Refresh rate maximum is 85hz on a 120hz monitor

Question

Level 1

4 points

Refresh rate maximum is 85hz on a 120hz monitor

Hi guys,

Just recently got myself a macbook pro m3, first mac ever so still figuring things out and exploring as I used to be on windows (still am, tho only for gaming).

I love this beast, music production, programming, writings, handles most of my work without any issues, super portable and light. Cooling is good so far, but...

I have ultrawide 3440x1440 monitor, which worked fine on my PC with HDMI and Displayport. I tried my docking station it was only 50hz, found it that the docking station was limited.

Plugging in directly with HDMI, i only get 50hz or 85hz, no 120hz how it used to be. Unfortunately I cant seem to find any solution online. Anyone knows what might cause this?

According to apple the HDMI port can support 120hz, or maybe the odd resolution is not supported? Well, 'odd' but ultrawides have been here for a while. I think thats been the only annoying thing really bothering me.

Thank guys, much appreciated for any suggestions.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.2

Posted on Dec 31, 2023 4:45 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,957 points

Dec 31, 2023 9:39 AM in response to romano_f

CERTIFIED 48G ULTRA cables are the one needed on a Mac at resolutions in the neighborhood of 4K and refresh rates above 60 Hz.

The PC lets you set Arbitrary refresh rates of whatever you please, even far beyond what the display can actually do reliably. "My PC will do it" tells you NOTHING about what your Mac is willing to allow.

The Mac asks the display to report ANY transmission errors, and if any occur, the refresh rate and possibly the resolution will be reduced.

To use with a recent Mac, you need that 48G certified cable. Nothing less will do.

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 31, 2023 9:12 AM in response to romano_f

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.

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.

Reply

Answer 3

romano_f Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2023 9:30 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The refresh rate was working normally with my PC at 120hz on my LG monitor, not TV.

And the cables I have are premium. Also my monitor accepts displayport, though im not sure what to get since the macbook only has hdmi. For 120hz I mean.

I have tried multiple HDMI cables (which all work normally with other devices at 120hz) however im limited to 85hz here.

I have UGREEN HDMI (Male) to HDMI (Male) V2.0 4K/60Hz 1080p/240Hz Braided Cable (and this worked normally with my RTX and the LG monitor at 1440p 120hz)

Any suggestions?

Reply

Answer 4

romano_f Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2023 9:38 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Okay thank you, I will have a look and get one with said certification. Once I confirm and test, I will reply :)

Reply

Refresh rate maximum is 85hz on a 120hz monitor

Similar questions