User profile for user: jean2833
jean2833 Author
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Cracked Screen on Late 2013 Macbook Pro -- Can I use an external monitor?

I have a late 2013 MBP and the screen is damaged (will probably get worse). It runs fine. Screen replacement isn't an option. Is there an external monitor I can buy that will be compatible? I am not sure because of the age of the laptop. If I can, can someone link me to a couple options?


Here are the Tech Specs for my Mac:


  • MagSafe 2 power port
  • Two Thunderbolt 2 ports (up to 20 Gbps)
  • Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
  • HDMI port
  • Headphone port
  • SDXC card slot
  • Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter (sold separately)
  • Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (sold separately)


Thank you.

Posted on Mar 18, 2025 6:56 PM

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
147,593 points

Posted on Mar 19, 2025 6:06 AM

HDMI port can connect with a simple cable to your TV set or a display up to 1920 by 1080, or via ThunderBolt-2/DisplayPort to a display up to 2560 by 1600 (same resolution as built-in display.


"This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 2560x1600 on two external displays via Thunderbolt. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt and a single display up to 1920x1200 via HDMI."

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i5-2.6-13-early-2013-retina-display-specs.html


Consumer Reports magazine likes the ASUS ProArt PA248QV, a good 1920 by 1080 display at around US$200 with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.


The cables you need for more than momentary use with a display are not the ones behind your TV set. They should be Certified cables sold as PREMIUM, or for 4K and Higher, sold as ULTRA (backward compatible).

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
147,593 points

Mar 19, 2025 6:06 AM in response to jean2833

HDMI port can connect with a simple cable to your TV set or a display up to 1920 by 1080, or via ThunderBolt-2/DisplayPort to a display up to 2560 by 1600 (same resolution as built-in display.


"This model supports a simultaneous maximum resolution up to 2560x1600 on two external displays via Thunderbolt. Alternately, it can support a single display up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt and a single display up to 1920x1200 via HDMI."

https://everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i5-2.6-13-early-2013-retina-display-specs.html


Consumer Reports magazine likes the ASUS ProArt PA248QV, a good 1920 by 1080 display at around US$200 with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs.


The cables you need for more than momentary use with a display are not the ones behind your TV set. They should be Certified cables sold as PREMIUM, or for 4K and Higher, sold as ULTRA (backward compatible).

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Cracked Screen on Late 2013 Macbook Pro -- Can I use an external monitor?

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