixed it... These are the cables I used:

USB-C to HDMI: • https://amzn.eu/d/5b71hAW
USB-C to DisplayPort: • https://amzn.eu/d/8VGMrYP

I want to emphasise that my original cable was not a bad cable! The exact setup using the HDMI cable works flawlessly on Windows, but somehow the connection is unstable on my MacBook M1.


I've seen another poster write that modern versions of macOS are very picky about transmission errors - as in, they may shut off video or reduce resolution when they see errors. Windows and older versions of macOS may let the errors pass.


I'm not sure if that's what is going on here, but it seems like a possibility.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Unstable 4k display using Thunderbolt 4 docking station on MacBook Pro M1

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.