You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Does the new Macbook Pro 15" (late 2013) supports 4K via Thunderbolt/Displayport?

I understand that the new Macbook Pro 15" (late 2013 with Nvidia) supports 4K screen resolutions via HDMI at low hertz. But does it support 4K via Thunderbolt/Displayport? I read on Intel's web that the NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB memory in theory can support it. Would be important as a range of new 4K 32" monitors will come out over the next year. Would be great for photo, video editing etc.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Oct 24, 2013 2:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 26, 2013 10:30 AM

I also am very confused by this because per apple's support page it only supports 4K via HDMI at 30Hz but SHOULD support 60Hz via a mini display port 1.2 specification built into thunderbolt 2.


However, I think it does include 60Hz support (although not mentioned on apple's website). My evidence of this is that on the ifixit teardown they found a an Intel DSL 5520 Thunderbolt 2 controller which according to Intel's and Wikipedia's website is falcon ridge which means it should support Display port 1.2 natively. Plus, on apple's thunderbolt page they specifically mention connecting a 4K display to a macbook pro through the thunderbolt port (not which is suggested by the support page listed above):


"Now with Thunderbolt 2 built into the new Mac Pro and MacBook Pro with Retina display, you can connect the latest 4K desktop displays and get double the bandwidth for your peripherals. And the two generations of Thunderbolt technology are compatible with each other."



Also, the Apple mini displayport support page has not been updated since 2012 but I believe it is just showing old information


The BIG piece of evidence against the new macbook pro's supporting 4K through the thunderbolt port is that on apple's tech specs page they specifically mention 4K under the HDMI section but make no mention of it under the thunderbolt 2 section.

312 replies

Jan 27, 2014 11:40 PM in response to bjordanbc

5120x2880 at 27" makes complete sense, because it must be a "retina" display, which requires 220ppi or more (i guess apple will stick to 220ppi for a while in the computer sector)


5120x2880@27"=217ppi


Another plan might be not to update the drivers before that new TBdisplay comes out. So MBPr owners havent already bought something else in the meantime?

Jan 28, 2014 12:11 PM in response to Explosion5000

While this could be the case, it usually strikes me as the reverse: Apple makes far more profits on selling new laptops than monitors, so they use the new monitors to drive new laptop sales, not vice versa. When the Thunderbolt displays came out, I did not have a Mac with Thunderbolt, and it was many years before I had one. Apple is still somewhat judged on sales of Macs - they have never reported sales of monitors. 🙂

Jan 30, 2014 6:09 AM in response to LocutusEstBorg

Yes the Mac Pro supports those monitors at 4K 60Hz but the MacBook Retina (2013 - TB2 - the product in question here) supports NO 4K monitors at 60Hz, UNLESS you're in Windows 8.1. In Windows it there is no driver issue with any 4K displays at 60Hz. That's part of the argument.... Why would Apple force users that want a full 4K experience to do so using a different, let alone Microsoft's, OS on their own systems!

Feb 4, 2014 6:38 PM in response to TomInIowa

TomInIowa please read the specs on the Dell P2815Q. It was made to be only 30hz in 4K and is 30hz on any operating system under any condition, this is widely known. In my honest opinion you should take it back. Get either the Dell 4K Ultrasharp 24 inch UP2414Q for $1299, which is 60hz and has 99% color gamut or get the (just announced) 4K 60hz Asus PB287Q coming out in the second half of this year for $800.

Feb 5, 2014 8:35 AM in response to bjordanbc

He's right, but don't get either Dell - NO MST for the support for the ultrasharp in OS X even in 10.9.2! 30Hz is the worst mistake Dell could have made. Ugh. But Get the Asus! I've been in contact with JJ (Dr. Asus - media relations) and he's confirmed the 60Hz will work with OS X MST and even better it will be out by March - end of Q1! I getting one myself! I'll post up when JJ gives me a date for its release or pre-order. Word up!

Feb 5, 2014 8:46 AM in response to DannyWoods

DannyWoods wrote:


and he's confirmed the 60Hz will work with OS X MST and even better it will be out by March - end of Q1! I getting one myself! I'll post up when JJ gives me a date for its release or pre-order. Word up!

yes. but only on the Mac Pro with AMD Graphics Cards.


This Thread is about the Macbook Pro, it uses NVidia Geforce 750M, and the nvidia driver does not support MST, even not in latest beta 10.9.2, so nobody knows if or when it will come


😟

Does the new Macbook Pro 15" (late 2013) supports 4K via Thunderbolt/Displayport?

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