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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

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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.

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Oct 26, 2013 10:30 AM in response to MacPlus87

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.

Nov 3, 2013 6:34 PM in response to jbg233

Update:


I installed Windows 8.1, and it works! So the Late 2013 15" Macbook Pro Retina (with GeForce 750M) is capable of driving multiple displays via DisplayPort 1.2 MST.


However, OS X Mavericks is not.


Hopefully a software update acompanying the release of the new Mac Pro will enable support in OS X as well.

Nov 3, 2013 8:23 PM in response to 673

Nope, the Asus shows up as two 1920x2160 screens using DisplayPort 1.2 MST. In Windows it self-configures automatically as one joined display, running 3840x2160 @ 60Hz. No HDMI was involved.


OS X Can drive it over DisplayPort in SST Mode, but only at 30Hz, which is perceptibly awful.


Message was edited by: kogir - Um, that wasn't profanity. Overaggressive filter?

Nov 4, 2013 10:31 AM in response to bjordanbc

Yes. The Macbook Pro Retina Display (Late 2013) works for me via the Thunderbolt 2 port @ 4K 60hz under Windows 8.1 with the ASUS PQ321Q.


The hardware support is there, and I fully expect OS X to get support in time for the Mac Pro launch.


My one worry is that it *is* a driver issue, and the Mac Pro has ATI graphics, so it's still not impossible that the Nvidia drivers for the MBPR never get support :/

Nov 7, 2013 6:32 AM in response to kogir

kogir wrote:


Sadly, I'm trying this out right now with an October 2013 Macbook Pro w/ Retina Display and can confirm that MST is a no-go. Only sees one of two streams on my Asus PQ321Q.


Guess I'll need to return it and wait for the Mac Pro 😟

Agreethisstinks! I have two dp 1.2 compatible moitnors and own the latest MPB and have to use both my TB2 ports for max resolution displays. Come on Apple!


Posted on Intel and they just referred me back to Apple. I would have purchased the TB monitors from Apple, but they are so dated and expensive.

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

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