The Mac Studio randomly turns off the display of one screen.

I’ve been using a Mac Studio M1 Max for two years with three EIZO monitors dedicated to graphic design. Since the beginning of 2024, the Mac Studio randomly disables one of the screens. I’ve tried every possible configuration: tested with another monitor, different cables, etc., but nothing works. Even after restarting the Mac or temporarily turning off a screen, macOS still disables the video signal for that screen and moves the elements to another display.

It’s worth noting that if I work with only two screens, there are no issues. The Mac Studio is running the latest version of macOS. I’ve also tried restarting in Safe Mode and running the hardware diagnostic tool during startup, but the results show no hardware problems with the Mac Studio.

I contacted Apple Support, but they couldn’t identify the source of the issue. For reference, this machine only runs professional applications.

Could you suggest a possible solution?

Mac Studio, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 22, 2024 2:47 AM

21 replies

Dec 5, 2024 7:03 AM in response to Frédéric177

Following your advice, I ordered a cable: https://urlr.me/aR5B9j ("USB-C to DisplayPort") with the note "compatible with Mac Studio." It now works perfectly with my Eizo SW2243W monitor. For the other monitors that only work with DVI, the adapters I was using operated at 30Hz. I hadn’t noticed this detail before, but thanks to your questions, I realized that the issue might stem from this frequency. I ordered a new adapter: https://urlr.me/aMTWQf, which works at 60Hz, and everything is working perfectly now. Thank you for your input and assistance.

jesegel

Level 1

13 points

Dec 17, 2024 7:42 AM in response to Frédéric177

Just chiming in to say that I too have a Mac Studio M2 Ultra and I'm using it with two older Apple Cinema HD Displays—so connected by the displays' cables and adapters DVI->USB C/thunderbolt whatever it is—and they ALSO both randomly go black for a few seconds, and quite often.

(edit: actually it's almost always only the main display with the menus that turns off, occasionally the other one.)

I assumed it was some issue with having either the older displays or needing DVI/TB adapters, but if it happens with other configurations it must be some issue with how the Mac Studio deals with monitors, or monitors that aren't Apple's newest and truest. They probably only ever test with their newest stuff.

Dec 19, 2024 11:39 AM in response to jesegel

<< I assumed it was some issue with having either the older displays or needing DVI/TB adapters. >>

Neither is correct. I use an older Mac display with DVI interface all the time, and Provided, as the bulk of this discussion demonstrated, the cables are appropriately short AND high enough spec to support a modern Mac, it should NOT be dropping out.

Nov 24, 2024 11:55 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for the information. Could you recommend a shorter USB-C to DisplayPort cable?

Also, could you suggest a better quality USB-C to DVI adapter and cable?

Nov 25, 2024 9:10 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for the USB-C to DisplayPort cable. Is this cable I found on a sales website suitable for you, and will it work? Here is the link: https://urls.fr/MNr7fC

Nov 25, 2024 11:14 AM in response to Frédéric177

0.9 meter version -- YES.

1.8 meter version -- NO

The Mac Studio randomly turns off the display of one screen.