I understand that the computer has HDMI 2.0 and will not support 4k 120hz. However, I was sure that a thunderbolt to hdmi 2.1 adapter would solve the problem. I tested three adapters and a cable and nothing works, max 60hz.
However, after connecting a 2k 120hz monitor, it detected the maximum refresh rate without any problems.
Hello,
4K 120Hz Limitations with Apple M1 and M2
The M1 and M2 MacBooks from Apple are some of the most exciting devices Apple has made in generations. They’re super powerful, incredibly efficient, and still retain that excellent Apple build quality that helps them stand the test of time. They also feature many of the latest advances in wired and wireless connectivity, including support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 and 4.
However, Apple included a unique limitation for the USB-C ports on its M1 and M2 devices. It limited the HDMI-Transport Stream over USB-C to 4K@60Hz. That doesn’t affect other methods of video output using those same USB-C ports. If you output to a Thunderbolt or USB4-compatible monitor, you can leverage DisplayPort Alternative Mode to display at 4K 120Hz (as long as the monitor supports it). The same is true if you use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
What you can’t do with the M1 and M2 Macs though, is output to 4K 120Hz over an HDMI cable. At least, not without using the specific Cable Matters adapter with custom firmware that gets around this blockage.
This changed with the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max models in 2023. The MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Pro 16, and new Mac Mini, all support 4K 120Hz on external monitors.
Although older standard M1 and M2 Macs and MacBooks can’t do that, it is still possible to do 4K 120Hz on them with the right hardware and a few tweaks and tricks.
M1 and M2: Standard Video Capabilities
Alongside the major leaps in CPU performance with the Apple M1 and M2 System on Chips (SoC), the new graphical power of this Apple silicon was just as impressive. It unlocked new powers for 3D rendering, CAD work, and gaming at higher resolutions and refresh rates. Although the standard retina displays were limited to 2,560 x 1,600 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate, connecting external monitors gives these devices much more room to play with.
M1 and M2 Mac and MacBook Pro devices can support external displays at up to 6K resolution over HDMI or DisplayPort – though you’d need an adapter for the Thunderbolt port on the devices if you wanted to use it.
Without the right hardware, though, you’ll be stuck connecting to DisplayPort or USB-C displays if you want to enjoy a 4K 120Hz Mac experience.
Hello,
4K 120Hz Limitations with Apple M1 and M2
The M1 and M2 MacBooks from Apple are some of the most exciting devices Apple has made in generations. They’re super powerful, incredibly efficient, and still retain that excellent Apple build quality that helps them stand the test of time. They also feature many of the latest advances in wired and wireless connectivity, including support for Wi-Fi 6, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 and 4.
However, Apple included a unique limitation for the USB-C ports on its M1 and M2 devices. It limited the HDMI-Transport Stream over USB-C to 4K@60Hz. That doesn’t affect other methods of video output using those same USB-C ports. If you output to a Thunderbolt or USB4-compatible monitor, you can leverage DisplayPort Alternative Mode to display at 4K 120Hz (as long as the monitor supports it). The same is true if you use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
What you can’t do with the M1 and M2 Macs though, is output to 4K 120Hz over an HDMI cable. At least, not without using the specific Cable Matters adapter with custom firmware that gets around this blockage.
This changed with the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max models in 2023. The MacBook Pro 14, MacBook Pro 16, and new Mac Mini, all support 4K 120Hz on external monitors.
Although older standard M1 and M2 Macs and MacBooks can’t do that, it is still possible to do 4K 120Hz on them with the right hardware and a few tweaks and tricks.
M1 and M2: Standard Video Capabilities
Alongside the major leaps in CPU performance with the Apple M1 and M2 System on Chips (SoC), the new graphical power of this Apple silicon was just as impressive. It unlocked new powers for 3D rendering, CAD work, and gaming at higher resolutions and refresh rates. Although the standard retina displays were limited to 2,560 x 1,600 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate, connecting external monitors gives these devices much more room to play with.
M1 and M2 Mac and MacBook Pro devices can support external displays at up to 6K resolution over HDMI or DisplayPort – though you’d need an adapter for the Thunderbolt port on the devices if you wanted to use it.
Without the right hardware, though, you’ll be stuck connecting to DisplayPort or USB-C displays if you want to enjoy a 4K 120Hz Mac experience.
Mac mini m1 - TV 4K 120hz
